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...
Globally experienced academic returns home to help drive SIT Online's future
After more than two decades building a notable academic career across South Korea and Singapore, Dr Jacob Wood has returned home to Invercargill to lead Southern Institute of Technology’s...
Davie Kingipotiki

Invercargill-based landscaper Davie Kingipotiki wanted to back up the practical nature of his work with specialised knowledge to take his business to the next level.

MP for Northland looks at SIT’s HyFlex delivery mode
Mr McCallum is involved with assisting his local polytechnic, NorthTec, with their plan to return to independence again in 2027 and is working closely with MP for Invercargill and Minister for...
Julianne Andrews – NZ Diploma in Photography Levels 5 & 6
Julianne Andrews is the first to admit she is a better person when she’s studying. “I have to have something to keep my brain active,” she says. As a result, she has achieved a...
SIT qualification secures health sector roles
Tracey Coertse has been able to move forward in her health sector career by qualifying in New Zealand standards through Southern Institute of Technology’s distance learning faculty, SIT...
Communications degree reopens intakes to new students
After a hiatus of eight months, Southern Institute of Technology’s Distance Learning faculty, SIT2LRN, is excited to announce that the Bachelor of Professional Communication will be...
Amy Coombes - NZ Certificate in Interior Décor (Level 4)
Amy Coombes consolidated her innate aptitude for interior design with a qualification through SIT2LRN, helping her to establish a flourishing, fulfilling career, producing accolades, beautifully...
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...

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