At the end of Term two, we farewelled four of our international students from Germany. The students made the most of their time at Waitākere College by getting involved in the Photography club, playing for the First XI football team and joining a table tennis club. I’m sure they will have fond memories of their time in New Zealand, and we wish them all the best.  

In Term Three, we welcome five new international students who come from Japan.  Students come here not only for academic purposes but to grow as young individuals, experience a different culture and form lifelong friendships. Our Kiwi Buddies help our new students adjust and adapt to student life, and they do an excellent job of making our students feel welcome and included.  We are sure that our new students will enjoy their time here and will make the most of the opportunities that Waitākere College has to offer.

Last week we had two students who had their birthdays in the same week and we wished Riko and Rui a very happy birthday. To mark our student’s birthday, we get them to come to the International Department where their friends sing Happy Birthday to them and they get to blow out a candle on top of a piece of cake. 

Part of the positive experience our students have at Waitākere College is due to the homestay families they live with.  Providing a warm and supportive home environment means a student’s overall wellbeing is a happy and positive one. 

Being a homestay is a rewarding experience where you learn about other cultures, have the opportunity to show them what New Zealand has to offer as well as make global friendships. We offer 24/7 support to our homestay whānau and are here every step of the way.  If you or a friend has thought about being a homestay or would like to know more information about hosting an international student, please email:  [email protected] 

Arifah Wright & Tomoko Dinnis

International Department