Linru Li (Victor) from China has an ambitious goal: he would like to be an app developer or computer programmer.

Victor came to Dunedin to study the New Zealand Certificate in English Language on the advice of his mum’s friend, and is glad he did.

“It is a very sophisticated teaching experience at Otago Polytechnic. It has helped me a lot. I made a lot of friends at Otago Polytechnic’s English Language Centre, had nice teachers and learnt local kiwi language. It was nice to experience another culture and learn in groups.”

Victor is now in the second year of a Bachelor of Information Technology degree here at Otago Polytechnic and is well on his way to achieving his goal.

“I’m confident I can get a great job if I continue to put in lots of effort to my studies and work hard to improve my English.

“I’m actually thinking of staying in New Zealand once I graduate. I have had such a nice quality of life here so far.

“My advice to other international students is to keep learning and keep asking questions. Take every opportunity you can to speak to strangers or friends in English and you will get there.”