Ya Yu (Vicky) Gao

A passion for art has brought Ya Yu Gao (Vicky) half way across the world to FERN English Academy.

As soon as the exuberant 24 year old heard about the new FERN/Whitecliffe One Year Certificate of Arts and Design (Foundation) course, she knew she'd found what she was looking for.

"I'm very interested in Western-style art," says Vicky, who comes from Fu Jing in China.

"I studied art at university, majoring in painting and until I came to New Zealand I also owned an art shop. I sold the gallery before coming here. I've been really keen to seek out something different from the art in China which is why I wanted to study abroad. One of my sisters is living in New Zealand and she told me about this course. I thought it would be perfect for me because I can study art at Whitecliffe and also improve my English at FERN. I think the English language is very important."

Vicky left her hometown and headed Down Under in November studying General English for a few months at FERN before starting her Foundation Course.

"I'm really enjoying my studies at FERN. The teachers and the students are from a wide range of countries, so by studying here, not only am I learning a language but I'm also making friends with people from all over the world and learning about other cultures.

During the first semester of the FERN/Whitecliffe One Year Certificate of Arts and Design (Foundation), students spend four days a week at FERN (as Whitecliffe students) and one day a week at Whitecliffe. In that time they will earn an NZQA-accredited English qualification from FERN and passes in courses in Elementary Painting Techniques and Elementary Drawing from Whitecliffe.

In the second semester students are based full-time at Whitecliffe and graduate with a Certificate of Arts and Design (Foundation) and a portfolio to support their entry into Whitecliffe or any undergraduate tertiary arts and design institution in New Zealand. Successful students may go on to study at the certificate, diploma, advanced diploma or degree level in Fashion Design, Fine Arts, Graphic Design and Photography, Film/Video.

Vicky is not yet sure what she'll do once she graduates. She could stay on in New Zealand and continue with her art studies or return to China to pursue a creative career. As she points out, a year is a long time, and anything could happen.

"Lots of young people make decisions about what they will do in the future but I don't feel that I can plan too far ahead. After all, we don't know what our future holds."

However, one thing is certain. Whatever is in store for Vicky in the future will be bright and full of promise.