Student Voice: Jordan - Germany
Jordan travelled to Northland, New Zealand from her home in Germany and has been living with a local family in Whangarei, for almost a year, studying at Whangarei Girls High school. We asked her a few questions about her time in Northland, what she enjoys the most and how studying overseas has changed her.
Why did you decide to study overseas?
I always wanted to go to a different country after school, but then my school changed from just 12 years to 13. That makes year 11 really attractive to go to an exchange year as many of my friends are doing the same. My mum convinced me to go now and a few of her reasons were:
- Good english for my last two years and the rest of my life
- I might just go straight to university after school or find other ‘excuses’
- Experience, friends, family for life
What made you decide on Northland as the best place to live and study?
I had to choose a school with my organisation and it was a difficult decision. I decided to come here because of the subjects, the really personal letter from Whangarei Girls’ High School and because I knew the landscapes and the weather are the best up here.
What do you love most about studying at Whangarei Girls’ High School?
I really love the completely different experience. We don’t have to wear uniforms and we only have a few girls schools in Germany. I mean I’m actually happy with what I got in Germany, but I liked having a different experience.
I really do enjoy the huge amount of subjects at WGHS. We don’t have subjects like Pad, TFT, cooking, Outdoor Ed… in Germany and it is just awesome. There is something for definitely everyone.
The international team is just awesome too, so kind and helpful. They support me with everything and helped me dealing with changing host family. We celebrate birthdays, have meetings and go on really cool trips.
What sort of things have you experienced outside of study which you wouldn’t do in Germany?
I just totally found myself during my exchange year. I was really shy when I came here and I could see me becoming self confident. I also ,”grew up” a little bit more, I found out that I really love baking and surfing. Who could have known this before.
How was it being a student ambassador and being part of the Project Raki film?
I really enjoyed the trip for Project Raki. I was really scared and felt really uncomfortable with the camera, but at the end I got used to it and I think it wouldn’t be a problem for me anymore. I had a lot of fun and step out of my comfort zone. I was the youngest but I felt really comfortable with the others and we were a great team. If someone gets this opportunity, take it is what I would say. Who knows if you could do this ever again.
