Sally Wei

“I just love being part of it!” That is Sally Wei, describing her life at a University of Otago residential college. The girls who live with her at Salmond College, she says, have become great study partners, supportive networks and best friends. “It’s exciting getting to know lots of people from different cultures.”

Asked if she found coming from China to study at Otago daunting, Sally shakes her head: “I enjoy experiencing new environments.”

Before beginning her Commerce degree, Sally spent three months attending the University of Otago’s Language Centre. This gave Sally the opportunity to greatly improve her English language skills, and to meet new friends. Through the Language Centre, Sally was partnered with a ‘language match’ – someone from the Dunedin community who is learning Chinese; “We teach each other.” The arrangement has improved both their skills, says Sally, and allows her to share some of her Chinese culture with New Zealand.

Sally’s aptitude for languages (she is doing a minor in Spanish) has prompted her desire to travel more and to perhaps do further study abroad once she finishes her degree at Otago. Indeed, Sally particularly appreciates the flexibility and international applicability of her Commerce degree, “It will give me the opportunity to do whatever I want.”

In her free time, Sally makes the most of the facilities offered through the Otago University Students’ Association (OUSA); her most recent hobby is attending yoga classes with her friends!

Sally is looking forward to another three years at the University of Otago, despite being far from home. “I keep in touch with my family,” Sally says, “and I feel very supported here at Otago.”