Meet Student: KK from Thailand
We talked to KK who came to Northland in 2020 from Hua Hin City in Thailand. She is a year 9 student at Springbank School in Kerikeri.
What made you choose Northland?
Northland is where my Kiwi Dad grew up and it is where we were visiting when caught on holiday in New Zealand by the Covid lockdown in early 2020. We love the climate, the work, the schooling, and the friends we have here so decided it was the best place to stay during Covid. We are also extremely grateful to Springbank for allowing me to join Springbank School when my family and I became stranded in New Zealand while on holiday from our Thailand home even though I had virtually no English language. I was cared for and allowed to develop and express my positive personality in the Springbank environment and despite the huge disruption to our life, I have been able to learn and develop amazingly.
What do you love most about studying at Springbank School?
As I had little or no English when I came here, Springbank offered to nurture me and give me extra English learning and buddies to help me in all subjects. This support has been great for me. I love the small classes, the caring teachers, the amount of outside activity and the great friends I have made at Springbank.
Probably the most important aspect of my time at Springbank has been the opportunity I have had to learn about and totally engage in our New Zealand and Northland culture, make great friends, and help my Thai Mum understand some of our language difficulties. It was interesting when the time came that we were allowed to return to Thailand, Mum and I decided we would rather stay in Northland. The main factor in this decision was the quality of education I was receiving at Springbank School and Mum and Dad felt this factor was going to greatly enhance my place in the world as a bilingual New Zealand-educated Thai adult.
What are your favourite experiences in Northland?
Learning to surf, climbing some of the high hills and rocks, swimming and living on a farm where we have dogs, cats, cows, goats, rabbits, pukekos, tuis and much more wildlife. Also, it is not a busy city environment but a more comfortable rural area with nice modern towns.
What are your interests, sports, and hobbies?
I play volleyball and Ki O Rahi at school and do Judo two nights a week. I also do a lot of baking.
How long will you stay in NZ?
At least until I finish school and maybe University
