Stephanie Lim

Poh Ai Lim (known as Stephanie) works in Malaysia as an Environmental, Health and Safety Executive. Pivotal to her career was the decision she made three years ago to undertake international study, completing a Master of International Studies (Environment) at the International Pacific College (IPC). She sums this experience up simply, as a time of "stress-free education and living".

Albeit "stress-free", her New Zealand education equipped Stephanie with skills that she directly applies in her current position. "In thesis development, the process between data collection and presentation requires much brainwork and time management. This has important application in my current career in that it requires much report-writing and time management to meet deadlines. Data collection (as part of the thesis programme) involved interviewing top management for information, and this is yet another area which I'm applying cy."

However, when reflecting on her New Zealand experience, Stephanie perhaps not surprising given her interest in the environment focuses on the quality of lifestyle. "I enjoyed the quiet and clean environment. There are less traffic jams and vehicles on the road!

IPC has a broad range of facilities sports facilities, the library, classrooms, wireless Internet connections...I also especially liked the setting of the whole campus which emphasised home-like living. The accommodation was really superb. The hostels were equipped with everything I needed bed, linen, duvet, study desks, TV, LAN network, kitchen, laundrette etc. They are regularly maintained and always in excellent condition. The dining hall provided a variety of local as well as international food. I really must give this the thumbs up..."

Stephanie describes her time in New Zealand as an "eye-opener to international culture." For other students considering a New Zealand education, she believes "it's a decision worth considering in terms of people, cost and environment."