I have spent a whole year at Spotswood College and it was the best time. I definitely had the best Homestay, living with Jenny, Shaun and their beautiful dog Luna close to the beach. They have been amazing and took me on so many trips throughout the year, which allowed me to see so many places. They feel like my second family away from home.

Spotswood College is a really special place to learn. They have such a huge variety of classes to choose from with the most amazing, supportive staff. The teachers are always making sure that we as international students understand our learning and stay challenged throughout the whole time. The international team is so helpful, supportive and amazing, I can’t think of any better people to do this job.

Vanessa, Miss Dingle and Sarah as the international team, and Jenny and Shaun as my Homestay, have made my time in New Plymouth really special and I am so happy that I chose Spotswood College as my school.

My time at Spotswood College was an absolutely amazing experience that I will never forget! All the trips we did, especially the end-of-year programme, where we went skydiving and learned about the history of New Zealand in the Bay of Islands were just so much fun.

The International Team is an incredible group of women who genuinely care about you and were available to help at any time. Whether it was about schoolwork or personal matters, they always took the time to listen to me.

I also had the pleasure of staying with a lovely host family who always made me feel like part of their family and supported me no matter what. We went on the most wonderful holiday trips and hikes together, allowing me to experience New Zealand’s beautiful nature.

I am so grateful to have been part of Spotswood’s International Programme, and I can only recommend this school to future exchange students — you are guaranteed to have a great time, with a loving homestay and a supportive community around you!

I enjoyed every minute of my exchange year in New Zealand. Right from the start, everyone made me feel super welcome, especially my host family, who took me into their life and home and not only made me feel welcomed, but loved. I was able to talk to them about everything, and they were super open-minded.

My host sister (Sam) and I got so close over the year, and I’ll be forever grateful for all the memories, experiences, and bonds they gave me. Sam went to Spotswood College with me, which helped me settle into school life really quickly.

The International Team was also extremely supportive and always had an open ear for us international students. Through my classes, teachers, and host sister, I got to know so many amazing and unique people and made lifelong friendships.

I also joined the Waitara Gymnastics Club and got to train and compete with a great team of girls. Thanks to my host parents, I was able to train four times a week in this beautiful environment. My coaches and teammates were so understanding about my English and always made me feel comfortable.

I would also like to mention TOPEC and the incredible trips we went on. New Zealand’s landscape is just stunning, and I’m so glad that Spotswood College gave me the chance to travel around the country multiple times — with the school, an organisation, my host parents, and even my gymnastics club. I got to see so many different sides of New Zealand’s nature with my own eyes, which I will be forever grateful for.

This year, and especially the people will always hold a special place in my heart. A part of me will remain in New Zealand forever.