Welcome to new students from the Auckland International Campus Chief Executive

Welcome to Auckland International Campus. My name is Amin Soleimani, and I’m the Chief Executive here at AIC. AIC is a partnership between Future Skills and Otago Polytechnic, established in 2012 to deliver high-quality tertiary education to international students.

It’s a pleasure to welcome you to our campus. Learners from more than 10 countries have joined our community, and we’re honoured that you’ve chosen our institution as the place to study. We celebrate the diversity, energy, and global perspectives you bring to AIC.

At AIC, we believe that we don’t just educate — we transform.

Your employability is our mission. Every lesson, every challenge, and every breakthrough is designed to prepare you for the global workforce.

We empower our people to grow personally and professionally, guided by integrity, connection, and a commitment to excellence.  

Our education builds knowledge, capability, and confidence, preparing graduates to become some of the world’s most capable professionals.

Through knowledge, practice, and opportunity, we’ll guide you toward success.
_________

Recently, I came across an article in the Harvard Business Review — it was written for business leaders navigating times of uncertainty.

And as I was reading it, I thought the new students might find the ideas useful. Because starting a new academic journey in a new country is also full of uncertainty. The article was titled, “Now is the time for courage”.

The article shared a compelling idea: that courage is not something we’re born with — it’s something we build. It’s not the absence of fear, but the decision to act in spite of it. And the most successful people, whether in business, politics, or life, are not those who waited for certainty, but those who learned how to act boldly in uncertain conditions.

The article offered five strategies that anyone — including you — can use to become more courageous. Let me briefly share them with you as I think you might find it useful:

1. Create a Positive Narrative
   Instead of focusing on what could go wrong, frame your journey as a meaningful story — one of growth, contribution, and purpose. Look for the opportunities, not just the challenges.
2. Cultivate Confidence
   Confidence is built through preparation. The more skilled and ready you feel, the more courageous you’ll become. Practice deliberately and remind yourself of the strengths you already have.
3. Take Small Steps
   You don’t need to have everything figured out from the start. Take small actions to learn, adjust, and move forward — step by step, clarity will follow.
4. Find Connection
   Courage isn’t a solo effort. Surround yourself with people who believe in you. Lean on your classmates, your teachers, and the support services here at AIC.
5. Stay Calm
   Look after your wellbeing. Create personal routines that help you stay grounded when things feel overwhelming. Focus on what you can control — and let that steady you.
   I hope you find those strategies useful. 
   ________

But in any case, you’ve already shown that you're courageous just by being here today. You’ve made a significant move and investment — financially and emotionally in your development. And in the months ahead, you’ll continue to invest your time, energy, and commitment.

So, try to maximise the return on this investment. I encourage you to get involved. Participate actively in class. Contribute to discussions. Ask questions. Make use of the support services available. And most importantly, take full ownership of the work you produce and your learning journey.

Now, let me leave you with this:

We measure our success by your success.

So, I look forward to seeing everything you will achieve in the coming months.

Once again — welcome to AIC.

I wish you all the very best as you settle in New Zealand and begin your studies.