Ankur Goyal

The ability to combine work and study is one of the biggest drawcards of life in New Zealand for Indian student Ankur Goyal.

With the keen interest in marketing, the 21-year-old moved to Auckland and began his Bachelor of International Business degree at AIS St Helens in September 2001.

“I did my first year of a Bachelor of Commerce in India, but I came to New Zealand instead of continuing it. I felt it was too theoretical, not practical enough.”

Ankur says in India, university students are supported by their parents throughout their studies. He says it is almost unheard of for students to work part-time. “But here in New Zealand you can work while you’re studying which gives you a more practical experience rather than just burying yourself in the books.”

Ankur works part-time as a retail salesperson in the menswear department at Farmers, one of the country’s leading department stores. “I really enjoy working. I meet heaps of people, learn new things every day, gain experience and a chance to prove myself.”

Keen to become involved in the business side of retail, Ankur hopes to continue working for Farmers part-time and to take part in their Steps Programme, which enables employees to move up into other areas within the company.

If his work ethics are anything like those he applies to his studies, he’s sure to be successful. Last semester Ankur was awarded an AIS St Helens scholarship in recognition of his outstanding performance.

Moving from India to New Zealand came as a huge culture shock to the dedicated student. “People have a lot of freedom in New Zealand and the way they think and talk is different. People are friendlier - for example, even in the work environment everyone is treated as equal,” he says.

With hopes of finishing his degree in December, Ankur would ideally like to stay on here for another year or two and gain some work experience. “New Zealand has a nice environment and nice people. It’s a great place to study. However, I’m the only son so eventually I’ll go back to India and find a job nearer to home.”

Ankur thinks opening an AIS St Helens branch on his home turf would be a fantastic idea – though at this point in time he stresses it’s “just an idea”! Working for a multinational company also has great appeal, he says.