Business courses at Stages 1, 2 and 3.

Karishma Nand

Not even tropical Cyclone Winston could deter Fiji’s Karishma Nand from studying a Bachelor of Business, majoring in accounting, at AIS. “It was my childhood dream to study abroad,” she says. “New Zealand is a safe country and has great career opportunities. AIS has affordable fees for international students while providing quality NZQA-approved courses. Their Bachelor of Business was also accredited by CPA which is a great thing for any accounting student. I had planned to join AIS in the first semester of 2016, but Cyclone Winston hit Fiji and I could not make it. But AIS offered me discounted fees to help me pursue my studies during that difficult time so I arrived in September and began in the third semester.”

Karishma describes the following three years as “the best experience of my life” and her talent and determination shone through. She received the Top Scholar Enterprise award in 2019 for all-round excellence. She also received seven Academic Excellence Scholarships during her study and was chosen as a class representative for three consecutive semesters.

“I am an introvert and find it difficult to socialise. But my lecturers chose me to be a class representative which helped me to open up and overcome this weakness.” Delivering presentations in class also helped Karishma gain self-confidence and public speaking skills.

“I feel fortunate and extremely lucky that I chose AIS for my tertiary education. The learning environment was very friendly and student numbers were less compared to big universities which gave me the chance to interact with my lecturers directly anytime I needed help. Studying in a diverse environment also gave me more exposure and understanding of other cultures and personalities.”

Her accounting papers included courses in MYOB and Xero which gave Karishma useful, practical skills. Every accounting student was also supported to apply for Associate Membership from CPA Australia for free. In addition, Karishma was taught how to draft a CV, and her lecturers were happy to provide references which helped her secure a job after graduation.

She initially worked as a Merchant Services Analyst for Windcave but has since become a Merchant Risk & Compliance Manager at Westpac bank where she deals with anti-money laundering and risk management issues. “The knowledge I gained during my studies at AIS helps me a lot with my everyday work duties,” she says.

With senior management firmly in her sights, Karishma plans to complete an MBA at some point. “I can guarantee AIS is the best place to pursue tertiary study. You will find friendly and supportive lecturers, quality education, and a diverse and great atmosphere to learn. You will gain not just theoretical knowledge, but practical skills as well.”

Solomon Dean

International education and immigration policies are constantly changing so Solomon Dean was thrilled AIS was able to help “shoulder the burden” when he decided to study overseas.

The 18 year-old had just finished high school in Kuwait and quickly realised he didn’t have the specialist skills or knowledge to navigate the education/immigration pathway alone. Solomon initially worked with an international consulting firm to explore his options and soon discovered AIS.

“After we shortlisted New Zealand as my education destination, I came to realise that I wanted to be with a provider that's based in Auckland Central. I had heard many good things about AIS and my first impressions were primo too. It was a no-brainer to enrol.”

Solomon arrived in May 2016 to study a Bachelor of Business and opted to specialise in accounting. “All the lecturers and staff were so helpful and friendly. In business and life, we're forever told that our greatest success comes from building a team or surrounding ourselves with people who are better at what they do than we are, and that's certainly true of my thoughts of AIS.”

Acclimatising to a whole new country and study environment when you’re just 18 is tricky, he says. “AIS was so accommodating and gave me the best possible chance of success. They accomplished it by helping me out with extra tutorials, putting me in better study groups, following up, giving me extensions and even helped with course planning and forecasting.

“AIS has shown time and time again that I am more than a number to them. They are always looking for opportunities to increase value and provide students with the best chance of success and confidence, especially when starting out in New Zealand.”

Solomon says the accounting (CAANZ/CPA) papers proved most useful and applied management was his favourite course during his degree. He now plans to become a qualified accountant and specialise in tax, and is currently working as a graduate tax accountant for an Auckland firm.

“AIS has been more than helpful to me and I can truly report that the continuous help and value of services we receive far exceed the fees we have had to pay. So I cheerfully recommend AIS to you, confident that you will enjoy the quality education and excellent care from them.”

Mehrunnissa

Nisha graduated from AIS with a Graduate Diploma in International Business in late August 2014. She is currently enjoying her stay in New Zealand on a 12-month Post Study Work visa, working as a Delivery Center Consultant at IBM (Concentrix) on behalf of Air New Zealand. In addition to her AIS Graduate Diploma, Nisha has over nine years of experience working within the hospitality and hotel industry, later progressing up to the level of marketing executive, along with a bachelor degree in IT and aviation and air hostess training.

Nisha came to New Zealand from West Bengal, India in June 2012 with an offer of place to study Graduate Diploma in Business (Marketing) at a nearby tertiary institution. Having completed five papers there, Nisha ran into visa difficulties due to course availability issues which left her with two options: either stay in Auckland without student work rights, or return to India for six months, then come back and start over.  In either case, she would have to give up her job.

“Not a comfortable position. Basically if I went back to India, I would have to leave everything behind. I was already working in New Zealand which I would’ve had to leave and I already had a place to stay which I would’ve had to, again, leave, which was not very suitable. I was under pressure.”

Luckily, through a recommendation from friends, Nisha met AIS.

“How I met AIS was really interesting. My friend said we should go and ask around if we can cross-credit. The first uni was AIS – it was near.”

“Mike Roberts (Vice President) really guided me very well. Basically being here, still working, keeping my job and getting my graduate diploma was all his credit. If not for getting support from Mike, I don’t know whether I would be still standing. He advised what papers I needed to take and how I should be going ahead. He was very supportive because in the state I was, I was already losing my hopes left and right. To put all that together in one place is really supportive.”

“I was really lucky to have my friend direct me to AIS.”

Nisha successfully cross-credited the graduate diploma courses from the other institution, and went on to study two semesters at AIS.

“From the six months being here, I found the lecturers to be very helpful and open, and the study is really good – short but effective, it’s just three months but you get to learn a lot. AIS are really supportive with international students and have a better, stress-free environment.”

 After graduation, Nisha got her 12-month Post Study Work visa and is currently looking to settle in New Zealand.

“My first choice is to stay in New Zealand – it’s a good, beautiful country with high living standards.”

“At this point I’m looking to stick with the current job and keep applying for better marketing positions, looking toward the corporate sector. I need a bit of time to put my things together.”

“I’m looking forward to working in corporate marketing with fixed hours, having more time for myself. Customer service and marketing – these are the two main areas.”

Lesieli Filivao

Before I attended AIS, I was working for Paradise International Hotel in Tonga as an accounts manager. Having worked for several years in accounts, I realised that for me to get ahead I needed an accounting qualification.

Choosing New Zealand and AIS to further my education in accounting was the right decision for me. I was fortunate to receive a Pacific Island Educational Scholarship. My two years studying were the most pleasurable and memorable throughout my study history. The institute has a strong faculty and high-quality academic staff. I had the most caring, intellectually stimulating and responsive lecturers and tutors. They have equipped me with the knowledge, skills and the professionalism that I needed for my career, and the critical thinking that I needed for lifelong development of my knowledge in accounting and the business sector.

I am now employed at New Zealand Industrial Specialists Limited as an accounts manager. Being educated at AIS helped me find a good job in New Zealand. I am so proud to apply what I have learned to my employment today.