Mei Sim Lai

As a primary school language teacher in Hong Kong (teaching English and Mandarin), Mei Sim Lai believes it is important to both maintain and develop her language skills. Accordingly, for the past few years she has spent her summer holidays taking short language courses around the world – previously in Beijing, England and Australia.

Attracted by New Zealand’s reputation as a country with great natural beauty, this year she chose a 3-week English and Flying course offered by the Northland Polytechnic in Whangarei. “The flexibility of the Aviation Appreciation course also attracted me. I have never found English courses offered by other countries that could be done with outdoor activities – this is quite unique. Besides, the course fees are very affordable.

And the course in New Zealand was fantastic! Not only because I had added a little excitement and fun by learning flying in Whangarei, I also found that New Zealand is an ideal place to live and study. I was impressed and even moved by the small and close community in Whangarei. Everybody knows each other. I met many nice and helpful people during my commute between my host family, the Northland Polytechnic and the flying school…I still miss them all.”

However Mei Sim Lai (known as Ivy to her New Zealand friends), may soon return. She found the New Zealand lifestyle suited her so well, particularly enjoying her time in a smaller city, that she is considering a longer return for further education. “This trip has inspired me to consider suspending my teaching work and studying English for a whole year in one of the Universities in New Zealand.”