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.


Staff Profile: Bringing 20 years of international experience home – Dr Jacob Wood returns to...
When Jacob Wood left Invercargill in 1998 to attend the University of Otago, he had no idea he would spend the next 25 years building an international academic career across South Korea and...
National Award Success for SIT Online Photography Student

New Zealand Diploma in Photography (Level 5) student Julia Chen has earned a Bronze Award at the prestigious New Zealand Institute of Professional Photog-raphers (NZIPP) Iris Awards.

Justine Holland - Social Work

Justine Holland had always been interested in a career that supported other people, so it was quite fitting she raised a family of four children before finding her vocation in Social Work

Telford Graduate AJ Tyer

A Telford Taster Camp convinced AJ Tyer that a move south to train in farming was the right move for her future career in the sector

Engineering Graduate Marieli Remolazo

A move to New Zealand prompted Marieli Remolazo to study engineering at SIT because she wanted a qualification that provided her with interesting career opportunities.

Telford Graduate Taylor King

Growing up on a small dairy farm in the King Country influenced Taylor King in choosing the agriculture sector for her future career

Bree-Anna Jones

Cromwell beauty salon owner Bree-Anna Jones has found her niche in the Beauty Therapy industry after training at SIT Queenstown campus

Philip Barrow – Certificate in Farming Systems
When Philip Barrow’s family made an impromptu visit to Telford during a South Island holiday, it set him on a path to train there for his agricultural career
Caitlyn Forde - Certificate in Equine Skills

South Otago local Caitlyn Forde knew Telford was the right place to train in her pursuit of an equine career

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