Miyuki Suzuki

Coming to New Zealand has not only broadened Miyuki Suzuki's horizons, but it has also inspired her.

For the first time in her life, Miyuki has entertained the idea of starting up her own business something that back in Japan, she'd never dreamed of.

"In New Zealand many people have their own dream and follow it," says Miyuki. "I have come across that a lot in the year I've been here."

These people have prompted the 26 year old to take steps towards realising her own dreams. She has just spent three months studying in the IELTS Preparation class at FERN, and in May will begin the National Diploma in Business Level 5 at NZMA.

"When I was in Japan I would never have thought about studying business it didn't relate to my life there. But here it is different."

Back in Osaka, Miyuki worked as an architect's assistant. It's a job she had for close to eight years.

"While I was working I also studied English for nearly four years. During that time I made many Japanese friends who had visited New Zealand and Australia and they told me about their experiences. The people who had been to New Zealand had really loved it because they could easily travel over both islands. I decided when I finished studying English in Japan, I would travel the length of New Zealand from top to bottom."

True to her word, Miyuki arrived here in March last year and after spending six months living in Rotorua (where she studied English and worked as a waitress) she spent two months travelling right around the country. She also managed to squeeze in a visit to Fiji!

"From my travels I noticed that I needed to improve my English further, and at the same time I got some more information from my friends about studying business here."

She then settled in Freeman's Bay, Auckland and began studying IELTS at FERN.

"The IELTS course was very good. It has improved my English skill and knowledge a great deal. We were taught a lot of academic words so my vocab has increased enormously. In Japan I worked on my general conversation skills but I didn't know how to study formal or academic English. I have learnt that at FERN. It has been a very good opportunity for me."

The course will undoubtedly stand her in good stead for her Business Diploma studies a one-year course which aims to equip students with the skills required to manage a small to medium-sized business. Topics covered include business planning, accounting, marketing, human resources and operational teamwork.

"I'm really looking forward to the course and am excited about my future. I'm not quite sure what sort of business I'm going to start up yet...last year my father started up his own business for the first time so perhaps I'll help him!"