Wintec welcomes international students with Waitomo Caves adventure

30 international students studying with Wintec were welcomed recently to the country with a trip to one of New Zealand’s best natural attractions.

The group, consisting of students from around the world, was treated to a glowworm-studded experience at the Waitomo Caves.

Wintec international students pose for photo on day trip to Waitomo Caves.

The student cohort comprised a range of students from Manaaki Short Term Training Scholarship (STTS) recipients from Pacific countries (Papua New Guinea, Tonga, Solomon Islands, Tuvalu, Kiribati, Vanuatu, Samoa) and exchange students from Poland and Spain to international students from India, China, Sri Lanka, and more.

Wintec’s International Student Support team organised the trip to welcome students and show them the beauty of New Zealand firsthand.

The visitors also got the opportunity to explore other native attractions in the King Country region, including the Marokopa Falls, the Ōtorohanga Kiwi House, and the Mangapohue Natural Bridge Walk.

Karen Kemsley, Wintec International Student Services Manager, said it is important that international students feel safe, informed, and welcome during their studies in New Zealand.

“Our job is to make sure ākonga (students) have a positive experience during their academic journey with us.

“Studying away from home is exciting, but also a little bit scary. We offer a variety of support services to help make things a little easier for our international students, ranging from accommodation and emergency assistance to organising fun activities and breaking down Kiwi slang.

“The day trip was a fantastic way for students to connect with the land, meet new friends, and experience the local culture. The day was packed with excitement, from exploring the stunning natural limestone bridge to spotting their very first Kiwi birds,” Karen said.

In their feedback, international student Sithma Methmini Illangasinghe from Sri Lanka said “I absolutely loved the trip. The staff were amazing and took really good care of everyone.”

Samoan STTS recipient Tamara Sootaga said, “Waitomo Caves was the highlight of my trip. I'm very happy I was able to enjoy such a beautiful, beautiful place.”

Another way the Wintec International Student Support team helps to make students feel welcome is through kai (food).

Weeks following the day trip, the team hosted a BBQ for Manaaki STTS students at Wintec’s City campus.

Thomas McDonald, Wintec International Exchange and Scholarships Advisor, said “It was a great opportunity for this cohort to come together at the end of a busy day of studies to relax and get to know their support team and each other better.

“Wintec and Hamilton can seem like big, crowded places compared to the islands some of these scholars call home, for example, the islands of Tuvalu have an estimated population of only about 12,000 people!

“A barbecue fosters positive relations and ensures these ākonga are a part of the Wintec community, feel safe and supported, and know who to go to when they might need help.”

Short Term Training Scholarship recipients studying with Wintec and International Exchange and Scholarships Advisor Thomas McDonald work the BBQ

Pastoral support is key for visiting scholars who have moved to a new country, leaving behind their family support networks.

Wintec is responsible for international students’ welfare and strongly adheres to the Education (Pastoral Care of International Students) Code of Practice.

The Code sets standards for educational providers, ensuring international students are well informed, professional standards are met, and their wellbeing and achievement are supported.

What are Manaaki Short Term Training Scholarships?

The Manaaki STTS provides financial support to professionals from eligible Pacific countries and Timor-Leste to learn new skills in New Zealand. Scholars can use these skills to improve their own country.

The scholarship is funded through the International Development Programme, and administered by Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao, on behalf of the New Zealand Government.

To learn more about our international student services, click here.