Ho does a practical training session for the Otago Polytechnic Nursing programme.
MANY of us will get to a point in life when we feel we can do much more to help our community.
Malaysian Ashley Ho from Kuching gets to do this every day through healthcare.
The 21-year-old chose to gain experience in a different country through her studies. Friends and family told her that New Zealand is a safe, beautiful environment and an affordable place for a student too.
After some research, she decided to apply to Otago Polytechnic — renowned for its highly-regarded degree programmes recognised around the world.
Once accepted, she made the journey to the Land of the Long White Cloud and settled in the city of Dunedin, which she has come to love.
“I can’t decide what I like the most about the city; the fresh clean air, the landscape or the wildlife and sandy beaches … it’s just such a wonderful place,” she said.
Growing up surrounded by a family and community that supported her, Ho has a desire to give something back; and she is doing this through healthcare.
Now in her final year of the Bachelor of Nursing, Ho is looking forward to a career where she can look after people.
“This process takes a lot of effort … but it gives me a real sense of achievement and is so rewarding,” she said.
Ho can’t speak highly enough of the support she has received from Student Services and the wider Otago Polytechnic community.
“Everyone is patient with the foreign students. The international office staff are really nice and easy to approach. Everything was arranged for me, from sorting my accommodation to showing me where to get my groceries. I’ve been very touched by the kindness everyone has shown me,” she said.
Small class sizes and a warm welcome allowed Ho to ease into her degree and she’s now enjoying the challenges the programme poses.
Undertaking a balance of theory and practical studies, she feels like she is developing a deeper understanding of the reasons behind the techniques she learns. In turn, this allows her to gain confidence in her abilities as she gets to practise hands-on in the lab.
“It’s a great way to prepare for a nursing career. There are lots of placements during the course, which means I have the opportunity to test the skills I’ve learned during my lectures and tutorials,” she said.
Now, near the end of her degree, Ho is excited about a career in nursing.
“It’s a job which involves never-ending learning which I find fascinating and really enjoy. After I graduate, I want to stay and work in New Zealand. I actually really feel at home.”
If you are looking for a rewarding career in nursing that can take you all over the world, just like Ho, go to www.op.ac.nz/international/ and discover what Otago Polytechnic can offer you.
Those of you who would love to experience New Zealand and make your dreams a reality, visit www.studyinnewzealand.com and explore the abundant number of courses offered.