Li Zhuo Ran

Despite being just 19, Li Zhuo Ran – known in New Zealand as Amanda - gained a GPA of 9.4 in her first semester of the AIS St Helens University of Otago Foundation Year (YOFY) programme and was named the top scholar at their recent graduation ceremony.

Currently awaiting her second semester results, Amanda is quietly confident of gaining a GPA of at least 8.5 - what she needs to get into university in Melbourne, Australia. “I really want to go to university there and do a Bachelor of Commerce.” If not Melbourne, it will be the University of Auckland for a joint degree in Commerce and Arts.

When it comes to studying, Amanda oozes enthusiasm. “I enjoyed the UOFY programme. It’s a good course and it’s very useful. If I want to study in New Zealand, New Zealand Studies is very helpful. Academic English is also very useful because it teaches us how to write things like academic reports. I like studying, so after my Bachelor degree I want to continue studying for my Masters degree.”

She should complete all that by the time she hits her mid-twenties, which fits in well with her long-term plan. “I think 25 is a good age to find a good job and a good husband! China is a very good place to earn money so after I have completed my university studies I will go back there to find a job. There are a lot of foreign companies in Beijing so I think I will go there. When I have enough money maybe I’ll start up my own company.”

Amanda’s independent streak came out as soon as she arrived in New Zealand in July 2001, having just graduated from highschool in Beijing. “I studied in a language school in Newmarket for five months and lived in a homestay. After two months I went flatting with some friends.”

And since her New Zealand experience, Amanda is relaxed about moving to another city. “I like travelling, it’s a big challenge. I wouldn’t be nervous about moving to Melbourne at all.”