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.


International graduates highlight success of SIT’s Applied Health Science programme
Calvin Philip and Asmin Johns arrived in New Zealand from India in February 2025, both already qualified physiotherapists. They enrolled in postgraduate Applied Health Science study at SIT in...
Farha Khan – Master of Applied Health Science

Farha Khan already had an established career in the health sector before she chose to come to New Zealand and further her studies.

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. 
Nadine Young – Master of Applied Health Sciences

Nadine Young has been richly rewarded in achieving a Master of Applied Health Sciences (Wellness and Rehabilitation), by drawing from her own life experiences.

Sports student climbs the ranks in elite cycling
Racing with a fractured bone in one hand and a damaged shoulder was not what budding elite cyclist and Southern Institute of Technology student, Marshall Erwood had in mind when he started the SBS...
Dr Will Payne – School of Sport and Exercise
Dr Will Payne has clocked up 20 years at SIT as a Tutor and Programme Manager with the School of Sport and Exercise, and credits his “25 years of learning”, to attitude - being able to...
Mel Powell - Bachelor of Sport and Exercise

Mel Powell’s success in her tertiary studies began with a certificate through distance learning, which then led into a degree.

Charles Davis - Bachelor of Sport and Exercise
Growing up in rural Southland, Charles Davis recalls usually being put in the ‘too hard basket’ at school. After his secondary schooling finished, Charles entered the workforce,...
Shelley Bromley

Christchurch born-and-bred Shelley Bromley knows a bit about upheavals and the necessity of embracing change throughout life.

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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