Mark Gilbert
Student Stories Profiles
Mark Gilbert
Name: Mark Gilbert
Born: Great Britain
Age: 40
Locations: Manawatu - Wanganui
Discipline: Architecture and Building
From the UK to UCOL
Since Mark Gilbert arrived in the Manawatu from the United Kingdom in early 2007, everything has fallen into place for him and his family.
Mark is developing a new vocation by enrolling in the two-year UCOL Furniture Design and Making course, the only one in New Zealand that offers a diploma level qualification.
His family loves New Zealand. “It just feels more natural and safe,” he says. Financially they are also better off and could buy their Fielding home outright.
As an international student, his fees are not subsidised by the New Zealand Government, but Mark says the course is still a lot cheaper than similar programmes in the UK.
Manawatu - Wanganui
The Manawatu and Wanganui districts are popular with international students.