Yinhua (Leon) Kong

New Zealand Certificate in English Language

Bachelor of Construction

(China)

Student Yinhua (Leon) Kong is enjoying the challenge of his Construction degree.

Leon recently completed his New Zealand Certificate in English Language pathway programme with us. He says his English lecturers were very professional, friendly, and patient and had a lot of time for students.

They helped him a lot, even responding to his questions outside of work hours.

“I really appreciated that,” he says.

Leon’s now moved into the Bachelor of Construction. It’s an entirely new field for him. He worked in a range of positions for an air transportation company back in Shanghai, China.

He decided to make the change to Construction because of the many work opportunities and good salaries in the industry.

Leon says he was a bit anxious about the undertaking at first but is now enjoying the programme.

“Now I feel much better. I just study hard and if I have questions or problems my lecturers are very happy to help me,” he says.

Leon recently received an Excellent Scholars award for top marks in his programme.

Outside of study, Leon loves spending time with his family. That’s one of the reasons he decided to make the move to New Zealand.

He and his wife have a young daughter and had heard good things about the education landscape for children here.

Back in China their daughter was expected to study long hours and didn’t have much time to play. Here in New Zealand her class atmosphere is relaxed and happy.

“Now she has more time. After school, she can play. She loves drawing and reading. Now she has time for her interests.”

Leon’s also currently teaching her to swim and ride a bike.

“She hadn’t any time for these things in China.”

The family also loves the fresh air and friendly people here in New Zealand. Leon says he’s made many new friends on and off campus.

They also enjoy spending time at the beach and were lucky enough to have seen dolphins at Shakespear Regional Park just north of Auckland recently.  

After Leon completes his degree, he hopes to work as a Quantity Surveyor. In the meantime, he plans to get some hands-on experience labouring at a construction site over the summer holidays.