I arrived at the airport around 7 pm on the 21st of July 2018 and Lina our Homestay Coordinator and my host family made me feel so welcome. Of course, I was a bit nervous at first, but while we were talking, I felt so comfortable. I was so happy to be here and extremely thankful for getting this amazing family. My host family involved me in everything and asked a lot of questions, they showed me around and I felt as part of the family.

On my first day at Kavanagh College, I had so many great experiences. In total, we were five new students. Dolores from China, Algot from Sweden, Sylvia from Taiwan and Anna from Denmark. They were the first international students I had talked to except for Misako, my Japanese host sister.

Lina then showed us around at the school and took us to the ESOL room, in which Ms Ridden started informing us about subject choices, times and general information. I was excited to choose Textiles and Food because I can't choose these practical subjects back home and they are my hobbies. The only thing that disappointed me was that I wanted to study Chemistry because it is one of my favourite subjects in Germany, but it clashed with Textiles and Food, so I needed another subject then I chose Biology and I started liking it again and that is awesome. During interval on my first day, many internationals came and introduced themselves to me and offered help. This made me feel so comfortable and happy with my new school. Before lunch, Lina took Dolores and me to the uniform shop to get our uniforms. I couldn't get white blouses, so I was really glad that my host mum bought some with me after school. She was working quite close to the school, so I could walk to her work. That was cool, so I could get some rides home and didn't need to pay for the bus.

The people have made my experience in New Zealand amazing. Everybody is so welcoming, friendly and respectful to each other. My host families are so nice and that made me very comfortable at the beginning. Overall, I think I have grown so much while being here. I got so many different experiences. One moment I loved about my New Zealand visit was when my parents were able to visit me. I enjoyed my time with them and showed them around in Dunedin. Afterwards, we drove along the South Island and saw so many beautiful spots. New Zealand is so gorgeous in nature and scenery.

I am so happy that I got the chance to come to Kavanagh College. It was and is one of the best years of my life. I am so thankful for my family because they support me with everything and gave me the chance to be here. Without them, I couldn't be here. My parents are some of the important people in my life.

I did another trip around New Zealand on the Easter holidays. I joined a North Island trip around New Zealand and that was amazing too. I got to know so many new people from other countries and we had such a good time together. The north and south island are different, but both of them are in their way, great! I am going to miss New Zealand so much.

I would love to stay longer because I love it here. It feels like my home and it might sound strange but I feel better and more comfortable in New Zealand than back at home. Surely, I miss my family and friends, but I prefer the school here. I have a real life here. Back home I need to do so much school work which means I don't have free time. I also love the support and help you get from the teachers here and the relationship between teachers and students.

This is what makes Kavanagh College awesome!

One of the importance and best things I got to know is what living a happy life means.

I don't want to be dramatic, but back home my daily day is sleeping, school, studying and eating. I have not a lot of free time where I can meet friends. And here in New Zealand, I could enjoy my life. Surely I don't need credits, but i still did some internals and that was really good.

I really appreciate school here. And you all should be glad to be here. It is such a good opportunity I am sure in some of your home countries school is strict too.

Since you all came here …. I know you are more confident and you are so brave to live here without your family. Of course some of you live with there own family, but you might speak a lot in your mother language. We all have highlights and low points, but the highlights are predominant. Please enjoy your life and the chance to be here. Please be happy and positive. Please keep being confident and brave. Please be yourself. You are all good the way you are.

I am gonna miss you so so much.

Scarlett, Year 12, Germany - Currently completing Pharmacy training in Germany

(The above is the text of a speech that Scarlett gave in class at the end of her time in NZ)