"I have friends now from Korea, Middle East, Australia, China – lots and lots of friends here."
Puneet Pal
Name: Puneet Pal
Born: India
Age: 25
Locations: Christchurch - Canterbury
Discipline: Business & Management, Commerce, Marketing, Economics
Puneet Pal had a successful career in India but wanted to enhance his business management experience. He chose CPIT’s Graduate Diploma in Project Management because it offered a combination of subjects he couldn’t find at any other institute.
He first contacted CPIT through the institute’s website. “I sent some online queries asking what students wear on campus and so on and I got a quick response to every question I asked,” he said. “So I felt confident when I arrived in New Zealand because I was going to CPIT. I knew they would look after me.”
Those first impressions have held true. “The teachers are very good. If you don’t understand a concept you can call them. They say ‘why don’t you sit with me for an hour before class?’ No one has ever done this for me before!”
Soon after arriving at CPIT Puneet experienced an earthquake but is it has made him appreciate Christchurch hospitality more than ever. “The people are warm and welcoming to everyone – the Kiwi people I met are too good! After the earthquake, the hospitality went beyond the limits to help me.
“CPIT people were very helpful. There was the CPIT Hornby International Drop-In-Centre where I used the computer for free. Every time you come to the campus, you see smiling faces. They organised an international students’ dinner for us - that was so much fun. I have friends now from Korea, Middle East, Australia, China – lots and lots of friends here.”
Puneet is positive about his future in Christchurch, saying that, “all the credit goes to CPIT’s staff. If the people you’re surrounded with and the environment have positive energy, then it makes you positive too. Sticking with CPIT was my best decision.
“Here in Christchurch there is a lot to be done and I will try my level best. I will put my 200% best effort into helping to grow the economy of New Zealand.”
Christchurch is the main centre of the Canterbury region, an elegant old city close to the Southern Alps.