Hello, my name is Faustine Gravouille, I’m sixteen and I come from France. I would like to share the amazing experience I had at Macleans College and in New Zealand for almost three months.
First, I came with another French girl. It made my experience easier because I wasn’t alone, and I had a part of my culture with me.
My host family was amazing, it was a family of five people. The two parents and three kids of 10, 6 and 3 years old. Because I was in a family with kids, I really discovered the family life in New Zealand which is very different from what I know in France. I felt really welcomed in this family and I’m so grateful for all the experiences they gave me the opportunity to do.
During my time at Macleans College, I studied Maths, English, Art Design/Photography, Sciences, Music in Year 11 and Outdoor Education in Year 12. The subject I loved the most is probably Outdoor Education because of the people in my class and the activities I did, but I learnt and loved all the subjects. I’ve discovered a very new school system there and I loved it so much, the organisation of the week, the relationship between student and teachers, the house system, the exams system.
Faustine Gravouille from France
I felt really welcomed in the Macleans College family thanks to the international department which was so nice with us. It helped us a lot with our feeling, with our subjects. We felt secure and confident all the time thanks to them. For me, the international department was like a big family. Every time we wanted, we could go there and just spend time together, laugh and speak with Mrs Galloway.
In Macleans College, I made a lot of friends from all over the world. They made my adventure in New Zealand one of the most beautiful things I've ever experienced. I spent a lot of time with them visiting, laughing, speaking. I’ll always remember those little moments which are so important for me, and which made my trip as beautiful as it was. We already planned to see each other in some years.
During my time in New Zealand, I had the chance to do some trips by myself, by the Outdoor Education, by the international department (with Kiwiana tours). I went to some islands like Rangitoto, Waiheke Island, Tiritiri Mantangi, to some famous places like the War Museum, the sky tower, the kiwi house, Hobbiton and many other places.
This experience was for me one of the most beautiful experiences I’ve ever had. I learnt a lot about myself, who I wanted to be, what I wanted to do. I’ve learnt independence, maturity, confidence in myself. More than just a beautiful trip, my adventure in New Zealand was a human adventure.
I’ll always keep in my mind all these beautiful memories, the people I met there and the life lessons I’ve learnt.
To finish, I really want to thank my host family, my friends, and the international department for making my three months in New Zealand the exceptional adventure it was. You’ll always be in my heart.
