Ilgar Isayev is making the most of his time at OPAIC, immersing himself fully in both learning and networking.

Having arrived from Baku, Azerbaijan this April, he is returning to academia 20 years after completing his last master’s degree.

His diverse background spans a successful career in organisational transformation and financial transition.

He also balances his professional pursuits with a wonderful family and a passion for mountain climbing. He’s climbed peaks in the Caucasus and Tien Shan and is eager to conquer rocks and ice in New Zealand.

While adjusting to life in a new country and settling his family has presented some challenges, his journey at OPAIC has been smooth with people here being the best part of it, according to Ilgar.

He has enjoyed connecting with his lecturers, support teams, and fellow students, as well as learning about Indigenous Pacific culture in New Zealand

His advice to new international students is to focus on learning as much as they can, rather than just passing assignments.

“Treat your time here as a treasure,” he says.

After graduation, Ilgar hopes to explore more of New Zealand and its community to determine if it will be a good long-term fit for him and his family.