Student Stories
Students from all over the world have joined us to make the most of the opportunities that Rangitoto College offers. Here are some of their stories.
Simon Gomez Cordoba - COLOMBIA
Simon Gomez Cordoba is returning to Colombia after studying at Rangitoto College for 6 months. Simon came to New Zealand from Colombia when he heard about it from friends who had been international students at Rangitoto College. He decided with his parents that New Zealand was a good country to come and study in. After being here for 6 months, Simon couldn’t agree more. Simon is surprised at the choice of subjects, however as with many other students from Colombia he has had set subjects to study as required by his school in Colombia. While in New Zealand Simon has travelled with friends to Cape Reinga, Taupo and to the South Island. As with the others, Simon has enjoyed the experience of living away from home, however it took him time to get used to the language and New Zealand food. Simon has spent time telling his host family about Colombia. In particular he mentioned the cost of things in New Zealand and driving on the opposite side of the road. While here Simon has done a skydive and done a bungy jump. Simon said he would love to come back and bring his family with him.
Nuttaphong Chaemchoy - THAILAND
Nuttaphong Chaemchoy has been studying at Rangitoto College for 3 years and will finish his time in New Zealand at the end of this year to return to Thailand. Nuttaphong chose New Zealand as a study destination with his parents. Their impression was that New Zealand was a nice place with kind people. After being here for 3 years Nuttaphong has found this impression to be correct. He has enjoyed the freedom of choice with subjects at Rangitoto College and has got involved in mountain biking for the school and playing soccer for a local club. During his time in New Zealand, he has travelled with his host family to Rotorua and Mount Maunganui. Nuttaphong has enjoyed the experience of living away form home, although has found the language difficult to get used to and also the change in lifestyle. Initially he found it hard to make friends, but having a host brother at Rangitoto College helped him to get to know ‘kiwi’ students. Nuttaphong would love to come back to New Zealand in the future.
Vivien Hertz - GERMANY
Vivien Hertz has been studying here for 1 year and is about to return to Germany at the end of this term. Vivien decided New Zealand would be a good place to study to improve her English and she had heard good feedback from others. She too has enjoyed the freedom to choose subjects, and has liked the number of subjects she could choose from. Vivien plays soccer for one of the Rangitoto College teams. She has travelled quite extensively during her time here to Tauranga, Mount Manganui, Rotorua, Christchurch and Cape Reinga. Vivien says the experience of living away from home has been great. She had to get used to speaking in English with the host family and get used to the different lifestyle we lead in New Zealand. Vivien intends on coming back to see more of New Zealand next year when she finishes school in Germany.
Arysbeth Pineda Santana - MEXICO
Arysbeth Pineda Santana from Mexico has been studying at Rangitoto College for 18 months. She originally came for 1 year then chose to extend. Arysbeth and her parents decided New Zealand would be a good, safe place to study. They had heard from her agent that New Zealand was a safe place to come to and that Arysbeth would have the opportunity to work part time while she studied. When Arysbeth first arrived she found New Zealand to be really small but she says the people are really friendly when you get to know them. Meal times are quite different than in Mexico and it takes time to get used to the different types of food, as well as getting used to speaking English all the time. While in New Zealand Arysbeth has travelled to the South Island, Bay of Islands, Rotorua and also Australia. She has been lucky to go skydiving while here and have a go on the Nevis Arc (World’s highest swing). Arysbeth has enjoyed going on the trips, making new friends, meeting other cultures and especially the independence of living away from home. She will definitely come back and would recommend Rangitoto College as a great place to come and make ‘kiwi’ friends. Arysbeth sums up her experience in one word “Amazing”.