International Stories

Discover what it’s really like to study at the Southern Institute of Technology (SIT) through the experiences of our international students and graduates.

From arriving in a new country to building careers and lifelong connections, these stories highlight the journeys, challenges, and successes of students who have chosen to study with us in Southland and Queenstown.

Every student's journey is different. Here are just a few of the stories from international students currently studying at SIT.

Student Stories

These stories reflect the real experiences of international students as they adapt to life in New Zealand, explore new opportunities, and work towards their academic goals.


Nomvuyoh Mafukidze – Bachelor of Screen Arts
A move to New Zealand to complete her tertiary studies has seen Nomvuyoh Mafukidze flourish and hit her stride in concept art and design; she’s already created a comic book, Spud Life, and...
Sir Peter Jackson’s wild card selection has SIT connection
Southern Institute of Technology (SIT) Bachelor of Screen Arts students and brothers, Sean and Jerome Kilkelly, along with SIT graduate, Grace Stapleton, are co-creators of a short film which has...
SIT tutors present at NZ Game Developers Conference

Southern Institute of Technology (SIT) Screen Arts tutors Ruby Meades and Christopher Popham presented at the NZ Game Developers Conference (NZGDC) recently.

Johanna Lehmann – Study Abroad student
Johanna Lehman from Germany says it was one of her biggest wishes to do a semester abroad. “SIT seemed cool because it’s on the other side of the world,” she says. Coming from...
Caleb Lay – Bachelor of Screen Arts
Joining the workforce after high school gave Invercargill born-and-raised Caleb Lay time to work out what direction he wanted to take when he entered his tertiary studies. “I didn’t...
Eyessa Gentle – Bachelor of Screen Arts
Born-and-bred Southlander Eyessa Gentle has taken advantage of the great training on her doorstep, to gain the skills and qualifications for New Zealand’s rapidly growing animation sector.
SIT staff secure CODE funding for game development
An Invercargill-based studio with strong links to Southern Institute of Technology (SIT) has been granted funding from CODE - the New Zealand Centre of Digital Excellence – to begin...
Anne-Marie Hamilton – Bachelor of Screen Arts
In 2022, Anne-Marie Hamilton knew she was ready to embrace change and try something new after a ten-year stint with St John Ambulance. Having worked on the road as a Paramedic and Station Manager,...
Student hosts firsts solo exhibition
Third-year Bachelor of Screen Arts (Concept Art and Design) student, Anne-Marie Hamilton, achieved a personal milestone last week when she held the first solo exhibition of her art at The Cottage...

For many students, their journey at SIT leads to meaningful career pathways and long-term opportunities in New Zealand and beyond. Our graduates share how their experience has helped shape their future.

Graduate Stories

Hear from SIT graduates who have successfully completed their studies and taken the next step in their careers. These stories highlight the outcomes, skills, and opportunities gained through studying at SIT.


Celine Villarin – Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Health Science
Philippines born-and-raised Celine Porsha Villarin, who came to New Zealand to pursue further studies at SIT, loves that living in Invercargill means no traffic jams. 
Photography student uses creative portraiture to empower women
Southern Institute of Technology photography student, Julianne Andrews, is halfway through holding her first ever photographic exhibition ‘empowher’. The exhibition is a dream come...
Yumiko Horigome - Bachelor of Therapeutic and Sports Massage
Yumiko Horigome fulfilled a dream she’d held since a teenager when she walked across the stage to receive her Bachelor of Therapeutic and Sports Massage from SIT last year, and she is now...
Lalina Dayal – Master of Applied Management
Lalina Dayal feels she really gained the maximum benefits from her time as a student through SIT2LRN Distance Learning. She graduated with a Master of Applied Management, and she was also the...
Alice Liang

Alice Liang hails from China and was already in the construction industry there, working as a Cost Supervisor prior to her move to New Zealand for further study.  

Heidi Qu
Heidi Qu made the decision to study at Southern Institute of Technology because she wanted to start something new. “I wanted to learn a skill that would lead to a career lasting a...

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