My homestay buddy’s English name is Ken. He enjoyed going to school at Sancta Maria College because he was able to develop his English. He also enjoyed playing with his new friends during interval and lunch.
This year, Sancta Maria College warmly welcomed its first group of Thai students. A long flight from Thailand to New Zealand would make it quite tricky for Ken to adjust comfortably. From, the time difference, which left him waking up at 3am in the morning, to the completely different environment of New Zealand’s landscape.
Since their arrival they have been taking advantage of many of New Zealand’s most interesting places to visit. Trips to Roturua, Snow Planet and Rocket Ropes are just a few of the trips they have been on. Ken really enjoyed Snow Planet as it was a new experience and he had only seen snow once before. He had never tried skiing and he really enjoyed it, even though he fell over lots of times.
I enjoyed showing Ken around, knowing how this was his first time on this and that! Seeing his face light up with joy and excitement when he retold his experiences and shared the fun he was having was cool.
When not at school, the Thai students are with their homestay families who try their very best to help the students feel welcome, safe and happy. The trips have given them the chance to advance their English, go skiing, take a two-day trip to Rotorua, have a chance to experience the local beaches and much more. There are some difficulties though, such as communication with their homestay families and other students at times and, of course, missing their families and friends back in Thailand.
We hope the students had an amazing time in New Zealand and can be assured they will always be welcome back.
Johann Ang
