Why I Chose to Study Overseas

Mica Yao
Client Relations Manager, New Zealand

I would like to say I was very lucky to have had the opportunity to go abroad when I was 22 years old. There is a story I want to share with all of you about how I came to study, work and live abroad in New Zealand, and the impact it has had on my life.

When I graduated from ZhiGao (China’s technical-focused high schools), I did not go on to study at university. I was very busy though, working two jobs. I was a part-time radio host of a children’s show in Beijing, and I also worked for an agency that hosted press conferences for foreign media organisations. Once, a company required an English host. I tried and tried again, but my English was so poor that I couldn’t meet the language requirements. Actually, none of us could. The agency was unable to find anyone fit for hosting, and the Hong Kong-based director was forced to host the conference alone. 

It immediately became so clear to me that many Chinese people, myself included, lacked the strong English language skills necessary for the international market. When I discussed this with my friends, they pointed out that many people at the time were choosing to go abroad to study in English-speaking countries like the UK, USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. They had found a lot of success with their new English skills, and perhaps this was the solution for me as well.

One of my friends introduced me to an education agent, and I spoke with them about what my goals were and how I could possibly find a brighter future for myself through international education. They told me that the number of Chinese students going to New Zealand was increasing greatly. They told me about what the disadvantages and advantages were of studying in New Zealand compared to other places, and what the education system and scenery of New Zealand were like. Upon hearing about so many students finding success with their New Zealand education – and seeing how beautiful the campuses were! — I was definitely interested in finding out more.

Throughout this process I was becoming more and more excited for this adventure. I was convinced that studying abroad would not only benefit me in terms of my language skills, but I would also be learning about a new culture and about myself through this challenging experience.

One year later, all my planning paid off. I arrived at the Auckland International Airport, eager but a little scared about my new life and the many new opportunities and difficulties ahead.

What I discovered was that I am much more capable than I had ever imagined. I learned how to cook in New Zealand – both Chinese food and western food. As an only child growing up in China, I had never cooked before! I explored new perspectives and beliefs by going to church and exchanging ideas about life with my friends. I learned about critical analysis and new ways of thinking through my classes at university, and I gained valuable work experience through part- and full-time jobs in New Zealand.

When I returned to China in 2008, I found that I had truly acquired what I had sought out all along. With a new perspective on the world, my life had totally changed. Though I’ve been based in Beijing ever since, today my life is a mix of the east and west, and I can pull from both to understand the people and world around me. I believe I’m not alone in this. It’s obvious from where I stand that the entire world is moving toward a more multi-cultural society, and I am happy to be leading this trend.

Finally, I hope every student can have this kind of opportunity, to gain greater perspective on life and their position in the world. It is through these experiences that we are changing the world and bringing forth its development.