Ambassador Profile - Greta Frech

Greta is from Germany and is studying at Whangarei Girls’ High School while living with a host family in Whangarei. She is one of our 2020 Study Northland Student Ambassadors.

What made you choose Northland?

So I chose Northland because it’s one of the hottest place in New Zealand and I really like the nature up here. When I had to choose where I wanted to stay, Whangarei Girls’ High seemed so nice and competent which it actually is. So I just thought it would be the right decision.

What do you love most about studying at school in New Zealand?

The school system in New Zealand is pretty different compared to the German one and I really like that it feels more like family and you really do practical things and not just the theory. Outdoor Education is a good example, you first learn about things in the theory and then you actually do it practical.

What are your favourite experiences in Northland?

So far I really liked surfing and a trip that we did with the international team the most. We went to the Kai Iwi Lakes and to the Bay of Island, it was so beautiful and much fun. I also like Whangarei because you can do so many things and especially eat good ice cream :).

What is like living with a homestay family?

In the beginning it was kind of weird. But it quickly became much better, I just had to open up a bit and now we are like a real family. We eat, laugh and live together and also sometimes have little discussions; you know just like a real family. I really like and appreciate them.

What are your interests, sports and hobbies?

I really like playing hockey, I played it in Germany when I was younger and I started it here again. If I am not too lazy I also really like working out. Besides from sport I really like writing, every kind of it. Another interest of me is music, I played guitar for 5 years till I left Germany to come here. So maybe I’ll start playing again. I also sang in a choir for my German school, I really like singing but. Another thing is just going in outside with my friends, we for example tried surfing right before lookdown started and we wanted to do it weekly but it’s not possible anymore. 

Just at all I am really passioned about seeing and learning new things as about new countries and cultures. So far, I have been in 15 countries but I want to see the whole world and travel as much as possible. I really hope soon there is going to be an eco-friendly way to do it.

More about Whangarei Girls’ High School…