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.


SIT emerging chefs in international finals
Southern Institute of Technology (SIT) recent culinary graduate, Sam Kissell, and Level 4 Cookery student, Hery Sakti, have been selected as finalists to take part in the Australian culinary...
Davinna Maru – Hospitality Management
Manaaki scholar Davinna Maru describes studying at SIT as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity; she has braved being away from her family and overcome culture shock to achieve in her studies and set...
SIT graduate wins regional finals in Golden Chefs’ Hat competition
Rising culinary star, Southland’s own Sam Kissell, displayed his burgeoning talent last Thursday, winning the South Island regional final of the Nestle Golden Chefs’ Hat competition,...
Avis Owen – Diploma of Professional Chef Practice
At a time of life when many people are usually beginning to think about retirement, “the other side of 55”, Avis Owen was launching herself into training for a new vocation that opened...
Chef shares international competition skills with SIT students
Te Anau restaurant owner and head chef, Cam Davies, recently spent a weekend honing his competition skills at Southern Institute of Technology (SIT); he shared the day with three Cookery students...
Fundraiser dinner ensures hospitality mentor’s legacy continues
The legacy of well-known Southland Hospitality/Cookery tutor and mentor, Scott Richardson, is being enthusiastically championed by the next generation, which bodes well for the continued success...
SIT young chefs achieve silver and bronze medals in regional competition
Southern Institute of Technology Cookery students, Yari Mowatt and Sam Kissell recently tasted success at the 2024 South Island Regional Cook-off of the Nestlé Golden Chef's Hat Award, coming...
Budding Chef reaps rewards at ‘Famous’ Luncheon
SIT | Te Pūkenga Cookery student Yari Mowatt and 29 of her fellow classmates who had their hard work and dedication rewarded recently, as they worked under the guidance of some of the...
Aman Baraiya
Hailing from Nagpur, Maharashtra, Aman Baraiya sought out training opportunities further afield after studying and starting his hospitality career in India. Graduating with a Hotel Management...

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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Southern Institute of Technology • New Zealand