Holiday of a lifetime
This summer has been a memorable one for a group of New Zealand Student Ambassadors who polished their English skills while experiencing life in a different country.
The 12 students were each awarded a place on an English language course after winning a writing contest organised by New Zealand Trade and Enterprise of Hong Kong earlier this year.
In addition to the three-week academic training, some older ambassadors, including Yau Pui-pui, who is about to begin her studies at the University of Hong Kong (HKU), were offered two weeks of work experience in New Zealand.
Ms Yau chose to work for a small hotel, Aston House, in Auckland.
'Aston House is a small but cosy hotel. I was one of the housekeepers,' said the St Catharine's School for Girls graduate who will be studying business administration at HKU.
'As the hotel was small, I didn't have to do a lot - I worked perhaps two and a half hours a day. My duties were to clean four or five rooms, do the laundry and help out at the reception.
'In return, the hotel provided me with free accommodation plus breakfast for two weeks.'
The working holiday aimed to help the student ambassadors become more independent.
They had to arrange for jobs on their own.
'I seldom do housework. Luckily, the staff and guests at the hotel were very friendly so I didn't have a difficult time,' said Ms Yau.
'I interpreted for Chinese tourists and met people of different nationalities. It was a very special summer holiday.'
Situated in the South Pacific, east of Australia, New Zealand has become one of most popular destinations for Hong Kong students to further their studies.
Paloma Lau Hey-mann and Andy Li Yu-hin said they would consider studying in New Zealand after their language course in Christchurch.
'The courses focused on oral and daily usage. There was also intensive training on certain areas, such as idioms,' said St Paul's Convent School fifth-former Paloma, who is this year's South China Morning Post Student Computer Scientist of the Year.
To Andy, the cultural experience was more valuable than the language training.
'I think the New Zealand government has done a good job in striking a balance between environmental conservation and economic development,' said Andy, a Form Five student from Diocesan Boys' School.
'People are more open to conservation campaigns, such as saving water and recycling rubbish. And they know how to enjoy life in New Zealand. I may go back there to study or work in the future.'
How to apply
Secondary school students can apply for the 2006/07 programme from October 14.
Participants will be required to write an essay about New Zealand in English.
Six winners will be selected from Group A (secondary school students aged 18 or above). Prizes include a three-week tourism and hospitality course and eco-tourism activities in New Zealand.
Another six winners will be selected from Group B (secondary school students aged 14 to 17). Prizes include a three-week English language course and eco-tourism activities in New Zealand.
Application details will be announced later.
