Focused on Practical Skills and Knowledge

Yuka Murase

In the dynamic realm of marketing, Yuka Murase, a dedicated 3rd-year Bachelor of Business student, embarked on an incredible journey that profoundly reshaped her academic trajectory. Her 14-week internship at AIS's Marketing Department wasn't just an experience—it was a transformational odyssey.

Yuka's path to success commenced with the intricacies of securing an internship placement and mastering the New Zealand-style CV. While the road was winding, Yuka's unwavering determination and AIS's Placement Coordinators paved the way, ultimately positioning her within the dynamic team at AIS's marketing department.

Launching into her internship, Yuka's goal stood crystal clear: to immerse herself in marketing's real-world significance and amass a treasure trove of hands-on experiences.

"In the Intensive Internship course, I learned vital skills for the New Zealand workplace, like professionalism, communication, and development. These insights improved my internship experience. AIS lectures covered key internship theories, like marketing's 7Ps and processes such as competitor analysis and target audience understanding. While I grasped these concepts theoretically, the internship provided practical application. For instance, competitive analyses revealed market trends essential for strategy. Data analysis informed efficient resource use. Crafting Google Ads taught me audience-specific approaches. These experiences confirm the lasting value of my internship and AIS education for my evolving marketing career", shares Yuka.

Yuka's journey stood out due to her dual immersion in both traditional and digital marketing spheres. With the opportunity to work across two distinct marketing departments, her perspective expanded within a mere 14 weeks.

With a background in architectural studies and a passion for furniture and interior design, Yuka envisions a future where her AIS journey seamlessly merges with her aspirations. Her goal is to infuse her learnings from the internship and her time at AIS into her pursuits within the captivating realm of interior design.

Niroshan Dias

Niroshan Dias, a Finance Director at Franklin Smith, has a strong educational background and extensive experience in financial strategy, operations management, and reporting. His future goal is to achieve the highest level of corporate finance and thrive in a challenging business environment.

Niroshan emphasizes the significant contribution of AIS (Auckland Institute of Studies) to his career aspirations. AIS has played a pivotal role in his professional growth by providing him with the tools and knowledge to bridge his international experience into the New Zealand business landscape. "AIS was the gateway to my New Zealand business career, helping me understand and adapt to the requirements of New Zealand corporations," says Niroshan.

Niroshan appreciates the networking opportunities offered by AIS, which have had a profound impact on his career progression. Engaging with a diverse group of peers from various parts of the world has provided him with invaluable insights and expanded his professional network.

He also credits the flexible learning culture at AIS for allowing him to focus on practical learning outcomes in management and corporate finance. This approach has enabled him to apply his knowledge directly to real-world scenarios, enhancing his skills and decision-making abilities. "AIS's emphasis on practical learning outcomes allowed me to prioritize the application of management and corporate finance concepts over theoretical achievements," adds Niroshan.

Additionally, Niroshan commends the AIS teaching staff for their thorough academic knowledge and their ability to stay up-to-date with the latest business dynamics. Their expertise and guidance have played a crucial role in shaping Niroshan's understanding of the industry and preparing him for success as a Finance Director.

Marvin Reyes

AIS ensures you are ready for today’s job market and Marvin Reyes knows his AIS internship is the key reason why he now has fulltime employment. “My AIS internship helped me out so much,” the 25 year-old explains. “My professor got me into Absolute Analytics which is one of AIS’ original internship partners. I learned so much and really enjoyed the experience. I’m very thankful to AIS for getting me in because if it wasn’t for that internship programme, I might still be searching for work right now.”

Absolute Analytics offered Marvin a fulltime position as soon as he completed his six-month internship in late 2020.

“Currently, I am working as a web analytics specialist/developer. I analyse data and generate insights that we collect from our clients as well as doing data manipulation and application development for the company.” He has put the data analytical skills and knowledge he learned at AIS to good use, allowing him to fit comfortably into his new role.

Marvin is originally from the Philippines and worked as a Java Developer before enrolling to study a Post-Graduate Diploma in Information Systems in February 2020. A close family friend recommended AIS to him. “I heard so many good things about the institution regarding its excellence in producing new graduates and because they have a great set of professors and mentors.”

While he thoroughly enjoyed his study and the supportive learning environment on campus, one key challenge was trying to combine two skill sets – being a developer as well as learning about Information Systems. “AIS helped me out in developing this kind of technology stack because of the great mentors they have. They were so supportive in what I want to achieve in my career.”

Marvin says his Artificial Intelligence class was an unexpected highlight which broadened his thinking. “It’s one of the reasons why instead of going down the software architect path, I have chosen to pursue a data science career.”

He plans to one day start his own company offering web development and web analytics in one combined package. “I would encourage everyone to enroll in AIS today. You won't regret your decision!”

Ofa Kohinoa

AIS has taught Ofa Kohinoa many things in recent years, the most important of which is to aim high. The 27 year-old has managed to do exactly that, achieving an Academic Excellence certificate during her second-to-last semester and being awarded the B.R & Associates Merit Award for High Achievement by a Pasifika graduate in the Bachelor of Business programme at her subsequent graduation ceremony.

Prior to enrolling at AIS in January 2019, Ofa had completed a Diploma in Accounting at AIS’ sister school, the Tonga Institute Of Higher Education (TIHE) in Tongatapu.

“I chose to study at AIS as it is seemed easy with the linkage courses between TIHE and this institution in Auckland. Therefore I started to explore all the required information and documents I needed to enroll. I was really looking forward to completing my first degree – a Bachelor of Business majoring in Accounting.”

Ofa says AIS has taught her many things in life such as personal commitment as well as aiming high. “Not only in terms of academic-related issues but also wider social and economic issues.”

Learning to tackle academic challenges and manage her time to complete last minute assignments was the biggest hurdle she had to overcome. “On the other hand, those situations taught me how to work together as a group to fulfil the objectives of particular tasks when it comes to group assignments.”

Being away from her family in Tonga was also difficult, but Ofa says AIS provided a wonderful support and taught her how to cope and deal with those emotions.

Gaining her qualification has now opened the doors of employment. Ofa has returned home to Tonga and is now working as an economist in the Ministry of Finance’s Economic Fiscal Policy division.

“The position contributes much to the economy of Tonga and the coordination of the Government’s budget statement,” Ofa says. “I’m still learning the process and the roles of the position but I have managed to contribute the skills and knowledge that I gained from my studies at AIS and I know it will help me to move forward in my career.”

Ofa plans to study an MBA with AIS at some point in the future. She highly recommends the Bachelor of Business programme and urges others to take up the opportunities on offer.

“For someone who is considering studying at AIS, you should take the many aptitude and personality tests that AIS offers to clarify who you are and what your career might hold going forward.”

Vaimaa Petelo Iketau

Pregnancy, lockdown and financial hardship were just some of the challenges Vaimaa Petelo had to overcome while studying her Bachelor of Information Technology.

But thanks to AIS’ support, she has not only qualified and found employment, but she achieved outstanding results. Vaimaa was awarded academic merit and excellence awards every single semester.

The 37 year-old’s journey from working as a Logistics Manager in Tonga to becoming an Operations Controller at a specialist refrigeration company here in Auckland, is proof that you can achieve whatever career goal you set your mind to.

“It’s been a lovely experience, especially since it was my first time studying here in New Zealand,” Vaimaa says. “Choosing AIS was the best choice for me. I had previously done my diploma at the Tonga Institute of Higher Education which has links with AIS. Many students who study in Tonga then come to AIS.”

While undertaking her BIT qualification, Vaimaa was pregnant. “There was a time where I could not meet the fees but I was able to seek help. AIS helped me to pay partially for my school fees and at the same time allowed me to do online study if I needed because of my situation. I was attending school the whole time while pregnant with my fifth baby.”

She says AIS helped students to become familiar with study routines and other matters, and that support stepped up another level during Auckland’s COVID-19 lockdowns. “During lockdown, AIS student services offered support with food as well, and also online study was a very convenient option so we could continue to learn.”

During her study, Vaimaa learned how to apply for jobs and the type of CV that New Zealand employers are looking for. “Gaining my BIT helped support my job hunting,” she says. “I’ve been able to put my new skills to practical use and know how to use a CRM system and do reports in Power BI as analytical tools.”

She now works at EcoChill as an Operations Controller where Vaimaa deals with computers all the time and is enjoying her new role.

“In future I want to extend my IT knowledge and use my knowledge to gain more experience here in New Zealand,” she says.

“AIS is the best. The lecturers are so helpful and you feel like you’re home at all times. It’s very supportive academically, socially and mentally.”

Mike Woolley

Having driven trucks on New Zealand roads for over two decades, Mike Woolley plans to put his new master’s degree in IT to good use and eventually find a niche job in the transport industry.

The Auckland father of five first discovered AIS by researching IT programmes on the internet. He was offered a scholarship for his first year and liked the idea of the small class sizes on offer.

“I first started at AIS in 2015, studying towards the Bachelor of Information Technology. During my final year I found out that the following year they were offering the Postgraduate Diploma in Information Technology, so I decided to continue my study in the new programme on the research pathway. I knew there would be a master’s degree offered the final year, and I wanted to study under Dr Mike Watts specifically. I now hold a Master of Information Technology specialising in Artificial Intelligence.”

Mike says he greatly admired Dr Watts. “He challenged me and helped me develop the skills I needed to accomplish my academic goals. He also encouraged me to seek answers and figure things out for myself. We also shared very similar interests academically. I have a great deal of respect for him, and now consider him a friend as well as a teacher and mentor.”

Mike was awarded a Māori scholarship for his final year of study and was named valedictorian when he first graduated in 2018. He then went on to achieve very high grades during his post-graduate and master’s studies.

He says the support he received throughout his time at AIS was exceptional. “I faced a number of personal and study challenges during my five years at AIS. With the support of the head of programme and some of the other lecturers, I was able to work through the difficulties and ultimately succeed.”

Having completed his master’s research on the use of Evolving Connectionist Systems in Distributed and Federated Learning, Mike plans to embark on a PhD in the near future. His current AIS qualification has already helped him secure full-time employment.

“I am currently working in transport operations at Booth's Group Auckland. This role involves operations administration, freight control, transport planning, and customer service. Once I have my PhD, I hope to find a niche role in the transport industry leveraging both my IT skills and my transport knowledge.”

Overall, Mike says AIS is a great place to study with really good support systems. “And the IT programme stands up to any other programme in the country.”

Kazuhisa Yamashita

Having worked as a barista in Australia and Auckland for several years, Kazu Yamashita could speak a little bit of English. But not enough to confidently embark on a diploma or bachelor degree programme of study.

Now the 32 year-old, who is originally from Japan, is studying a Bachelor of Information Technology at AIS, having first completed a New Zealand Certificate in English Language over four months in late 2020.

The Level 4 programme is designed to equip students with the listening, speaking, reading and writing skills necessary in English to then successfully undertake a full-time tertiary programme in New Zealand.

“Once you pass NZCEL, the certificate from this course proves your English level,” Kazu explains. “So you can then enter university or other courses elsewhere, depending on which level of NZCEL you take.

Kazu first heard about AIS and their English Language Centre from a Japanese agent. “I was looking for schools so I could change my career and for my visa.

“Most of the students in my NZCEL course had a similar purpose to my own for studying, so it was so easy to make good relationships with them and help each other. It made my time in this course so enjoyable. My teacher was so nice. He was very helpful and kind whenever I went to see him to ask some questions.”

Kazu is now interested in becoming a software developer in future. “Because if you have a skill, you can get a job anywhere, not only in New Zealand. My goal is to become a software developer and make my life more stable.”

Kazu has no hesitation in recommending AIS to prospective students who want to improve their English language skills. “There are so many students you can be friends with who come from various countries. New Zealand is a country mixed with lots of cultures. When you get a job, you will get an opportunity to work with people from all over the world. So it is really good to study with many international students.

“This school is also very affordable as they offer many courses at a much lower cost than university. They have a dormitory on their campus as well, so you do not have to worry about your accommodation.”

Helen Tran

With a passion for marketing and a desire to complete an MBA, Helen Tran decided to enroll in AIS’ New Zealand Certificate in English Language (Level 5) to prepare for the academic journey ahead.

The 28 year-old is originally from Vietnam, and her husband was a previous AIS student. “I got the recommendation from him. There was very good service from the marketing team and the course fee was suitable for my budget,” Helen explains.

She began her NZCEL studies in February 2021 and just five months later was ready to tackle her MBA.

“Before I took the NZCEL course, I thought it would be boring. However, the NZCEL level 5 course was an interesting experience and very useful, especially for a student who plans to take an MBA course like me,” Helen says.

“What impressed me most about this course was the quality of the instructors’ teaching and the interesting learning materials. For example, I learned and practised writing assignments with an academic style and how to do references properly. I also enjoyed the speaking practise hours, group discussions, and presentations. My skimming skills to summarise an article, journal or listen to details have also improved significantly after this course.”

Thanks to the skills Helen learned in her NZCEL, she confidently completed all her MBA course assignments in her own words and correctly referenced. She also received positive feedback on the quality of her assignments and presentations from her lecturers.

“I apply almost all the skills I learned at the NZCEL level 5 course to my MBA and my work, such as the ability to skim, read, and grasp ideas quickly, professional writing skills, and efficient group discussions when working as a team.”

The qualification has also made her transition into the workforce much easier. She is now working for a furniture retailer and pursuing her marketing dream.

“Thanks to the skills I learned from AIS, I am more confident when writing my CV and cover letter and interviewing by phone, online, and face-to-face. In particular, the presentation skills I practised in this course helped me present my proposal and portfolio professionally and attractively.”

Hyunhee Park

Beginning a new life in New Zealand with three young sons takes courage and determination and studying in a truly multicultural environment made the transition easier for Hyunhee Park.

The 42 year-old arrived from South Korea in January 2019 so her children could attend school in an English-speaking country. She too decided to pursue further study and enrolled in a Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration at AIS.

“It was an amazing experience to meet people with diverse cultural backgrounds,” she says.

Hyunhee says her course was quite intensive but she learned a lot academically and culturally. “It was my first year in New Zealand and I didn’t know anyone and had almost no information about Auckland. However, the people I met at AIS were the main source of information I needed. We were all in the same boat at the very beginning of life here in New Zealand.”

AIS timetable really appealed to Hyunhee who had to fit study around her family’s needs. Most of her course work took place at weekends, and her exams were held on weekday evenings. “In addition, the AIS faculty members were industry professionals in their teaching subjects so they had plenty of real life experience to learn from.”

Studying business was an eye-opening experience and prepared Hyunhee to enter the New Zealand workforce. AIS support staff helped her put together a CV and she now works at Matrix Traffic and Transport Data in a business development role. “Most of the course work I have taken at AIS is helpful and of practical use. I now have a good understanding of overall business operations and I can better communicate with our accounts team thanks to my finance courses.”

Hyunhee plans to continue studying and one day complete a PhD in Business. “If you are looking for a job or planning to live here, I would recommend AIS because it will help you to be better prepared and enhance your confidence in all areas of your new start in New Zealand.”

Francis Nillas

Francis Nillas is proud to now work at the Park Hyatt Auckland – one of the city’s most prestigious hotels – thanks to the hospitality management skills he learned at AIS.

The 37 year-old is working fulltime as a Guest Services Officer and had been supervising a butler team at St Regis Doha in Qatar before enrolling at AIS.

“The communication with AIS was very smooth despite me being in another country at the time I was applying,” Francis says. “I love the fact they really reached out to me overseas.

“I enjoyed studying at AIS because I felt I was given a chance to show my creativity, talent and skills, and I learned a lot. I made friends not just with fellow students but also with my teachers and other AIS employees.”

Francis received two Academic Excellence Awards during his second and third trimesters, making him feel as though his hard work had paid off. “My teachers gave us opportunities to shine whenever we had group presentations.” Guest speakers from New Zealand businesses also gave Francis a good sense of direction as to where to find work after graduation.

“I highly recommend AIS for the quality of teaching and the very laid-back environment. Everybody was so friendly and the willingness of the school to support and help students with what they are going through is also another positive thing that I would like to highlight.”

“You will find all the support you need to be able to perform well with your studies. The care that they have shown us during this pandemic is also something worth mentioning. AIS was able to respond quickly and plan ahead from this unexpected problem related to COVID-19 without jeopardising our studies.”

Francis, who is originally from the Philippines, plans to continue developing his hospitality career and hopes to become a hotel manager one day and run his own hospitality business.

Aparna Menon

Aparna Menon understands that knowledge is power and says AIS’ holistic curriculum and practical based learning helped boost her confidence and ultimately secure a job at KiwiRail as a Revenue Analyst.

The 43 year-old had previously worked as a Business Unit controller/Finance Manager at Capgemini in Mumbai, India, before deciding to study overseas in 2019.

“I wanted to study MBA finance in Auckland at a reasonable price and AIS ticked all these boxes. The comprehensive course curriculum covered all business and finance subjects which are relevant to today’s markets.

“The course content was holistic and competitive. The faculty was knowledgeable, experienced and extremely supportive. The course structure had a practical edge in terms of presentations, group discussions and research-based assignments. Overall, it was a great learning experience.”

Aparna completed an internship as part of her MBA with a security services company called Platform 4 Group which she organised via her personal contacts.

“The best part of the internship programme was practical exposure to the concepts we learned in AIS finance subjects. Exposure to New Zealand work culture, people interaction and business work methods and processes also added value to my knowledge base. Application of concepts is futile if you do not have effective communication skills and the ability to work alongside your office colleagues.”

During her internship, Aparna went above and beyond her expected duties to help set up a nationwide customer service framework – the inspiration for which came from studying strategy at AIS towards the end of her MBA.

Aparna’s next goal is to become a Finance Business Partner and her advice to other AIS students is to study hard and strive to finish in the top three of your class.

“I would also like to make special mention of the AIS library – a knowledge powerhouse, my comfort zone and power source – for their fantastic collection and the most supportive staff who helped to get the books I needed. And the Business Administration team who relentlessly work to bridge the information flow between the system, faculty and students.”

Lucas Shin

Lucas Shin always strives to be the best in his field and knows that ongoing education and qualifications are crucial in the ever-changing world of IT.

The 45 year-old from Seoul has over 13 years’ experience in IT and previously worked as a security specialist for a major Korean company. After assessing his study options, he moved to New Zealand and enrolled at AIS in 2019.

“I chose AIS because it was high quality and more trustworthy than other private New Zealand institutes,” Lucas says. “They provide free carparking and AIS also has an excellent English Language Centre. It is the best institute for studying English in New Zealand.”

Lucas took on the challenge of a Postgraduate Diploma in Information Technology (PGDIT), specialising in networks and security, which is designed to fill the global skills shortage that exists within the IT sector.

As a Level 8 programme, the PGDIT assignments require a high level of knowledge and experience which Lucas says was extremely helpful to extend himself and improve his own skills.

“Some of my fellow students were excellent and had a lot of experience and knowledge. We helped each other and raised each other’s level of performance,” he says. “We spent the whole night studying and doing assignments together at each other’s homes. It was difficult at the time. But looking back on it now, it was an excellent experience.”

Lucas was impressed by his knowledgeable AIS lecturers and the network lab equipment that was provided. All students are issued with their own laptop and receive free software to support their learning including Microsoft Office 365, Visual Studio and Grammarly subscriptions.

The PGDIT networks and security specialist topic deals with technical issues involved in designing, implementing, administering and securing computer networks. Graduates such as Lucas are then highly employable in the IT sector, having gained advanced technical skills during their study.

"In my case, I have a master's degree, but it's not an IT degree. An AIS Postgraduate Diploma in IT gave me a chance to get an IT job in New Zealand.”

Lucas now works for Cybercraft which specialises in cyber risk resilience and management for New Zealand businesses. He is a security specialist and consults in the areas of continuous assurance, insight and risk assessment. He also develops and manages cybersecurity products.

“You always need to study and acquire new knowledge and skills to survive in the changing IT ecosystem. It is the reality of a person who works in the IT field.”

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.”

Siulua Tokilupe Latu

The thought of going overseas to study in New Zealand excited Siulua Tokilupe Latu and gave her the chance to gain a bachelor’s degree much faster than if she’d stayed in Tonga.

The 31 year-old had previously enrolled with a South Pacific tertiary provider but with only two semesters on offer, and the number of papers she needed to complete to pass high school certificate before even starting undergraduate studies, it was going to take many years before she could graduate and find a meaningful job.

“I was desperate for education so hearing about AIS and that they offer three semesters was great news for me. I was so happy and relieved knowing that I could finish my studies in New Zealand and get a bachelor's degree from AIS quicker than if I studied at home.”

Siulua completed a one year tourism diploma at Tonga Institute of Higher Education (TIHE) before arriving in New Zealand. Receiving full transfer of credits, it then took 18 months to complete her Bachelor of Tourism Management. She says AIS was the “best experience” and the institute's Māori and Pacific Islands (MPI) Association gave her the chance to travel and attend conferences, competitions and leadership programmes around New Zealand.

“The experience I gained from these activities are memorable life lessons. To be part of welcoming different cultures to AIS and catering for them was the best experience I’ve had and taught me key skills about the tourism and hospitality industry.”

She particularly enjoyed studying at the AIS Asquith campus, saying her lecturers, heads of department and even security guards treated her like family. “The support they gave us was friendly and encouraging, especially during after hours study in the lab, exercising at the gym, relaxing at the cafeteria or in the atrium. Everyone was very supportive and caring.”

Siulua’s AIS degree helped her secure a sought-after government job when she returned home to Tonga. She is now a Planning Officer for the Ministry of Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Climate Change and Communications (known as MEIDECC for short). “The experience and skills that AIS taught me through presentation assignments, leadership roles and other opportunities helped. I managed to express myself during the interview and I think that’s why they chose me for a planner.”

Seoyoung (Lily) Yang

Lily Yang knows the hospitality industry can be unpredictable as different guests come and go each day and society’s tastes change. But combining theoretical knowledge with practical work experience has helped her launch her hotelier career.

Originally from South Korea, Lily arrived in New Zealand in 2018 and initially worked part-time as a food and beverage attendant at Auckland’s Crowne Plaza while studying. “I needed a higher level of education to work at a different department such as front office, reservations and sales. While I was looking for an institute, I learned that AIS provides a Level 7 Hospitality Management programme so I registered after consulting the marketing manager.”

AIS is close to Auckland’s CBD which made transport easy, and great facilities such as a library, computer room, fitness centre and cafeteria were also available on site as well as accommodation.

Lily found the curriculum very satisfying. “The tutors’ knowledge and background of the industry were excellent, and it was very attractive to be able to replace one semester with an internship after studying for two semesters.

“Since the proportion of international students was higher than domestic students, there was an atmosphere of caring for each other's culture which helped to improve teamwork. Also, the practical advice on immigration after studying as well as employment was of great help to me.”

The theory Lily learned at AIS allowed her to fully understand her chosen industry. “It helped me think of more efficient and flexible responses whenever there was a problem in the workplace. AIS did its best to expose students to the actual working environment. Some students got job opportunities at hotels they visited through our field trips. AIS understands what students need, and tries to provide them with appropriate education and job opportunities.”

Lily now works as a Guest Service Agent at Four Points by Sheraton in Auckland – a job that requires excellent communication and problem-solving skills. Her future ambition is to manage the entire department as a front office manager within the next five years.

Hospitality is really a study in human behaviour and how to provide a more satisfying service, she explains. “Hospitality and tourism management are not easy majors because people's tastes are always changing. But that is why it is exciting to study, and AIS is a big supporter that provides essential information to students by detecting changes in society sensitively. Therefore, I hope many students will enrol at AIS, study happily and graduate as the best talent.”

Maria Isabel Suarez Jaimes

Colombian teenager Maria Isabel Suarez Jaimes says the best way to learn English is to move to an English-speaking country and just get started. New Zealand was her first choice as it was a safe country and small compared to other options like Australia. After trying a few different language schools, she quickly settled at AIS and now speaks English fluently.

“AIS has different tools. They have a big library where you have access to computers, lots of space and time to study. They also provide Grammarly premium and the teachers are always available to help you if you need anything. You can visit them in their office before or after class. That's something that other courses in New Zealand don’t have.”

The multi-cultural campus was also an advantage as it forced Maria to use the skills she was learning in her level 4 New Zealand Certificate in English Language (NZCEL).

“If you meet someone at AIS you have to speak in English – that's something that doesn’t happen at other tertiary providers because they always have an Argentinian or Chilean or someone there who can speak Spanish.” Maria found the English-only environment really helped improve her language skill. She is now studying a Bachelor of Business and has big dreams for her future.

“I would like to join a big company one day in sales or management where I can learn and improve my skills to get my own business in the future.”

Paloma De Souza

Born into a family of travel experts, there was no doubt that Paloma would one day find herself in a country halfway around the world from her native Brazil. 

Moving to a foreign country to set up a future can be tricky, but Paloma explained that this process was made simple by the team at Auckland Institute of Studies. Before landing in New Zealand, Paloma was in close contact with several members of the AIS team and this gave her the confidence and peace of mind to know everything was taken care of. This supportive environment was a key value for Paloma starting her AIS journey.

“Since my first contact with AIS, I have always got the support I needed. I received all my orientation emails, class schedules, timetables and instructions while I was still in Brazil. As such, I felt very safe and confident to come to New Zealand and study at AIS.”

For Paloma, the Graduate Diploma in Hospitality Management programme at AIS is the perfect stepping stone for a long-term career in New Zealand. Complementing her work as a waitress at the Rendezvous Hotel, Paloma is very confident that what she is learning in the classroom can be translated easily into her employment situation. The Hospitality Management programme includes a vast balance of practical and theoretical knowledge - offering field trips, guest speakers and teachers with years of experience - everything that Paloma had hoped for from AIS.

“It is really good to be able to complete my studies in one year, rather than two or three years. However, we still have a whole variety of opportunities to learn about the hospitality industry and get more experience at the same time.”

Paloma noted that the Graduate Diploma in Hospitality Management is also great as it is NZQA-approved. This means it is well-respected in the New Zealand employment sector and is a good marker on Paloma’s CV.

As such, Paloma believes it will set her in good stead once she graduates.

“My plans are to establish myself in New Zealand and build a good career in the hospitality industry.”

Richard Perillo

As a former university lecturer in the Philippines, Richard Perillo has high standards when it comes to tertiary study. Prior to arriving in New Zealand in July 2018, he spent 13 years working as a lawyer and a decade as a criminal law and business law lecturer. He decided to enrol with AIS after attending an immigration seminar with a view to furthering his career overseas.

While completing his PGDBA, Richard received an AIS Sustained Academic Excellence Award and became an International Student Ambassador – helping to promote the general welfare and safety of international students in Auckland.

“Studying at AIS had been one of the best experiences I had in terms of education. Our lecturers were not only supportive of the students but were all highly qualified and experts in their respective fields. There was never a dull moment in class discussions as the topics and reading materials were amplified by real-life illustrations gained from the lecturers’ own professional experiences.”

Assignments and assessments required critical thinking and Richard says he “drastically matured” during the course of his studies.

Studying in a multi-cultural setting was initially a challenge as students naturally stuck to their respective ethnic groups. “However, AIS had already anticipated this situation and had integrated into our curriculum significant methods that helped us, among others, understand and adapt to the differences among cultural groups. Eventually, there was fusion and harmony among our class and we became a team.”

Richard says his AIS qualification has given him greater self-confidence to thrive in today’s globally competitive market by improving his networking and marketing skills.

The 40 year-old is now working at the New Zealand Translation Centre International doing legal interpreting for cases assigned by the Ministry of Justice. He continues to study so he can resume practising law and become a barrister and solicitor in New Zealand’s High Court.

“The importance of having a high-quality education cannot be overemphasised. It is a two-way process that necessitates a partnership between a student and a reputable and capable educational institution. Accordingly, the best decision is to invest with a proven partner in the industry that delivers success. In this regard, you will never take risks if you choose AIS.”

Aditya Gupta

Aditya completed his Level 6 Diploma in Hospitality Operations Management at AIS in May 2014. Today he works full-time at Skycity in VIP Gaming Services as a food and beverage gaming attendant serving Platinum and Black status players at EIGHT, Platinum Room and VIP Black.

“My parents always wanted me to be a doctor, but back in the days I used to imagine this glamorous world of hospitality whenever I used to go to fancy hotels. That’s what I wanted to do. And they supported me. It’s just that I’m a people person. I love people.”

Aditya is originally from Jammu and Kashmir, India. Having finished school he moved to Aurangabad to study for BA (Honours) in Hotel Management at the Institute of Hotel Management (IHM-A). Two years into the course he felt it wasn’t right.

“I always wanted to go abroad and study. I wanted to go to an environment which was a little laid back and allowed me to do what I really wanted to do.”

New Zealand was an easy choice due to his agent’s recommendation, family consensus and further research:

“The more I discovered about New Zealand, the more I realised that this is where I really wanted to go: there’s a bit of wilderness, not too much noise, and it’s laidback. 

“Now for the same price I’m actually getting overseas experience.”

Aditya originally enrolled at AIS in May 2014 to study Bachelor of Hospitality Management. Two weeks into his course at AIS he got picked up by SkyCity.

“My roommate applied at SkyCity through the SkyCity Careers website, he had been working there for a few months when I moved in. He asked me 'why don’t you try?'

“I went to the AIS Student Job Search Centre for help with my CV. It was really quick and I came out quite organised. Even though I didn’t have New Zealand work experience, my CV clearly said exactly what I’ve done in the past and it matched what they were looking for at the time.”

Aditya got two scholarships in his two years at AIS; Academic Merit and Academic Excellence.

“It was the best thing I ever had! I had never got scholarships in my life before!”

At the end of his second year he took the Level 6 Diploma qualification as an exit route from BHM to allow for more hours at SkyCity.

“As a bartender I attend the niche market of SkyCity. Our main objective is host responsibility. We are the only place in New Zealand where alcohol is served 24/7 right now and we have been trained in a very professional manner on how to treat guests. At times there is zero tolerance even if you spend 100 million dollars.”

We asked Aditya if his studies at AIS relate to his current position at SkyCity.

“Of course! In a lot of ways. Specifically, food and beverage service operations, and food and beverage management. Both are similar to what I am doing right now.

“Business Communication gave me a lot of confidence. I never used to think I had good enough English to communicate. I now work with people from many nationalities – for some, eye contact is okay, some not – that’s what I was taught, and also how to maintain relationships with colleagues.

“I can relate to a lot of subjects, but it happens within a flick of a second. Hospitality is not all about the books.

“My marketing lecturer was straight forward with how things actually work in the real environment, outside of the books. And the Academic Head of Programme also gave us advice on how to climb the hierarchy ladder and how things actually work in the real world. He knows his stuff.”

We asked Aditya if he would recommend AIS.

“I would certainly recommend AIS! AIS helped me develop and gave me independence.

“This country has given me a lot. Every morning I wake up and there’s always some plan of action – I never used to know what my timetable was for the day, but now I have a very organised life.”

Aditya is planning to complete his Bachelor Degree in the near future.

“I need my degree. It means something. And thanks to my diploma and job at SkyCity, I will pay for it with my own money. I’ve got part of it saved up already.”

“I want to be a manager and eventually I want to own my own restaurant.”

Mi Kyung Ryu

Ask most people around the world where the Lord of the Rings saga was filmed and many would be able to identify New Zealand. Not only did the film series put the New Zealand film industry on the map, it also helped to attract international students with a passion for film to our shores, with Ryu being a great example.

Unfortunately for Ryu, the New Zealand film industry is quite small so finding full time employment proved difficult. After nearly 12 months of part-time work and job searching, Ryu decided to switch her focus from film to IT. As a growing industry, there are positive opportunities to gain experience and earn good money as well.

AIS ticked all the boxes for Ryu, including the opportunity to join earlier thanks to the institute’s three-semester structure. Ryu found the GDIT very beneficial to her learning and welcomed the smaller class sizes compared to other universities. This allowed her to engage with tutors on a personal level and absorb key information about system analysis, databases, database engineering and design.

“I would recommend AIS if you are really determined, if you really know where you are going and if you have your goals set already.”

After her graduation, Ryu began working as a test analyst for Gentrack - a business that produces software for the utility industry across the globe. While moving from the film industry to the IT sector is a massive shift, the experience she is gaining with Gentrack is invaluable, initially working on a water billing program solution in Fiji.

“I haven’t been in an office environment before. In the film industry people are running around, yelling and I’m used to it, but here people talk very quiet and they use formal language.”

Ryu is confident that the GDIT course content will stand her in good stead in the IT sector moving forward, and she urges future students to work hard during their time at AIS.

“Don’t just rely on the papers you study; you’ve got to learn as much as you can. Use YouTube and other sources, and go to seminars or join an association. I’m a member of IITP so I can learn things from industry leaders.”

Bruce Huo

A key factor for me in choosing the MBA programme was the industry-experienced lecturers that are both local and international, something that is rarely seen in many MBA programmes.

An academically good education from New Zealand universities and polytechnics was something I knew to expect, but I wanted more. AIS offered me a dynamic learning environment that supported, encouraged and challenged me.

I came to New Zealand from China with a formal qualification and successfully established my own small internet café business. However, I found that my business knowledge and way of critical thinking needed to be expanded to further my career. The industry knowledge, practical skills and behaviour that I learned while studying here all helped me to find employment in New Zealand, and I am using these skills in my role as a counsellor for a leading education and immigration agency. As a result of my journey with AIS I would strongly recommend students studying there as they will get a quality education.

Kenji Murakami

The Internship
After completing his MBA qualification at AIS, Kenji Murakami was the first student to complete the newly introduced AIS MBA Internship Pathway Programme working at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), one of the world’s largest auditing firms. During his internship, Kenji worked as part of the Financial Risk management team at PwC. With over 10 years experience in an actuary role back in Japan, Kenji was delighted at the opportunity to work with the PwC Financial Risk management team as this allowed him to gain valuable insights into an actuary role in New Zealand as well as broaden his industry contacts within his field.

“During my internship with PwC, I was able to acquire a lot of knowledge about the actuarial regulation in New Zealand and my role in the team also allowed me to meet with a lot of other actuaries, including the President of the New Zealand Society of Actuaries (NZSA).”

The NZSA is the professional body for actuaries practising in New Zealand and is currently made up of around 300 members. Membership with the NZSA is very exclusive and can usually only be attained through an existing member’s recommendation. Kenji is currently awaiting confirmation to join as a member of the NZSA with recommendation from the President of the NZSA.

One of the major highlights for Kenji while working at PwC was being able to gain New Zealand working experience, which he feels is an important criteria when looking for a job in New Zealand. He believes the work experience attained during his internship will serve to increase his job opportunities here in New Zealand.

MBA programme
Kenji enjoyed doing the MBA programme at AIS and feels that the programme is able to provide him with the managerial skills and knowledge required to help further his career in his field.

“All the lecturers were so wonderful that my learning process was always highly stimulated. They answered my questions respectfully, they provided effective case studies for learning practically in their lectures, and they provided appropriate feedback of my assignment to me.”

With an impressive CV from working with one of the world’s largest auditing firm and credible references from his internship, there is no doubt we will be catching up with Kenji again soon to chat about his next role here in New Zealand!

Ramandeep Kaur

Ramandeep Kaur was a successful businesswoman back in India, so Raman already had all the experience needed to be successful, but breaking into the New Zealand workforce was another matter. 

Ramandeep found that the business administration programme at AIS offered her the opportunity for real world success in the form of an internship. With the help of the Student Careers Centre, Raman gained an internship as a consulting assistant for a recruitment agency, and she now values how study in New Zealand helped her cross not only countries, but also cultures when it came to living, working and studying in a new location.

“The PGDBA covers most of the important topics going into the New Zealand market, and the way they teach is also important, because it gives you a perspective of the New Zealand market, operations in New Zealand, strategic management in New Zealand - everything is pertaining to this market. The courses are very descriptive and detailed, covering all aspects that one needs to know if one wants to work here.”

That has certainly worked in Raman’s favour. Following her internship and the conclusion of her one-year programme, she secured a permanent position at the same recruitment agency as her internship. That experience, along with her Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration, was seen as a foundation stepping stone to where Raman is now.

Anna Medvedeva

From one extreme to another, Anna certainly travelled a long way to study at AIS. Born in Siberia, in northern Russia, she always knew that she wanted to explore new countries and seek new adventures. It was a copy of the AIS prospectus that she spotted at a Russian agency for international studies that caught her eye and set her on her journey abroad.

Anna considered a few options, including Europe, Canada and Australia, but she had a particular interest in New Zealand having known of friends who had emigrated and made a life for themselves here.

“I was interested in New Zealand because I knew that I’d be allowed to work while studying part-time here. I knew I could get a job here and support myself.”

For Anna, being able to work and study at the same time were her key priorities. She already had a five-year bachelor degree in economics from the St Petersburg State University of Economics and Finance, and she wasn’t just starting out in her career. She knew there were opportunities abroad and was curious about how she could use her existing experience.

“I now work for ANZ Bank as a relationship services manager in commercial banking, helping clients to structure their financing. I started as a commercial services officer – or bank teller, as we used to call them – in 2008. I’ve always worked at the bank while completing my MBA.”

Along with being keen to use her overseas education and experience, Anna knew early on that she would have to gain New Zealand work experience and education in order to move up through the company.

“Work experience is not enough. To be promoted at the bank you need to have a degree in finance or accounting, and education is a big part of how high up you can go.”

Anna believes her AIS MBA has been a key part of where she is now in her career. Her role is in commercial banking, working with clients that have revenue turnover between one and five million dollars, helping to structure their financing. It is a position that enables her to combine all of her experience in marketing and customer service, along with her formal education in economics and business.

 “AIS was the best choice for me. It was affordable and I didn’t have to pay for textbooks. The MBA programme structure is really well designed and it enabled me to work while I studied. And most importantly, the teachers are amazing – their biggest asset if you ask me.”

Ismail Fasi Mohammed

Applying classroom knowledge to real businesses
With a background in the service industry for close to seven years, Fasi has undertaken a Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration (PGDBA) at AIS in order to further his knowledge of how the service industry in New Zealand operates. Managing the business, while studying for a PGDBA, has given Fasi the chance to put theory into practice.

“The PGDBA programme at AIS has helped me to understand customer behaviour and gain practical knowledge into the New Zealand service industry.”

AIS PGDBA knowledge is essential
Fasi notes that many of the courses in the PGDBA programme have been relevant to managing the business in Auckland. To name a few, he mentions that he enjoys th Services Marketing course as it serves to provide insight on how best to market the restaurant in Auckland. He is also particularly interested in the Managing Information and Technology course as he agrees with the premise emphasising the importance of utilising social media and Information technology when running a competitive business.

AIS PGDBA programme
So what does Fasi have to say about studying for a PGDBA at AIS?

“AIS PGDBA has helped me to manage Paradise efficiently and effectively and most importantly be able to yield profits.”

We are delighted that Fasi has chosen AIS to further his studies and we wish him all the best with growing the business!

Emmanuel Ramos Ortile

Emmanuel Ramos Ortile arrived in New Zealand, no stranger to starting afresh in an unfamiliar country. As a born and raised native Filipino, New Zealand is Emmanuel’s fourth country - he’s already worked for 12 years at multinational companies in both Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.

What did New Zealand have to offer him? Well, for Emmanuel, he was hoping to just complete his postgraduate studies. Having accomplished his previous education with no major issues, he assumed that study in New Zealand wouldn’t be too different.

Emmanuel tells us what his first day at AIS was like - upon attending his first course, the professor turned around and blatantly announced that he was not there to hand out diplomas. He went on to explain to the class that, instead, his job was to teach, train and cultivate skills within these students, so they were all prepped for real-life situations in the working industry.

This changed Emmanuel’s mentality about study - he could see the passion and purpose that upheld the foundations of AIS.

“It was already a sign that the school is committed to maximising the potential of its students to the point of excellence.” 

Emmanuel was amazed at the highly-skilled talents of the lecturers who taught him - they were some of the best experts of their respective industries, with doctorates under their belt, and many were also passing on their knowledge to bright-eyed students like Emmanuel across universities in New Zealand.

He recalls them laying out the most complex of lessons in the simplest of terms, just by using real-life examples from their experience in the workforce. Their approach to teaching was more than just reciting a textbook, but rather, focussed on how these students could build these skills and apply the information learnt to life in their respective industries - this made for both interesting and relevant learning.

“They will challenge your views, not to embarrass you, but to teach you to deviate from your linear thinking. And this had been a great source of improvement in the way I perceive my work now, and my life in general.”

He recounts how, even though with many years of prior experience, AIS taught him that he still had plenty to learn. This helped him to start not just a career, but also a life in New Zealand, as well as build up key skills needed to help with the transition from studying into the country’s workplace.

Currently, Emmanuel works as an Accounting Professional for Robert Walters NZ, Grand Winner of HR Asia Recruitment Awards 2015, and one of the largest specialist recruitment consultants in the world with 30 years of operations in 25 countries.

 To date, Emmanuel still considers AIS the “pinnacle of his educational journey” - an investment that he highly recommends to others.

Cristian Sequera

It's a long way from Teusaquillo, Bogota to Auckland, New Zealand but AIS Colombian Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration (PGDBA) student Cristian Sequera has made his stay in New Zealand a family affair.

Cristian studied his first degree in International Affairs at the prestigious Universidad del Rosario in Bogota. After completing a graduate diploma in management, Cristian worked for Bancafe and later Davivienda banks in various finance and project management roles.

However, his focus has always been on overseas study. A desire to seek a more international outlook for his young family, along with a top quality education in an English language speaking country, sparked a search for education opportunities abroad.  After narrowing the search down to Norway, Australia, Canada and New Zealand, he finally decided to come to Auckland, due to the good quality of life, low costs by comparison to the other countries and excellent climate.

Cristian discovered that as a postgraduate student in New Zealand his family could accompany him on his studies, and although the process of obtaining visas for himself, his wife and two kids was daunting initially, once complete the applications were approved in only three days. 

On arrival in Auckland the family were impressed by the multicultural nature of Auckland, something not so evident in Colombia. Their first impression of the city was one of tranquility and calm - and a relaxed life style. 

Cristian is enjoying his studies on the AIS PGDBA, and the fact that the courses are studied over the weekend allows him more time to devote to family life during the week. His eldest son Tomas (9) is currently attending Parnell District Primary School, while youngest son Martin (3) is at a local Kindergarten. Wife, Erika is a psychologist, has an open work visa and is currently attending English classes downtown. The family live in a comfortable apartment in the city, close to all transport links.

Despite the huge challenge of organising a major life change for himself and his family, Cristian is very happy with AIS and progress made so far. 

“AIS is a well organised, responsible and multicultural institute. People are extremely kind and disposed to help. The MBA, marketing and administration team are excellent, and the teachers with their mix of practical experience and industry connections have a perfect background for teaching.”

With his excellent background in finance, project management and compliance, including experience working with the US Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA), on graduation with an AIS PGDBA Cristian’s employment prospects in Auckland are excellent; and we wish him and his family Real World Success in their new lives in New Zealand.

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.

Kaixu (Emma) Sun

In New Zealand we certainly love our coffee and our café culture. Emma is a great example of how this can open doors of opportunity that you may never have imagined.

Coming from China in 2009 to gain overseas education, Emma is now a manager of a Columbus Coffee café in central Auckland. She manages six staff members along with all the day-to-day operations of a busy hospitality venue.

Emma completed her BHM in 2014 and credits her AIS studies as a key factor in her rapid progression from part-time barista, to supervisor and now manager.

“In the AIS programme we learned not just the theory of hospitality management – we were also given the opportunity to practise what we learned. For example, as part of our food and beverage paper, we had the option to organise a function. We had to calculate the budget, decide the menu, prepare gifts, and work with the kitchen staff to plan the menu. It was full-on, just like real life.”

When asked why Emma chose AIS, her answer comes easily. “The AIS bachelor programme includes so many aspects of a hospitality career. We studied marketing, accounting, customer services, and employment. These are all things I need to know in my role as a manager now.”

Having studied other programmes in New Zealand when she first arrived, including foundation studies and early childhood education, Emma was pleased to learn that she could cross-credit some of her completed studies and shorten her length of time in the classroom.

“At AIS I was able to complete my studies quicker and get to work sooner. Not only that, but my studies and my work experience also helped me get a six-month internship position with Hyatt Hotels.”

With all of this under her belt in such a short period of time, Emma has only just started. She has plans next to pursue studies at the master’s level in hospitality management.

Hao Sun

My journey into the IT industry started at AIS. The quality and practical aspects of the programme were the reasons I chose to study the Bachelor of Information Technology.

The programme offered me a great opportunity to gain in-depth knowledge and understanding of how the IT industry affects society, and practical skills in the IT field. The knowledge and skills I gained at AIS helped me develop confidence, which in turn enabled me to secure a good position with one of the most promising IT companies in Auckland.

I currently work as a developer for BuzzTasker Ltd and my job responsibilities range from the presentation layer using JavaScript, jQuery and Ajax, to server coding with C#, ASP.NET and ADO.NET, plus database design and development. As a result of my studies at AIS, we have created a web-based application: www.buzzTasker.co.nz.

A large part of my success can be attributed to my lecturers who were very supportive throughout my studies at AIS.

Rieko Sugimoto

Rieko completed her Graduate Diploma in Information Technology at AIS in December 2010. She is currently working as a software engineer at a large New Zealand-based software development company, Olympic Software. Rieko is involved in developing a complex online platform for Countdown Supermarkets as part of a long-term collaboration between Olympic Software, Woolworths Australia and Progressive Enterprises. Rieko had no prior experience in software development before she enrolled at AIS.

Rieko originally studied Law at Chuo University in Tokyo, Japan. Shortly after graduating she took a position in sales at Mitsubishi UFJ Nikos (now part of Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group), a large Japanese credit company. Three years later Rieko changed jobs to work as a project manager for Yahoo Japan. This role brought her closer to IT, but not as a developer.

Due to the nature of her role, Rieko often worked twelve hours a day, five days a week; sometimes she worked extra on the weekends. This put a lot of stress on her and her husband.

“The Japanese work environment is very stressful. We go to work around 10am and you go back home around 10-11pm Monday to Friday. Sometimes you need to work more than that. It's a lot of stress.”

During her fifth year at Yahoo Japan, Rieko started to seriously consider moving overseas in search of a better work environment. Having found the U.S. too strict, Canada too cold and Australia too big, she settled on New Zealand as the most beautiful and serene destination. Auckland, being the largest city in New Zealand, seemed like a good place to stay.

Looking to start a career in software development, Rieko enrolled at AIS in September 2009 to study GDIT via the English for Academic Purposes Stage II (EAP II) pathway.

AIS was the only tertiary education provider she could find with a native Japanese counsellor on campus and this helped her gain the confidence to speak English. The twelve weeks she spent in the EAP class helped her learn to write academic English. Rieko passed the internal English test at AIS and went on to study for GDIT.

“The GDIT is short and after graduating I could get a post-study work visa. It’s good to study just one year and get offered a work visa.

“I wanted to do the GDIT and learn about software development and then change my career to a developer. I studied law but luckily with the GDIT, it doesn’t matter what you’ve study previously.”

Thanks to her GDIT, Rieko achieved a deeper understanding of IT and learned to take a structural approach to development.

“I had never studied IT before; I kind of learned through work experience. After finishing the GDIT, I can think about it more deeply. It’s good to learn about databases. This was a very good turning point for me. After the databases class, I think about database structure before programming.”

Rieko applied for a software engineer position at Olympic Software towards the end of her final semester at AIS. One month and two interviews later she joined as a full-time staff member. Later in the year, Olympic Software supported her application for permanent residency. Rieko then supported her husband’s application. Both now live in Auckland and work full-time as developers.

“If you try hard, you can get a lot from this GDIT programme.”

Dmitriy Sabitov

Dmitriy completed his Graduate Diploma in Information Technology (Software Development) at AIS in December 2011. He now works as a junior developer at Foster Moore, a dedicated registry development company based in Auckland.

Dmitriy received a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Perm State University, Russia, in 2009 and spent the next 2 years working as a tester for Prognoz, an international business intelligence software vendor. While at Prognoz, he worked on several high-profile projects for large organisations such as the World Bank, the World Health Organization, and 3M. At the same time Dmitriy was also studying for his master’s degree. Early in 2010, realising his growth potential within the IT industry, Dmitriy started to look for opportunities overseas.

“My city was not enough for me, I wanted something more. I wanted a change of environment and my parents gave me a chance to go overseas.”

New Zealand was an easy choice due to the country’s booming IT sector, easy-going lifestyle and unique environment.

“I was confident I’d get a job in New Zealand: I’ve got experience from Russia and I knew I’m quite capable in what I’m doing.”

“New Zealand is way more relaxed. I like the lifestyle. It’s a very easy-going country and that’s what I really like in here; that and of course the nature.”

Dmitriy was looking to start a career in software development and needed a relatively short and a practical course:

“I needed something which will specialise me in development, in a year.”

Having visited the offices of his local agent in Russia, Dmitriy had a choice of 4 Auckland education providers.

”I chose AIS. One reason was price. AIS was also much more practical. I just haven’t really seen anything as appropriate for me as in AIS.”

The next year Dmitriy spent learning a specific set of practical skills required to start a successful career in software development:

“I learned test cases. I’ve never done them in my previous job. The first couple of months at Foster Moore I was just doing test cases. Also I learned databases. I’ve had 4 subjects in databases. That definitely helped me because now I’m working as a developer and I always work with views and indexes. And of course OOP, object-oriented programming, I got it all from there. That was the reason why I chose AIS – because I really wanted to learn some skills.”

Dmitriy finished his GDIT in late 2011.  After a short trip back to Russia he set out to find employment within the IT sector: it only took a month.

“I got a list of all IT companies in New Zealand and sent them emails. Foster Moore was one of the first to respond. I came to the interview and almost immediately I was hired into a full-time permanent role.”

Dmitriy has now settled into his permanent role at Foster Moore, got his New Zealand residency and is looking to further specialize in software development.

Would Dmitriy recommend AIS?

“Yes, for sure. Especially if you need a specialisation and you already know what you want, then AIS would be a good choice. Good value for money and good quality. AIS gives you enough knowledge and a good degree to find a job.”

Kalolaine Sikuvea

Kalolaine completed her Bachelor of Tourism Management at AIS in December 2012 and currently works at Pasifika Consulting, an Auckland-based employment support agency, as an employment placement officer.

Originally from Nuku’alofa, Tonga, Kalolaine first got a taste of New Zealand education at a young age, while studying at Auckland Girls Grammar School. She later returned to Tonga and worked full-time as a check-in agent at Fua’amotu International Airport; this was her first ever job and her first exposure to customer service. While working at the airport, Kalolaine studied evenings at the University of South Pacific to complete her Diploma in Management Studies. To add to the busy schedule, it was around this time that she also started a family.

Having worked in customer service for four years, and having gained her management qualification, Kalolaine moved on to work as an office administrator for Nautilus Minerals Tonga, an underwater mineral exploration company headquartered in Toronto, Canada. Two years later, on work leave, she took her family to New Zealand for a vacation.

“That’s when we started thinking. We decided to continue on with my studies to have a better future not only for myself, but for my children and my family.”

Kalolaine enrolled at AIS in May 2011 by cross-crediting her previous qualification from the University of South Pacific. Her husband came along and worked in New Zealand to support her studies paying by instalments; the kids stayed back in Tonga and were looked after by her family. It wasn’t easy.

“I didn’t know I was going to make it. It was hard financially and emotionally.

“The supportive environment at AIS helped me strive and succeed in my studies; and thinking of my kids and my background is what encouraged me to do well.”

She studied BTM for one and a half years instead of the regular three thanks to cross credits.

“It was a good experience for me. I had previous customer service experience, but studying the BTM helped me develop my skills further. It enabled me to work better with customers and unlock my full potential.”

Upon graduating, Kalolaine began her search for work. This didn’t last long. Her cousin recommended that she apply for a position at Pasifika Consulting.

“I said, well, I’ll just give it a try.

“They called me the next day and told me to come in for an interview.”

She passed the interview stage. The next step was to give a presentation. Luckily, Kalolaine already had a lot of experience at AIS.

“I didn’t expect to have to give a presentation, but it was easy for me because of what I’d learned at AIS. 

“It was the highlight of my interview. They hadn’t seen anyone with the skills and confidence that I had when I presented, and I got the job.

“When I talked with the interviewers later, they said most people who come for an interview don’t do well at the presentation stage. But AIS equipped me well with what I needed to know.”

Six months into her employment, Kalolaine asked the company to help her with a job offer.

“The answer I got was yes. I could do it straight away. I got my residency before my job search visa expired."

Her husband also has a stable job and now their two children have joined them in New Zealand.

“Now that I’m here, all the hard work has been worth it.”

Anandita Danaatmadja

Being able to apply skills acquired from a degree towards a fulfilling job is something that many people aim to achieve. For Anandita Danaatmadja - also known as Nandy - that’s exactly what he accomplished. Nandy is the current North Island Regional Operations Manager, for the New Zealand branch of Magic Memories, a tourism photography business. In this industry, Nandy has flourished from starting as an intern to now being an experienced regional manager.

After some thorough research into studies for tourism, Nandy found AIS to be the best bet. He chose it as it’s one of the largest private institutions in New Zealand, and it’s also NZQA-approved. Another bonus was that the graduate diploma spanned only a year - the perfect stepping stone towards a career in the industry.

Looking back on his studies, Nandy holds the supportive environment at AIS in great regard.

“I had a really good lecturer who helped students by drawing on experience and providing tips and tricks on how to work in New Zealand in a real-life situation.”

Nandy especially appreciates the familiarisation visits that the lecturer took them on as part of the degree - glow worm caves and Waiheke Island were two examples, providing a first-hand insight into how tourism in New Zealand operated on a daily basis.

To further emphasise the supportive environment, Nandy considers the short-term industry practice that comprised part of his year-long studies an important module of his diploma. For Nandy, this was completed at Magic Memories, a place where he was working part-time, thus combining work and study in his programme. This industry practice, along with a research module, set up the fundamental knowledge that Nandy needed to understand exactly how a real work environment in New Zealand would be like.

Having achieved his graduate diploma at AIS, Nandy was now able to work full-time. Due to both his work experience at Magic Memories, and the newly-acquired qualification, he was quickly promoted to a managerial position at the Wellington branch.

From there, promotion followed promotion, until his role expanded into the regional manager job he has today. However, Nandy remains completely humble as he talks about his real world success. 

“AIS is some kind of key, to unlock opportunities and doors, to have a career and live in New Zealand. It’s not an easy path, but it’s one of the stepping stones to get there.”

Faisal Aqeel

Originally from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Faisal came to New Zealand as a companion to his sister. The Saudi government awarded his sister a scholarship for higher education studies in New Zealand, and part of the funds covered Faisal’s English studies for one year. Having tried AIS General English for three months, Faisal extended to one year.

The decision to choose New Zealand was made simple:

“I was offered me the opportunity to go to New Zealand. If you want a good job, study in New Zealand because New Zealand universities are very, very good.”

Faisal chose AIS for himself and his sister after a recommendation from friends.

“All my friends told me – if you want good English language in New Zealand, go to AIS.

“There are not many Saudi students at AIS. In the city there are lots of Saudi students. They all speak Arabic, all the time. But students at AIS come from different countries – everyone speaks English everywhere.”

Faisal and his sister live with a homestay family close to AIS. Both are enjoying their stay in New Zealand.

“I have a best friend who is Kiwi. The New Zealand weather is nice, the people are friendly, nice shopping and … everywhere I go, everything is good. I like staying in New Zealand. The first three months I felt sad, but now I don’t want to go to any other country.”

Martin Blayney

Martin is a proud Kiwi who, after a couple of years teaching overseas, is happy to be home working in New Zealand. He is currently a full-time elementary-level teacher at the New Zealand Institute of Science and Technology. His students encompass a broad range of nationalities, ranging in age from their 20s to their 70s, so every day is varied and exciting.

This variety suits his high-energy, enthusiastic style of teaching that Martin developed teaching for two years in Japan. He had been fascinated by the Japanese language and culture since secondary school, and subsequently earned his Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in English and Japanese at the University of Auckland.

Teaching for the first time overseas, Martin admits, “Teaching overseas was overwhelming. It was largely trial and error as it was my first teaching job. This was before I studied at AIS. I wish I had done my CertTESOL before I went to Japan.”

When he returned from teaching in Japan, Martin’s studies at AIS gave him a huge amount of experience teaching in the classroom before venturing out into the workforce. “In the CertTESOL programme at AIS, every week we were teaching anywhere from 10 to 30 students. We then got feedback and suggestions for improvement from our peers and from three tutors. So there was lots of opportunity to learn and improve.”

When he did start applying for work, it was AIS on his CV that got the attention of his current employer. “They saw that I had studied at AIS and knew straight away that I had enough practical experience.”

“AIS was a great place for me to further my studies as I could start right away. I also had a huge amount of teamwork and support from the other students and the teachers when things got busy and stressful. And the institute has a great reputation with employers. As a result I have been able to find teaching positions at a few different places. I highly recommend it!”

Laura Casadio

As you might expect from a teacher, when asked how she feels about her studies at AIS, Laura gives it a grade out of 10 – a perfect 10! Laura recently completed Upper Intermediate level English, and is looking forward to completing IELTS studies so she can become a fully registered New Zealand teacher.

She has a master’s degree in preschool teaching from a university in Italy, so is looking forward to further advancing her career here in New Zealand.

Laura chose AIS because it enabled her to study English with the visa she had, while looking for work. She is now a preschool teacher at an early childcare centre, and credits her English Language studies at AIS as the main reason she was able to find employment.

“My grammar and speaking really improved during my time at AIS. There is an individual focus for each student and I received a lot of support. The class sizes were small so this helped a lot in getting attention from the teacher. My English teacher even checked my CV before I applied for my job and acted as my referee. My dream when I was in Italy is now being realised.”

Nina Mercep

I chose to study with AIS for a number of reasons, the main one being that it is a very well-established language school in Auckland. My mother has taught here for some 10 years, which is a strong recommendation. The joy of being able to help others learn and build confidence, coupled with my interest in other cultures, particularly those that are East Asian, led me to enrolling in the AIS CertTESOL programme. I have recently become a new mother, so I wanted to create more opportunities for my future.

I had a great experience at AIS. The eight-week fulltime programme really suited me, as intensive study is what I like. My experience was very positive. I had very experienced and down-to-earth tutors whose insight and knowledge was of great use. The practical aspect of the CertTESOL programme forced us as new teachers to try and give it a go, and in doing so we progressed a lot faster. I now work for AIS as a relief teacher, as well as freelance English teaching to international students here in Auckland.

I recommend AIS. First and foremost the staff are all amazingly hospitable and approachable, as are the students. The array of cultures together in every class means the classes are interesting, with their own dynamic. There’s a lot of help readily available for newcomers, too. I absolutely recommend this school to anyone willing to learn.

Tomoko Otsuki

A local education agent in Japan recommended that Tomoko study English in New Zealand because it’s safe for women and young students. The agent also recommended AIS due to the variety of courses we offer.

“AIS has other courses and offers a choice. My friend went to another school and didn’t have many choices.”

At first Tomoko found that studying English at AIS was hard.

“At first I couldn’t listen, I didn’t understand. I was a bit shocked! Studying English in Japan was easy, but at AIS it was not easy …”

Luckily, having the support of her teachers and friends, coupled with the all-around English-speaking environment of AIS and of New Zealand, helped her settle in and feel comfortable. Tomoko advanced from intermediate to upper intermediate level in just under two months and took EAP Stage I shortly after that.

“When I stayed there I had full-on days. I learned a lot. I improved my writing skills, reading skills, vocabulary … there are lots of opportunities to speak all the time.”

Nearing the end of her studies, Tomoko enrolled in a 12-week IELTS preparation course. Her latest test, undertaken in Japan, showed a high score equivalent to IELTS 7.0 and TOEIC 860.

“If I can speak English, I can communicate – and there’s no problem. If you have confidence, you can go anywhere.”

Kay Redmayne-Porter

As New Zealand becomes more multicultural, there is no better place to witness this diversity than in the primary school environment. However, with many families coming to the country without English as a first language, it highlights the importance of ESOL departments - as AIS graduate Kay understands.

Kay works as the Head of ESOL at a North Shore primary school, a department which is funded for no less than 35 students from countries around the globe, including China, South Korea, Russia and Japan. 

Kay wanted to offer her international students a better learning environment, and completing an industry-level course was the perfect step. 

For Kay, the key part of her AIS programme was the quality education. Incorporating both a practical and theoretical base, the CertTESOL programme is highly detailed with a regularly updated curriculum. Kay also cited the smaller classes taught by industry leaders which allows for constant feedback and support.

“The programme allows you time to think about the particular languages and the differences with English. This in regards to pronunciation and fluency which are quite hard to work on in terms of teaching and how you incorporate them into your daily lesson planning.”

As Kay was already in a primary school, heading back to the classroom herself provided a unique insight into how English should be taught.

“You have a lot of specifically focussed language teachers around you all the time and you get to observe them. I’ve seen people whose jobs are especially around language - it’s good to watch really good teachers teaching.”

A lot of the CertTESOL programme stands out for Kay, but the structure has left the greatest impact - a spiral system.

“They will teach you something in week one and you think you are getting it. Then the next week, they will come back to it in a new way and add more elements to it. By the time you’re in week eight, you have an entirely new level of knowledge - it is very cleverly planned.”

Alvaro Sanchez Ruiz

Japan might seem like a world away from Mexico, but for Alvaro, the best way to get to his dream country is a stopover here in New Zealand.  Together with his partner, Alvaro has held firm to dreams about living and working in Japan.

However, with the easiest avenue to get there through teaching English, he knew that he had to make a shift to a predominantly English-speaking country to further his language skills.

Upon arrival in New Zealand, Alvaro completed a number of ELC classes, before completing his CertTESOL. To improve his English skills further, Alvaro began working at a Mission Bay restaurant as a bartender and part-time waiter.

“Since I came to New Zealand, everyone thinks I am a native English speaker, but that is because I was continually practising my speaking, listening and fluency at both AIS and the restaurant.”

While Alvaro’s English skills have improved dramatically as a result of his employment and communicating with the general public, he is quick to highlight the role that AIS has played. Citing its supportive environment and focus on the individual student, AIS may have provided the perfect stepping stone for Alvaro to get to Japan.

“At AIS, one of my teachers is by far my favourite since I began my studies. He was really well prepared and took the time to talk with students around their individual problems.”

Alvaro also credits the smaller class sizes at AIS as an element that has helped him reach his potential. 

“Every teacher is putting in a lot of effort to make the classes interactive and interesting for the students.”

Alvaro plans to stay in New Zealand for a time, completing another AIS programme alongside his work at the restaurant. Alvaro is also considering further educational opportunities before heading to Japan in the coming years. Of course, any successes that Alvaro and his partner have in Asia will have foundations born in New Zealand.

“AIS is well prepared for international students and is a really good place to study. I originally had doubts that I could become a teacher, but after my experience at AIS, I’m inspired.”