Farewell Julia

In a couple of weeks, we will say goodbye to Julia who has been with us for the past 8 months.

Julia came to NZ in July last year amongst one of the first cohorts of international students able to study in NZ after the Covid restrictions of the past years. Julia quickly became involved in many sports such as swimming, volleyball, athletics and gymnastics. 

The McNish Family have welcomed her into their home and she has had some amazing holidays and experiences with them including surfing in the Catlins, tramping the Paparoa track, boating at Lake Kaniere, relaxing in Hanmer Springs, and skiing at Porter's just to name a few. Julia is very appreciative of her host family for sharing so many great times with her.

Julia has given talks at Kaniere and St Mary's Schools about studying abroad and the wonderful experiences it brings as well as showing the students what life is like in Germany. She also coached some of the younger gymnasts at Hokitika Gymnastics club.

Julia was particularly grateful for these opportunities, saying she was so happy to go skiing and surfing.

“I know from other exchange students that they don't have those opportunities because all the other countries are so much more spread out. We have everything so close to each other, which is really nice." 

We wish Julia well with whatever her future holds.