Yordis, from Panama

Hello everyone! My name is Yordis and I come from Panama. I have been in New Zealand nearly eight months. My time in New Zealand has been an experience to remember for the rest of my life. It has been pretty hard at times because when I came here I didn’t understand much English and the New Zealand culture is very different from mine.

Living with my homestay family on a dairy farm, it took me a while to lose my fear of animals all around me but I have enjoyed learning many things about farming.

I found going to school at Geraldine High School totally different from what I was used to because you can choose the subjects you wish to take, and as a year 13 student I didn’t have to wear school uniform.

Outdoor Education has been the subject I have enjoyed the most because I have been able to do many things that I would never get to try in Panama. Another subject I have enjoyed has been ESOL, and this has helped to improve my English.

New Zealand is a really good place to visit because the scenery is absolutely beautiful, especially around Geraldine. However, it is quiet and in Geraldine there isn’t any public transport – no buses, trains or taxis – so it can be a bit hard to get around independently.

I have had a really good time here and above all achieved my goals by seeing the year through to completion, improving my English, meeting lots of different people and learning about a different culture.

I know that my experiences this year will help me in my future and have given me a better understanding of people. I would like to thank everyone who helped make my year in Geraldine so enjoyable.