What our overseas students think about New Zealand, life here at ITC and their course !!

Patrick Ablir is from the Phillipines and did the Level 5 Management Diploma course.  Here is what he said about living and studying in New Zealand and what life at ITC was like.

"Flying to New Zealand was a huge learning experience for a small-town Filipino guy like me. It was my first time to live alone, away from friends and family, and in a foreign country no less.  As daunting as that undertaking may sound, New Zealand has welcomed me with open arms and helped me cope with this new and unfamiliar environment.

Education is what brought me to the Land of the Long White Cloud. I took the Level 5 Diploma in Tourism and Travel Management at the International Travel College of New Zealand. Considering I didn’t have any background on travel and tourism, I felt very comfortable and at ease during the entirety of my course. Everyone in school is very friendly and approachable. All the tutors and staff treat the students as if they’ve known us for a long time. This kind of environment made everyone, especially international students like me, feel that we belong and encouraged us to try and do the best that we can in the field of study that we chose.

Apart from giving me valuable knowledge about the tourism industry, ITC presented me with a lot of different opportunities to grow as a person and as a future travel professional. The school has monthly activities for the students to join and enjoy themselves. I even got to do the Auckland Harbour Bridge Bungy jump for free as a prize for joining a talent competition. ITC also keeps a very close relationship with the travel industry, which is beneficial to the students.  I was able to participate in several industry expos and even met the Prime Minister during the Tourism Rendezvous New Zealand (TRENZ) event.

In a span of a year, it’s incredible how I changed from feeling like a total stranger to the country to almost feeling like a true local. I made a whole lot of friends, experienced new things, visited stunning places and I was even featured in the national newspaper. It’s almost unbelievable when I try to think about it. Graduating from my level 5 course with distinction was really the icing on my cake, or in this case, the kiwi fruit on top of my pavlova."

Trishla John is from India and is studying the  2 year diploma course. 

 “I have enjoyed every moment of my time in this college. It’s an awesome place to study. The tutors are the best; they are very helpful all the time!  Auckland is a beautiful place, it is a great opportunity to be here, to learn something different and practical in life, especially for a few of us who were dependent on parents for each and everything. We have great events in the college every month to get to know every one in college, socialise, work as a team and you get to know all the different cultures.” 

Marianna Natarova is from Ukraine, she is doing the 2 year programme. Polina Valieva is from Russia, she is doing the 2 year programme .

“We are studying a Diploma in International Travel and Tourism Management course at ITC, and have just half a year to go. It’s been a long and hard journey, but we definitely enjoy our time in New Zealand. The nature is absolutely amazing and the people are very friendly here. Auckland is a busy place, very multicultural and we learn new things every day.

Chloe Mikyung Kim is from South Korea, she is doing Certificate in Travel and Tourism and the Certificate in International Travel and Tourism.

“When I came to ITC for the interview the college environment was warm and friendly and they are serious about succeeding. I was excited about starting a course here and I know I made the right choice. All the tutors are friendly and professional and also the college atmosphere is similar to a real work place so I felt more mature doing my course. 

One of the fantastic things about ITC is that they offer good opportunities to do work experience so students can learn more skills about the real business world. The atmosphere of the college encourages everyone to do their best and encourages us to learn more.”  

Dilshad Madeena Saeb is from Mauritius, she is doing the 2 year programme

“Studying in NZ s an amazing experience; people here are very friendly and welcoming to international students. The city is a melting pot of people from all around the world, so if you are curious about cultures and people, this is the place for you.

ITC is an institute with a good reputation, but most important, the tutors and other staff are always there and ready to help. The course I am doing has taught me a lot about NZ and many tourist destinations worldwide. Also covered are lessons on the travel industry, both theory and practical by including site visits. This helps students to get a realistic picture of the travel industry. As for me, I’m not in a hurry to leave NZ, there is more awaiting me to discover, to learn, to experience.”

Sahil Patanwala is from Baroda in India, he is doing the 2 year programme .

“I have had such a nice experience coming to New Zealand, studying with ITC and with my course. New Zealand is largely based on the Tourism industry and Hospitality sector so there are many opportunities to gain experience. Auckland is a really beautiful and peaceful city and the people here are so friendly and polite in nature.

 I am glad with my selection of country and college to help me further my career prospects in Travel & Tourism.”

Saurabh Vyas is from Raipur in India, he is doing the 2 year programme pictured here with  John Armstrong (tutor) at ITC Reception. 

“I chose to study at ITC to further my studies in Travel and Tourism. I am happy with my decision and I am enjoying my studies here. The tutors and campus staff are very friendly and the college events are good.

Auckland is a great place to stay, it has nice beaches, good night life and the weather is really nice.” Saurabh

ITC is an award winning college, pictured her in 2009 with New Zealand Primte Minister John Key. For students overseas wanting more information, please contact mailto:claireh@itc.co.nz