Student stories

Andy Zhang

China

I am Andy, I came from china and I have been in New Zealand for 4 years. For the past 4 years I learnt a lot in Freyberg, Freyberg is a place full of love and care, the students are all happy and enjoy every day here.  The international staff always make us feel safe and comfortable. This year I am the international student leader; from the Freyberg senior council and the training day of leadership, I learnt how to play a role as a leader, I feel lucky to be in Freyberg for my past 4 years

Kate Tran

Vietnam

Being an international student at Freyberg is such a meaningful experience for me. It’s been a year and a half since I first came to Freyberg and got involved in the school’s diversity. The best part of getting into the school is that I have the chance to choose the subjects that I really enjoy like Design and Painting. Also, Freyberg gives me the chance to become more active, and encourages me to step out of my comfort zone by involving in many activities, and meeting more friends. I have learnt so many things and made precious memories with my friends here at Freyberg. I realize that high school life for me is all about growing, being confident, and becoming more involved. Enjoy and make the most of your time before getting into university.

Rico

China

My name is Rico. This is the fifth year I came to study in Freyberg. I’m enjoying learning about the new culture and making new friends from many different countries. I really enjoyed  skateboarding and played in the skateboard park and I also made some friends who have the same hobby as me in the school. At Freyberg, the students and the teachers are all very friendly to me, they also helped me a lot when I came here a few years ago. I like this wonderful school and I hope other people studying here will have an amazing high school time.

Tommy

Vietnam

Kia Ora. My name is Tommy and I am from Vietnam. I have been studying in Freyberg High School for three years now and it is the best overseas experience in my life. Trying to adapt in this new environment is super challenging because the lack of understanding and speaking. Therefore, the only easiest way to fix this is to talk with Kiwi friends. They are so down to earth, supportive and friendly. They helped me out everything throughout the first year and it was wonderful, I had never imagined that I could be this comfortable and happy with these new friends. For those who are going to study overseas, I have four advices for you. First, be confident or brave in everything you do for instance ask questions which is very important when you need help. Second, don’t be afraid to make mistakes because that is how you learn things and no one can judge you. Thirdly, be friendly and make a lot of new good friends by involving in the school activities, leadership team, sports, etc, because friends plays an important role in getting you better. Lastly, always set goals for yourself so you will know what to strive for and get it done successfully.

Daniel Yu

China

I am Daniel Yu from China. After three years of study, I graduated from Freyberg high school as an international student last year. The three years in Freyberg high school was definitely the most exciting part in my life. The helpful and kind teachers, as well as the friendly peer students there just made Freyberg high school seem more like a big family for me; which I could always rely on, and grant motivation from. With the help of my teachers, I managed to finish the math STAR course from University of Canterbury, which helped me win a total 15,000 scholarship from Canterbury, as well as the chance to enter university level two math course in my first year in university. While on the other hand, I was lucky enough to meet a group of kind and intelligent friends who just brought so much fun memories to my school life. They also gave me a great opportunity to actually experience the culture and society of this beautiful country, as well as carried me though those gloomy days in my life when my language wasn’t as fluent. All in all, Freyberg is definitely a great place to go, which everyone would find they’re embraced and enjoying themselves here.

​​​​​​​Claire Dong

China

​​​​​​​Claire is from China and spent 3 years at Freyberg High School where she was was awarded Dux 2016.  She went on to study Civil Engineering at the University of Canterbury.

Congratulations to (Claire) Siqi Dong who is the recipient of the Lewis Bradford Structural Engineering Prize 2020. This award is given each year to a fourth-year student who excels in academic achievement in structural engineering papers, during the 3rd and 4th year of their BE (Hons) degree. 

This year, 2021 she started her PhD.
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