In early July, a time-capsule was buried on school grounds, where it will stay untouched for twenty years. It contains the thoughts and experiences of Nayland College international students during their time in lockdown.

In early July, a time-capsule was buried on school grounds, where it will stay untouched for twenty years. It contains the thoughts and experiences of Nayland College international students during their time in lockdown.

For most of us, our lockdown looked like a lot of time spent with family, missing friends, and perhaps going a little stir-crazy. However, for the international students who make up a vital part of Nayland College, the experience was a little different.

These are students who have traveled across the world to be here at Nayland College. When Covid came along, many had to cut their time short and return home. “There were a lot of repatriation flights to all of their different countries,” said International Student Director, Mr Millar. “Kids had to leave reasonably quickly, which was quite stressful.” Prior to lockdown, there were around 70 international students at Nayland. The number has gone down to a mere 30.

Internationals stay with host families during their time in New Zealand, and when Covid came along, this meant locking down with them too. “Some of them had only just moved into that family,” said Mr Millar. “It’s quite an unusual experience when you don’t know anyone very well and you have to be in lock down with them for six weeks.”

Understandably, for some international students, missing family back home is a big issue. “I have a good host family, but it’s just not my family.” said Nelly. “I just wanted to leave in the first few weeks. Probably the whole lockdown. But then I realised, actually, I don’t wanna miss this and not experience this fully, so I stayed.”

For others, the decision to stay was easier. “I was missing my family, but then I kinda got distracted,” laughed Gabriela.

Although New Zealand has managed to dodge the worst of the virus, most international students come from countries where quarantine is still ongoing, and some where Covid cases remain high. They keep in touch with friends who remain in lockdown after many weeks. “It’s making them crazy to not know when it will end,” said Ligia, a student from Brazil.

Several students also have parents who are essential workers. Ligia’s mother works as a doctor. “I was so worried, but I had to say, okay if she’s going to get it, she’s going to get it,” she said. “There’s nothing that I can do for her to help by worrying.”

Though their overseas adventure has been difficult at times and certainly hasn’t gone to plan, students have been able to find the silver lining. “When I look back, I think [lockdown] was really good, it changed my exchange experience for the better,” said Ligia. “I felt that I created a very strong connection to my host family that I didn’t have before. I mean, I always liked them, and they always liked me, but we spent a lot of time together and did things we wouldn’t do if we were not in lockdown.”