Close to 1,300 international students are enrolled to start Semester One 2025 with nearly 400 new learners attending International Orientation Day at the Red Lecture Theatre on Wednesday, 19 February. 

International Orientation was split into morning and afternoon sessions to cater to the increased numbers.The coordinated efforts of Unitec kaimahi and student volunteers to manaaki our new international learners ensured the day ran smoothly.

"We were able to adapt to the increased volume," said Director of Student Success, Annette Pitovao, who credits the embedding of manaaki in the student experience for enhancing Unitec's positive reputation with international learners. 

It was important to provide a high level of care and wrap-around support for our students so they could complete their qualifications, she says. Some had travelled to New Zealand with their spouses or family members.

"My favourite experience is what parents told us," says Ms Pitovao. "They could feel the warmth and support from the team for their son who is a new international student starting with us. They travelled from China together to help settle their son in and then they go back after they do a bit of exploring around New Zealand. “The fact that the parents didn’t speak English, yet felt our kindness immediately is really special – that means we’re doing something right in how we support our students,” she says. 

New Zealand Diploma in Engineering (Electrical) student William Shen says he is pleased to come to Unitec because of the support he has received since arriving in New Zealand from Shanghai only two weeks ago. 
"Everyone is so friendly here and I feel welcome in this country," he explains. "I had heard that Unitec was an amazing place for overseas students and one of the best in New Zealand. I chose to come here firstly because of the specific knowledge I was after which I hope to take back and contribute to the building and construction industry in my country. I also like the diversity of cultures here, especially the Asian communities and the natural environment."

For Shreya Anoop, who comes from Vadodara, India, she chose Unitec because of positive referrals from friends and relatives who had either studied at Unitec or lived in New Zealand and is looking forward to starting her Master in Professional Accounting. Zhu Danqing, from Wuhan, China had heard about Unitec's Master of Applied Business and strong connections the programme had with industry, a sentiment echoed by Gurpeet Nel from Delhi, India who is also enrolled in the Master of Applied Business, majoring in Supply Chain.