Max Schaefer from Germany

As soon as I arrived in my Whānau or House I was warmly welcomed into a very close, family-like community that I have not seen at any other school before. I was encouraged in every way to take part in a number of the many co-curricular activities presented to me. I became a member of various football teams with the highlight being captain of the 2nd XI squad and my inclusion in the tournament team that went to China earlier this year. Moreover, I took up coaching football teams to try and give something back to the school that has offered me such an array of opportunities.

However, Macleans not only impresses me by what happens outside the classroom but also by the very professional attitude of the teachers and staff. I had come to New Zealand from Germany looking for new challenges and extra motivation since I found school over there, with few exceptions, boring and most of the teachers rather unmotivated.

Initially I was planning to stay here for a year only but after having experienced Macleans I decided to pursue my studies here. A major factor in making this decision was, of course, that the school offers the Cambridge Assessment International Education Examinations that will allow me to go to university almost anywhere in the world.

Now, after two and a half years I am about to pack my bags and return to Europe after sitting the A Level examinations. To me, the last two years have been a very exciting time and I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Macleans College in New Zealand.

I would also like to express my gratitude to the International Department at Macleans who managed to find the best homestay family for me that you could possibly think of.

I have become like a second son to my homestay parents and we have become very close friends. They supported me a lot, not only with my academic pursuits but also with co- curricular activities. My homestay dad, for example, did not miss a single soccer match that I played in during the last two years.

At the moment they are planning to visit me in Europe in two years time. They particularly enjoyed meeting my parents during their visit to New Zealand.