From one of our lovely International students ..
“At first, I was scared when I went to New Zealand. Everything was new, and I was afraid of being alone, but that feeling passed. In New Zealand, I had the opportunity to meet incredible people and places, experience Māori culture, learn Kapa Haka, and start doing things I was once afraid to try back in Brazil. Even simple things, like playing volleyball, made a big difference. I wasn’t afraid of making mistakes, because everyone around me supported me and never judged me.
I am deeply grateful to have met my homestay, who became my mother on the other side of the world. She supported me whenever I needed and welcomed me into her home with so much love. We shared unforgettable moments, and I will always be grateful to her.
My Brazilian friends also became my family. We were always like family, no matter what.
In these three months, I felt something change. The way I think and act is different now — I grew as a person. I learned how to adapt to new situations and understood that stepping out of my comfort zone is scary, but transformative. Being far from home made me more independent and brave.
I studied at Queen Elizabeth College, where I discovered interests I never imagined having. I chose woodwork and art classes, something I never imagined myself doing. Mathematics became one of my favorite subjects because my teacher explained everything patiently until I understood. I am truly grateful to Ms. Williams and to everyone I met at QEC.
Saying goodbye to this experience is not easy. I built genuine connections and lived moments that will stay with me forever. From the bottom of my heart, New Zealand was not just a place where I did an exchange program — it became my second home, a second family, and a part of who I am 🤍🇳🇿”
