Svenja Rotter

SVENJA ROTTER – GERMANY – PAST STUDENT

I went to Lincoln High School for a year from July 2007 until June 2008. From the first day on I liked this school. It was quite different from what I was used to in Germany. The school grounds were much bigger and there were different areas for different subjects. The school system was totally different anyway. What I really liked about school in New Zealand is that there’s not as much stress and the atmosphere is more relaxed. At first it was difficult to get used to spending more time at school since school didn’t finish until 3 pm.

On my first day everyone was extremely welcoming and helpful. The International Student Department looks after the international students well and helps everyone if they have a problem. The teachers are really supportive, too. Quite often there is lunchtime tutorials for everyone who needs help with homework or didn't understand what was taught in class. I suggest every German student to take Sciences and Maths. Thanks to the Science teachers from Lincoln I've learnt a lot and I am a good student now.

It was not only the teachers who were nice and welcoming. The other students at Lincoln were also supportive at the beginning and it was easy to get to know people and find great new friends. I was lucky with my host family, too. We got along very well and they showed me around and took me to places like Mt. Cook or the West Coast.

Of course it wasn’t easy at the beginning. Being an only child it’s hard to be on your own and do everything on your own without parents who could help. But with the days passing by, it only got better. At the beginning everything was new and I didn’t know anyone but when I got used to the different lifestyle, I soon really enjoyed living there. So I had a great time in New Zealand. It helped to improve my English and I learnt a lot, not only in class but also about myself and the country. Best of all I met heaps of nice people and made a lot of friends who I’m still in touch with.

I can only recommend spending a year abroad. It was probably the best decision I’ve ever made so far.