What inspires our international students to come to Rolleston College? We heard from three of our international students.

Manaka Yamamoto is in year 12 at our school, and came to us from the busy port city of Kōbe in Japan.

She's been at Rolleston College for about a year and a half now, and tells us she was recommended by her school in Japan to come here to help her learn English and learn more about New Zealand culture.

"I chose New Zealand because it is safe, and has pretty nature," she says.

Sara Hänel, also in year 12, arrived from Marl, Germany at the beginning of term three.

"I chose New Zealand because I wanted to experience a different culture and way of life," says Sara.

"Rolleston College stood out to me for its approach to learning and the chance to be part of a welcoming community. I was also excited to see how education works here and to be in a place where I could learn in new ways. Spending a year at Rolleston College seemed like a great opportunity to grow and make new connections in a country that has always interested me."

Jipeng Qiu, another year 12, has been at Rolleston College for two years and hails from Taiyuan in China. His passion for music led him to seek out a school which would allow him more time to prepare for auditions for music college.

"I've improved my piano skills a lot here," he says. "This will help me get into music college."

One of the highlights of studying at Rolleston College for Manaka is taking dance class.

"It's not a subject that is taught in Japan."

Sara recently went to Mount Hutt with other international students, and marveled at the view.

"One of the highlights was skiing here. I was really impressed by the experience because, unlike in Germany, you can stay on top of a mountain and look out over the ocean. It’s a view that’s both surprising and beautiful, and it made the day unforgettable," she says.

Manaka recommends other international students come to Rolleston College.

"You can meet and make friends with people of all nationalities," Manaka says.

Sara agrees.

"I would definitely recommend Rolleston College to other international students because the school has a welcoming atmosphere that makes it easy to find a new place to call home."

"The teachers and students are supportive, and the way classes are taught here is very encouraging. Rolleston College offers a range of activities and experiences that allow you to explore New Zealand's culture and nature. It's a place where you can grow, learn, and make memories," she says.

Jipeng says he finds it easy to learn and practise English at Rolleston College.

He recommends new international students be humble and friendly to others.

"Try to communicate with them as they would with locals."

Manaka's top tip for adjusting to a new school and environment?

"Learning a little English is beneficial," she says. "You'll be able to study and make friends more easily."

Sara encourages new international students to put themselves out there.

"Be open and talk to new people," she says.

"Everyone is really nice, and that is the best way to feel comfortable in your new surrounding."

We're happy that our international students feel so welcome at Rolleston College, and we'll continue to offer exciting local opportunities for them.

Learn more about becoming an international student on our website.

Interested in hosting international students? Find out how.