Winnie Lau

Winnie Lau from Malaysia now feels very much at home in Christchurch. She first attended Burnside High School and then completed a Bachelor of Commerce Degree at the University of Canterbury. She enjoyed it so much, she decided to stay and study towards a Masters Degree in Education, majoring in Child Family Psychology.

Initially, it was the way the courses are designed that attracted Winnie to the University. "There are plenty of subjects to choose from and the assessment method is very fair. Internal assessment, tests, exams and assignments occur throughout the year. This supplements the end-of-year examinations and provides feedback on your performance, which is very helpful. You also learn a lot more than just having one exam. The system allows you to have a lot of freedom, and the flexibility to study what you want. Because of this, I really enjoy studying."

Studying abroad has enabled Winnie to grow not just academically, but also personally. She lives with five other friends in a shared flat, and is further refining her daily living skills and developing her own character. "Everyone is so friendly. New Zealanders are so trusting and honest and have a lot of respect for others. It has taught me a lot about my own character, and has made me feel so welcome in a foreign country. There are many good points about New Zealand that I want to take back to Malaysia."

Needing time to unwind out of her busy study schedule, Winnie enjoys going for walks: she thinks Christchurch is the ideal place for a calming walk. "The scenery is very beautiful and as the weather is always so good it allows you to enjoy it. But, Christchurch is also a dynamic city and there's plenty to do, so it has the best of both worlds," is the way she sums it up.