2020 has been a challenging year for everyone but it didn't stop our International students having a successful time at Upper Hutt College

The end of the year is nearly upon us, so we are taking the time to look back on 2020 and the academic and personal achievements of the International students.

We started the year with 37 students from all around the globe, all came with the prospect of having a great time. They immediately immersed themselves into the culture of the school, making great friends joining sporting and cultural activities and enjoying practicing their English skills. 

The highlights included shared lunches with their buddies, selection into top sporting teams and trips out with their classes.  The senior students who took  geography had a amazing time tramping the Tongariro Crossing, while the Outdoor Education class kayaked the Marlborough Sounds and went out on trips rock climbing, mountain biking and camping.

Sports day was another highlight for our International students, who took part in various activities, both competitive and non competitively, alongside their buddies.

The Covid pandemic at the end of March saw some of our students leaving earlier than anticipated being repatriated back to their respective countries.  The students that stayed went into lockdown with their host families and online learning became the norm. 

School returned in the middle of May and the students immersed themselves back into learning and extracurricular activities.

Upper Hutt College International department would like to thank all the students, parents, host families, agents and organisations for all the support you have given to your students in this unprecedented year that has been 2020.  Together we have given our students an overseas experience that they will remember for the rest of their lives.

We look forward to working with you all again when the New Zealand Borders open and we are able to welcome International students back to Upper Hutt College.

In the meantime we wish you all a safe and Happy Christmas.

Best wishes

From the International department Upper Hutt College