Our international students tell their stories
Freddy (Germany) 2009 Student |
Being over here in "the middle of nowhere" (Marton) in the country in which "only sheep and hobbits" live (New Zealand), was one of the best times of my life.
After I recovered from the first days in which everyone knew my name and where I was from but I had no idea who they were I had so much fun at school and everywhere else I went.
Besides solving equations and writing essays I learned how to milk cows, where each shop is in Palmerston and much more.
Riding every day and playing my clarinet are some things I especially enjoyed. But most of all I will take many friendships and memories full of fun and laughter home with me.
Thank you to everyone at Nga Tawa for being a great family in my home far away from the other home.
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Carlotta (Italy) 2008 Student |
My name is Carlotta and I'm from Milan (Italy). I have spent two terms at Nga Tawa and I've really enjoyed it. I decided to come here because of the many sporting opportunities Nga Tawa offers, like horse-riding which is fantastic, also because of the high academic reputation at Nga Tawa. In just six months I've learned so much in all my subjects including sports and about New Zealand, much more than I would have imagined. Students, teachers and all the people in the school are really nice friendly and always willing to help you. The school grounds have huge green spaces and Nga Tawa is the place to be if you are into music and sports. In fact you could be galloping around the beautiful Equestrian track one minute and the next you could be practising on any number of musical instruments in the music wing. If you want to have a real New Zealand Boarding School fun adventure then Nga Tawa is the school for you! | | 
See details of Carlotta's trip to the South Island |
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Paulin (Germany) 2009 Student |
When I decided to do an exchange, I hoped to discover another country, to experience a new culture, and to improve my English. But the last 4 months have exceeded my wishes.
The first few days in my new home were very different to Germany, but the friendly Nga Tawa girls always offered their help.
After a couple of days the whole school knew my name and a lot of them were interested in ‘the new one', so it was easy to find friends.
The girls invited me for weekends which gave me the opportunity to stay in different places around New Zealand. I learned how to ski, enjoyed a great beach ride, played Tennis and Netball and improved my singing. I also had the possibility to learn about the Maori culture which was really interesting.
I'll never forget the time I've spent at Nga Tawa, it has simply been some of the best months in my life!
I did not want to leave.
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| Kwasi (South Africa) 2009 Student | | |
During my stay at Nga Tawa I have enjoyed meeting new people and using the facilities it has to offer.
Before embarking on my adventure I was not too sure as to what I would be in for. However, as I saw all the smiling faces of the people who were about to greet me my worries soon went away.
I have loved having the experience to ride every day and have made lots of friends in the process of it, it has been fun getting to do horse riding as a main sport and I have grown in both confidence and ability on how to manage horses.
I have also got to know people from other years when I went on camp, which was such a wonderful experience.
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| Akane (Japan) 2008 Student | | |
Hello my name is Akane and I'm sixteen. I came to New Zealand from Osaka in Japan.
My school has an exchange program with overseas schools and it was a precious opportunity for me as I wanted to improve my English.
My host family have been a wonderful family and they took me to lots of New Zealand places, such as Wellington, Castle Point and Taupo.
I found that studying at Nga Tawa was easy and the teachers were very nice to everyone.
I made a lot of lovely friends at Nga Tawa. I was a day girl, but I often went to the up-stairs Boarding House to see my friends and had a really fun time with them. I also spent time with other day girls on the week end. I'm so glad to have been a student at Nga Tawa. | |  |
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