Daniela Mateova

To experience New Zealand as a secondary school student has been a long term dream for Daniela Mateova from Slovakia. “To be an exchange student in New Zealand had been my dream for a few years. I come from Middle Eastern Europe and life there is so much harder and people there are much more stressed than in New Zealand. It took me a long time to get my parents to let me to come here.”

Fortunately, from the beginning Daniela has loved her time in New Zealand. “The first month was wonderful. I made good friends with all the international students and we had a great time together. There are so many things to see in Auckland and in all of New Zealand. Avondale College is a really beautiful school. I’ve never been in a more beautiful school. I LOVE New Zealand.

“I have a great home stay family who helps me with everything. My parents gave me two big gifts- my life and this year in New Zealand. I’m sure they are proud of me.”

In turn, Daniela’s parents have been very happy with the care and education their daughter has received at Avondale College, to the extent that they recently wrote with thanks to the International Student Centre Staff. “We want to thank you for taking care of Daniela and for helping her with her assimilation to New Zealand society. Every beginning is hard and you certainly took a big part on successful and happy student exchange of our daughter. We heard a lot about you and about a great job you are doing with the International Students. We wish you good luck in the future and many happy students like Daniela and satisfied parents like us.”