Tell us about yourself.
I am Zizhan Chen, you can call me Megan, of course, I am a girl, even though my Chinese name might look like a boy. I am from China but I have been in New Zealand for 5 years, so I am studying onshore at our University of Auckland International College campus for my extended and standard foundation. My hometown is one of the cities of Hebei province called Qinhuangdao, it is similar to Auckland, they are all close to the ocean.
Why did you want to study overseas in New Zealand at UPIC/UOAIC?
The reason I want to study oversea is that I want to learn about science. For me, science is the key to opening the world and I want to be a doctor to save people, New Zealand has famous medical schools around the world too. Finally, I decided to come to New Zealand because I changed school from Rangitoto college to University of Auckland International College. I want to jump a level to enter the UoA, I want to more challenge myself!
Can you share with us your study experience? What are the most fun part and what are the challenges?
I am a student at the University of Auckland now, my degree program is Bachelor of Biomedical Science. It’s a difficult entry requirement at our UP’s Foundation courses to entry into UoA, so which means if you want to join me at Bachelor of Biomedical Science, you need to study hard. I start my foundation in January of 2021, it is the half year for my extended foundation, then one year for the standard foundation until June of 2022.
In the final exam, I got 4th in biology, 8th in physics, and 10th in chemistry, I am really happy with it and lots grateful for the teachers who have helped me at UPIC/UOAIC.
Before I entered UP, I studied at Rangitoto college for 3 years, it is just normal but I meet lots of friends, so I am happy with that. The challenge for all overseas students is the culture shock, so I use one year to accept, it is not hard, after when you accept, you will find another way of the world, which is lots of fun.
If you like quiet, New Zealand is a good place. I have a pleasant experience at UP, for each teacher support me very well. I like to ask teachers questions, at begin I was worried I ask too much, but the teacher are always happy to answer my question, so do not worry, teachers will always help you.
Why did you choose your current bachelor degree? And what inspired you to be in the field that you are currently in now?
I want to become a doctor, so I choose Biomedical Science then I can enter MBCHB in the second year, the person inspired is my mom and my biology teacher at UP, he is Mr. Shaw, one make me dream want to become a doctor one give me lots at basic knowledge to more interesting to biology.
Can you describe your everyday schedule?
My daily schedule is quite boring, I like to study at home listen to music and do some imagination then read some books, if the weather is good, have a walk at the beach, then back to study, until night, I like to study at night.
Do you live in a homestay/accommodation organised by the university?
I live with a homestay, because I have not 18 years old until I finished UP, but they with me been two years and more, each homestay is different, choose the one you are good with, make your life better and easier.
What are the challenges of studying as an international student?
To be honest, language barrier is the most challenging for all foreign students, the only way to make you better is trying to get in this English environment, try to get out which not talk with original country friends, talk with Kiwis, you will more and more successful.
What is the most exciting thing you have done in New Zealand/Auckland?
The most exciting thing I have done in New Zealand is entering University of Auckland, the reason that I even think I cannot enter the bachelor’s I want, but I did it!
What is the next steps for you, career-wise and in education?
The next step in my plan is to pass the UCAT exam and first year of biomedical science to enter MBCHB, to try to reach the dream job I want.
If you have any advice for other students who also want to get an overseas education experience, what would it be?
If you want to have an overseas experience, please remember, the teacher will not force you to study, you must learn by yourself without teachers, do not waste the time and money, only successful at study, the future will be better.
