Farha Khan already had an established career in the health sector before she chose to come to New Zealand and further her studies.
Practising as a Dentist in Saudi Arabia, Farha had 14 years’ experience, but was looking for new opportunities elsewhere. “I had always wanted to do a master’s,” Farha said, explaining she wanted to diversify from the field of dentistry.
Searching for the right course led Farha to New Zealand at SIT. She also had her husband and two children to consider. “The biggest advantage of New Zealand was being able to bring my family with me,” she said. Farha enrolled in the Master of Applied Health Science (Wellness and Rehabilitation), and commenced her studies in February 2024, taking 18 months to complete it.
Farha found when she arrived one of the most noticeable differences with SIT “It was not that big; to be honest … it was a shock.” However, she discovered SIT’s smaller size worked to her advantage. “… with less students, the tutors were able to focus more on each student.”
At the beginning of the master’s, the focus was initially on an exercise-based programme and the rehabilitation of patients, then students were able to choose their research topic. Farha completed her research on food nutrition labels. “I looked into the influence of nutritional labels, how people use them to make decisions, and do people understand the labels.” Farha uncovered that many people cannot comprehend them properly. “The labelling needs to be more efficient and easier to understand.” She explained that the bulk of the population need this; “even if they have a healthcare background, they still need more simple labels.”
SIT had quite an impact on Farha. Originally from India, she said students were spoon-fed everything, whereas SIT teachers didn’t do that. “With time, I realised doing things myself made me more independent. [The teachers] were there to help us, not to do the work for us.”
The result is, “I know how to explore things; it’s prepared me for my future studies. If I go to do my PhD I know how to progress.”
Farha acknowledges that initially the course challenged her. “I couldn’t understand the pattern of studies. I wasn’t used to doing everything on my own.” She recalls the very first class was difficult – it was on citations and APA style – tools which would be essential later when she wrote up her research findings. “International students don’t know these things,” she explained. So, it was about changing gear and getting used to the different style of studying. “There’s quite a big shift from first semester to second semester. The first assignments were quite tough for us.”
The most valuable takeaway from Farha’s time at SIT was it allowed her to discover more about herself. “…I know what my potential is, and I know how to use all the computer programmes, such as excel and office. It’s definitely helped me explore myself.”
Farha also took time to participate in student life and campus activities, getting the most out of what was on offer at SIT. “We had a gym we used… I loved the gym. I really enjoyed the fairs, the campus breakfasts, O-Week,” and more.
Her course highlights included helpful tutors, and the resources available to the students – the library and the computers - the library corner and computers available 24/7 “for students who couldn’t study at home. The library assistants were super. I used the library regularly; it was really fantastic.”
Farha is currently working and aiming to get back into dentistry. There’s a pathway she can take to be a dentist in New Zealand, where her skills are much needed, especially in the southern region. She also intends to put her research skills to good use, continue researching, writing, and publishing papers.
In the meantime, Farha appreciates the peaceful lifestyle that Southland offers. “It’s easy to drive; it’s easy to raise your kids; everything is so close; I’m really liking Invercargill.”
“SIT has helped us settle into life in New Zealand. It’s shaped me as a person and taught me many other things.”