News from the International Department

We had two amazing dance showcases by our Dance students at the end of Term 3 and the beginning of Term 4.  Dance is one of the popular subjects for our international students, and seven of them performed at the showcases.  It was awesome to see all the hard work they had put in along with the domestic students supported by our outstanding Dance teachers.

Some of our dance students shared their experiences at Western Springs College.  Here are their stories.

Kanon Morimoto (Year 13) from Japan

 

How were the dance performances at the showcases?

I was very nervous.  I have been learning Hip Hop since I was four years old.  When I was doing Hip Hop in Japan, I only needed to move my body to the music.  But in the Dance class, I need to express something using every part of my body as a form of dance, and I found it quite challenging.  I feel lucky to be able to learn Dance at Western Springs College as we have lessons in the professional studios in TAPAC (The Auckland Performing Arts Centre).

How did you hear about Western Springs College?  Why did you choose Western Springs College?

Western Springs College was on the list of schools my agent recommended to me.  I looked into the school on the internet and got interested in it because of its excellent academic results.  The school also seemed to have good vibes.

How do you feel about Western Springs College?

After I came here, I found the school to be exactly as I had expected.  I am happy to be here.  Everyone is kind, and I like the school better than my Japanese school.

How well do you think you have developed your skills through your study or experience at Western Springs College?

When I was in Japan, I was quite shy.  But through interacting with the students and teachers here, I became more brave and confident.  I could also improve my English skills a lot.

Do you have any advice for new students about living in a new environment?

Try to make as many friends as possible during the orientation on your first days at school.  The friendship that started then lasts through your school life.

What is your future plan?

I want to study Tourism at AUT next year.  I want to work as a cabin attendant for Air New Zealand in the future.  When I went to Italy three years ago, the cabin attendants in the plane seemed to be enjoying their job.

Sean Shen (Year 12) from China

How were the dance performances at the showcase?

I was a little nervous.  At first, I chose Dance because my friend did so.  It was hard to communicate with my classmates in English in class.  I wasn’t sure how I was supposed to move my body, and I didn’t know how to ask my questions.  But my Dance teacher told us that dance was like a language and we could communicate with people through dancing.  I now find Dance interesting and I made a lot of friends in class.  Dance is my favourite subject.

How did you hear about Western Springs College?  Why did you choose Western Springs College?

My agent recommended Western Springs College to me.   And I chose the school because it is close to the City and students don’t need to wear uniforms.  I also heard the school was very good.

How do you feel about Western Springs College?

I think the school is pretty good as teachers and other students are friendly.  As there aren’t too many Chinese students here, I could make friends from different countries.  The learning environment at Western Springs College is good, and I can learn a lot of things here.

Do you have any advice for new students about living in a new environment?

Try to make some local friends to improve English.  Try not to talk in your native language all the time.

What is your future plan?

I want to be a business man or a photographer.  My father used to be a photographer, and I like taking photos.

  

Photos taken by Sean

Paola Villalobos (Year 11) from Chile

How were the dance performances at the showcase?

I think it was beautiful.  I like it.  It was nice to feel the good connections among the students.  Also, I felt a good energy in the performances.  I started to learn dancing when I was three.  I have learned ballet, contemporary and hip hop so far.  I like my Dance class at Western Springs College.  People are more friendly here.

How did you hear about Western Springs College?  Why did you choose Western Springs College?

I heard about Western Springs College from my agent.  I chose the school because I wanted to go to school with good Dance and Drama classes.

How do you feel about Western Springs College?

I feel good about the school because I can learn my favourite subjects.  It motivates me to come to school every morning.

How well do you think you have developed your skills through your study or experience at Western Springs College?

I could improve my English.  I could also learn about myself.  The experiences at Western Springs College made me grow to a better person.  It has also been amazing to get to know about other countries through my multinational friends.  I want to visit them in their home countries one day.

Do you attend any clubs?  Do you attend any activities after school?

I was attending the Improvisation programme at TAPAC for several weeks.  I have also been a member of the Peace Ambassadors for the last two months.  I learn how to deal with issues with other people in a peaceful way.

How is your homestay?

My host mother is cute and nice.  My host brother is friendly and talks to me a lot.  I enjoy taking the host dog (?) for a walk every day.

Do you have any advice for new students about living in a new environment?

If you come to study in NZ, you can learn about other countries and the Maori cultures.  I was impressed with how people embrace and respect the Maori cultures in NZ.  It is different from how we observe the Mapuche in Chile.

What’s your future plan?

I want to be an actress.   I would also like to learn other languages like Portuguese, Japanese and French.