Jingyue (Ellen) Chen

New Zealand Certificate in English Language (Academic) (Level 4)

China

English language student Jingyue Chen is loving her time at OPAIC and hopes to pursue further study here.

Jingyue’s mum and dad wanted her to continue her education after she finished a digital media diploma in her home province of Sichuan.

After seeing an advertisement for Otago Polytechnic, she spoke to staff at her university and learned she could study English here as a pathway to other qualifications.

She has her sights set on a Bachelor of Information Technology at OPAIC and perhaps eventually a master’s degree.

Jingyue loves the OPAIC campus, especially the dedicated learning space on Level 8, where she can study, attend workshops and get help from staff.

Classes here are taught differently than at home but the teacher is helping students adapt to the New Zealand style, she says.

“I like the teacher.  He’s so funny. He’s so interesting.”

“I’m so lucky to have this teacher’s class because I just think he’s so good.”

Jingyue didn’t know much about New Zealand before she arrived but says she’s enjoying life here.

She loves visiting Takapuna Beach, Mission Bay, One Tree Hill, and other parks. She also likes taking photos around Auckland, particularly of the colourful sunsets.

She’s befriended another student from her home province on campus. It turns out they share a mutual friend at her old university.

Jingyue lives at a homestay and recommends that option to others coming to New Zealand for the first time to study English.

“Because this is a very good chance for you to practice your English - especially the speaking and listening.”

Her homestay family helps with her pronunciation, teaches her Kiwi terms, and shows her around the city.

It’s important to practice her English to give her a better chance at finding a job, she says. She hopes to find part-time work once she’s finished her English course. In the future she hopes to find a full-time position in IT.

Learn more about the New Zealand Certificate in English Language (Academic) (Level 4).