[dilanium]

There's a new group for us!! :)

http://www.emigratenz.org/forum/group.php?groupid=6

[Keith C.]

Good idea! Students have a slightly different perspective than the majority of the group. I have an even different perspective. Perhaps I should start a group for 50 year old prospective students who may or may not stay in NZ upon completing the degree. Anybody else interested in that group?

I signed up for your group meanwhile.

Keith

[Alive&Kicking]

Hi,

I would like to join, since I am a student, but you want to limit it to University students only?!

Cheers,
Anita

[dilanium]

Errr? What kind of student are you?

Feel free to join, I was more limiting it such that it doesn't include high school students etc.

[ellenmelon]

ive joined and im not a traditional uni student. :)

[wwwdot]

dilanium, anita, ellen and others... I am curious whether any of you are so-called mature students or career changers? Anyone working while doing a part-time course?

I am considering starting a certificate course in a polytechnic and then maybe do a degree later. I would like to start the certificate course next year already but cannot attend the open day in November this year as I only arrive in NZ in December. I would love to hear about your experiences!

-Finn

[Alive&Kicking]

Hi Finn

I might be some of the people you call a career changer at the moment. I have always worked in administration and now I am doing a two year diploma in viticulture and wine production. To be able to do this I have quit working and study full-time, hence also my question about the student group.

If you have any specific questions, feel free to send me a PM.

Cheers,
Anita

PS I will join the group now.

[wwwdot]

Hi Anita

Viticulture sounds fascinating! It'd be probably one of my dream jobs if I won the lottery and could afford to buy my own vineyard!

I am thinking of starting a part-time design certificate and then a degree in interior design if I manage to build a nice enough portfolio, something I wanted to do since a child (but dad convinced it'd be a future of unemployment...). Because this is all so "risky" and because I am the main income earner (I am really not materialistic but it's so easy to start taking your income level as the minimum standard), I am thinking of doing it all while working and was hoping to hear some success stories.

Best of luck with your studies!

-Finn

[dilanium]

I'm more of a traditional student. Well, honestly, I've been a student for so long that that I don't know if I'm traditional anymore. :)

No career change for me.

[ellenmelon]

im not a mature student. but, i only started my course last year at age 22 which is quite old to start studying here in my age group. all of my friends from high school are graduated at least 2 years now and working. in my course though there are a few people that aren't fresh outta high school, especially in the directing and costuming course at my school. they seem to do it fine, many have kids and partners and they seem to juggle it all well.
i currently work part time as well as doing a 40 hour week at uni (im there at least 9-5 m-f if not longer). its tiring but neccessary!

[Keith C.]

It's fun to hear people try to classify themselves. Let's see. Am I a traditional student? I am getting a degree that will pave the way for my (next) chosen career. Am I a mature student? Maybe, but I'm definitely older than average.

What are good topics for us students? We could make a list...
o Visas, permits, etc.
o Health insurance
o Housing
o Best cheap drunks
o Other good values, not including drinking
o Differences between the NZ university system and others

Personally, one of the things I am most curious about is housing immediately after I arrive. I read that VUW guarantees housing for its international students. Does anybody have experience with that? My case is probably unusual in that I am married to somebody who is a non-student. I wonder what effect that will have?

Keith