Aly Chandoo

Aly Chandoo first decided to visit the Southern Hemisphere on the recommendation of a cousin who was living in Australia, attending both High School and a foundation course in business and computers in Australia.

However he was attracted to Hamilton, after talking with a student friend in New Zealand. And choosing what course to study came easily. Back in Tanzania Aly had worked part-time for six months as a travel agent. In addition he was an experienced traveler. He was also interested in a short-term training option, so his current course is ideal - the Advanced Diploma in Tourism, Travel and Business Studies at Sir George Seymour National College of Travel and Tourism in Hamilton, an intensive 36-week programme,

Although he finds the workload high, he enjoys the practical components of the course and the small class sizes. We also have group work. In one class each group was given something to do such as write a song or a poem and then they presented it to the class.

Since attending Sir George Seymour, Aly has studied New Zealand and Australia as a tourist destination, computer and travel technology, IATA (an international ticketing system) and foreign exchanges. He has been on a marae visit and will organise and partake in a travel trip to Wellington. I think that this is a very good college because the tutors are very friendly and helpful and you learn a lot (and this is) a good choice if students really want to get into the travel industry.

For Aly, coming from Zanzibar, a beautiful island in Tanzania, New Zealand has offered a relaxed lifestyle in a beautiful, natural environment. The New Zealand environment is nice and very peaceful Kiwis (New Zealanders) have less to worry about and are more relaxed.

Although he has not met any other international students from Tanzania, making friends has been easy. I involve myself in social activities, play soccer and go to parties.

Although Aly likes Kiwis, he has noticed some cultural differences. Back home the culture is very family orientated and on the street you always meet people you know. I have noticed here that kids at 18 live by themselves, but back home kids and their parents all live together. Aly says while neither culture is right or wrong, he does enjoy the freedom and independence flatting brings. Currently Aly is flatting with four other people though he rarely cooks, and prefers to eat out.

At the conclusion of his course he wants to find a job in the tourism industry, possibly somewhere in Europe. He would like to work in New Zealand, but currently does not have the necessary work permits. However, his girlfriend plans to visit soon and he will enjoy showing her the New Zealand sights like a real tourist guide!