Wattana Pongjaruvat

Wattana Pongjaruvat chose New Zealand specifically as one of the few countries that offered her tertiary education in her chosen field. "I really want to study Product Development, and New Zealand is one of the only places I found where you can study this."

First step for Wattana was to improve her English Language, and for this purpose she has enrolled at the Massey University English Language Centre (MUELC). "I enjoy speaking English and feel that I will be able to apply a lot of the things I have learnt when I return to Thailand. This is a good place to study the staff value students here and I've found it easy to focus on my studies. I've found the environment ideal in Palmerston North; I only have to walk 20 minutes to class. "

In addition to her education, Wattana has enjoyed the many recreational opportunities that are a natural part of life in New Zealand, through activities organised by the Activities Coordinator at MUELC. "I've particularly enjoyed touch rugby, frisbee, badminton and tramping - touch rugby and frisbee are new sports for me and the opportunity to mix with people of different cultures. I love New Zealand!"

Next step for Wattana will be continued tertiary education at Massey University. However, as she says, "It depends on my IELTS result as I need 6.5 to continue with my postgraduate diploma. But whether or not I get 6.5 in the IELTS test the first time round I will be staying here to study English and then complete my postgraduate studies."