One year, a lifetime of change: A Chinese student’s experience at Victoria University of Wellington
Written by: Echo Wang, Master of Global Business, School of Business and Government (Graduated November 2024)
When I first left China to pursue my Master of Global Business, I didn’t expect just how much one year in Aotearoa, New Zealand would shape who I am. I arrived with uncertainties and a sense of curiosity about what lay ahead. Now that I’ve graduated, I carry home far more than a degree. I’m excited to share my journey with you.
My decision to study at Victoria University of Wellington
Originally, I had planned to study in Auckland. A close family friend had lived there for decades, and as New Zealand’s largest city, it seemed like the obvious choice. But Victoria University of Wellington (VUW) offered me a place first, and after comparing tuition fees and living costs, I decided to give Wellington a chance. It felt like a quick, practical decision at the time, but looking back, it turned out to be one of the best choices I’ve ever made.
Wellington is quiet, compact, and full of character. Everything is within a 20-minute walk. At first, I heard people say the city was too quiet. But I learned to adapt. I explored the mountains, went hiking, and attended theatre shows and comedy nights. When the shops closed early, I adjusted my schedule and developed a routine of early mornings and daytime productivity. I found joy in the slow pace—coffee chats, long walks, a shared portion of chips and a glass of red wine after work. I fell in love with the quietness of Wellington.
Settling in: Early challenges
Before my programme began, I attended International Orientation week. I cannot recommend it enough. It’s the perfect chance to meet peers, discover the campus, and learn about all the support systems in place. I joined the International Buddy Programme and later met friends through hiking trips, shared meals, and celebrations like Christmas and New Year’s. It gave me a community that I still cherish.
The start of academic life was much harder than I expected. Not only were there language barriers that made lectures and assignments challenging, but there was also a big difference between Eastern and Western ways of thinking. I would say the turning point came after receiving my first assignment grade—36%. I panicked. But I didn’t give up. I sought help and met with my lecturer, spending over an hour discussing my ideas with him. That conversation changed everything. I realised that cultural differences affect how I structure arguments and express ideas. Through his questions and feedback, I slowly reshaped how I approached academic writing and creative thinking. My next assignment score jumped to 82%.
In New Zealand, open communication is truly important. You don’t need to stay quiet and struggle by yourself—just book a meeting with your lecturer and talk through what’s confusing. I know that for many international students, there can be a kind of cultural shyness, but I really suggest trying to adapt to the cultural differences. I’m also really thankful to my lecturer who encouraged me to share ideas in class. Throughout the year, I continued to speak up and share more. Looking back, I am thankful for his encouragement. It taught me the value of open communication, the importance of speaking up, and the skills for adaptability.
VUW also offers many amazing support services. I booked sessions with Student Learning Advisors. Their consistent encouragement helped me build both skills and confidence. You can also turn to your Programme Leader for support—they’re the expert on your programme and can help if you’re ever unsure about your studies.
From lost to onboarded: An unexpected job opportunity
I also have a fun story about how I got my tutor role at VUW. One day, I got lost when I went to meet my Programme Leader. A staff member saw me wandering and asked if I needed help. I asked about my Programme Leader’s office, and he recognised that I was a student in the programme. He shared that he had graduated from the same programme five years ago! We ended up chatting, and I was surprised to learn he was the tutor manager at the time. I asked if I could send him my CV, and after the hiring process, I got the job. So, please keep looking and stay open to conversations. You never know what might happen.
Life beyond study: Work, community, and growth
To truly adapt to life in a new country, I believe you have to participate. I tried many jobs and activities. My first part-time job came from walking into an Asian supermarket and asking if they were hiring. That job connected me with a Chinese community I came to rely on. Later, I joined the International Marketing Team as a Student Ambassador after spotting an opportunity in a university-wide email. So, please do check your inbox regularly—there are often good opportunities that come through. Through NZUni Talent, I also became a Student Leader at the Centre for Academic Development, where I worked with both lecturers and students. Those experience gave me a great opportunity to develop my leadership and communication skills.
I also attended the University’s annual Careers Expos and Events, which are held across all three campuses and tailored to different disciplines. I updated my LinkedIn profile and spoke with HR representatives and team leads from a range of companies. I would say it was the perfect chance to ask questions, build connections, and follow up afterwards with the companies you’re really interested in.
It’s worth noting that career support doesn’t stop when you finish your degree. VUW’s Wellington Careers and Employment continues to provide one-on-one appointments and workshops for up to three years after graduation. I found their CV reviews and mentoring support very helpful.
My first job after graduation came through actively searching on Seek, a local job-search marketplace. I mainly used Seek and LinkedIn to browse roles. I suggest trying different approaches to getting a job and staying persistent — you never know what opportunity will lead to something meaningful. Before working in my current role as a Travel Consultant, I never expected to enjoy working in tourism. But it’s turned out to be a great fit, and a lot of fun.
A year of change
Over this past year, I’ve really come into my own, becoming more independent, more confident, and more certain about what I want. I developed skills in communication, critical thinking, cultural awareness, and problem-solving—all essential in a global workplace. I’m grateful to the people who helped me along the way, because these are not skills that come overnight. There were bumps in the road, and moments of fear, self-doubt, and uncertainty. It takes time, practice, feedback, and reflection to build confidence and grow. And every time I struggled, there was always someone who reached out and encouraged me, helping me to move forward. I’ll never forget that kindness.
I’m deeply thankful to VUW for giving me these opportunities—in lectures, student jobs, and through support services. It has made all the difference. As I move forward, I know these experiences have prepared me well for the future. I’m incredibly proud to have studied here at Victoria University of Wellington. If you’re thinking about VUW, I hope my story not only offers you a glimpse of what’s possible but also inspires you to take that first step and begin your own journey with confidence.
