2023 has been an exciting year for our international students and it has been fantastic to see more and more students choosing New Zealand and Upper Hutt College as their destination and school of choice. We have appreciated the diversity that these students bring to our college and it is wonderful to see this vibrancy return to our college after a few years of border closures.

We have been pleased with the way the international students have embraced the opportunities available to them at Upper Hutt College, whether that be on the sports field or participating in dance, music or drama performances. These have included sporting activities like football, futsal, volleyball, badminton, archery, lawn bowls, ultimate frisbee, touch rugby and tennis and Performing Arts such as guitar lessons, drama and dance, just to name a few. A number are also in Adventure Education and have enjoyed tramping, river crossing, camp survival and rock-climbing activities. Every year we survey our students regarding their experiences and I am pleased to report the feedback to date has been overwhelmingly positive. Below are some of their comments reported in a confidential exit survey:

● Everyone was friendly and kind.

● I was happy.

● My buddy is the best in my opinion. She checked my schedule for me and went out with me on my days off. She was very kind and reassuring. I think the main reason why I enjoyed this study abroad program is because she was my buddy.

● My friends are so kind. My friends made my school life enjoyable.

● I was anxious at first, but I was happy that I could talk with local students as long as they understood my willingness to talk.

● The people of New Zealand were kind and I enjoyed it.

● Many students talked to me even though we are not the same age.

We look forward to this participation and enjoyment in school life continuing, especially now that all covid regulations have been removed in New Zealand. If you have any questions you would like to ask about our college, please don't hesitate to contact as international@upperhutt.school.nz and don't forget to follow us on instagram uhc_international_department

Janetta Van Maren - International Student Director