Name: Nigel Fowler www.nigelfowler.com
When finishing high school in New Zealand , Nigel Fowler's career goal was either sports or business. His school career advisor told him of the BIB at AIS St Helens.“ AIS StHelens is a great place to study,” Nigel says. “I was responsible for my own learning but I received the support of lecturers to push me along the way. AIS St Helens helped me transition from high school into my working life and gave me the confidence to go straight into my chosen career path. I now own my own business and have taken a passion to marketing and sales. AIS StHelens was the best place for me to succeed in my studies and I am sure it will be the best place for you too.”
Name: Molly Chen
"I am currently working for ABN-AMRO as a trainee. I entered their training programme after completing my Bachelor of International Business from AIS St Helens. The skills and knowledge I am using in my training programme came from the wonderful lecturers at AIS St Helens School of International Studies."
"I am currently working for ABN-AMRO as a trainee. I entered their training programme after completing my Bachelor of International Business from AIS St Helens. The skills and knowledge I am using in my training programme came from the wonderful lecturers at AIS St Helens School of International Studies."
Name: Vaohoi Kona He 'Ulu 'O 'Aho'eitu Mo'unga.
From: Tonga.
Studied: BIB (graduated September 2005)
Aspiring: To become a general manager or CEO
Tongan born and educated Vaohoi Kona He 'Ulu 'O 'Aho'eitu Mo'unga was a student ambassador at AIS St Helens recently she graduated with a Bachelor of International Business with the help of an AIS St Helens scholarship.
Vaohoi chose AIS St Helens because of the smaller classes compared to other institutes. She also enjoyed the multi-cultural environment and the fact that people are friendly.
At AIS St Helens Vaohoi fully participated in the school spirit, she was in the Tongan Association, the Student Association and the tennis club. Her favourite memory was co-hosting an AIS St Helens cultural evening.
Vaohoi believes the skills and knowledge she gained studying will be useful in her life. In the future, she would like to be a CEO or a General Manager in a successful company.
“If you want to be successful in your life and get what you want and can afford it, this is the only way. You need to educate yourself to the highest level to be able to achieve this.”
Vaohoi describes AIS St Helens as like being in a big family.
“As a student if you see the President it is okay to say hi to him. You can also talk to the Directors if you want to. Their door is always open to students.”
Vaohoi's advice to others who are considering studying is to give it a go.
“This is the only time. Do not leave it until it is too late. You only have one chance in life. Act on it.”
Name: Handoko Wijaya
From: Indonesia
Studied: BIB graduated 2004
Eager to fast track his career Handoko Wijaya found the answer at AIS St Helens.
Despite coming from a business-minded family (his parents are in the furniture industry), Handoko says the BIB programme has increased his business knowledge and his understanding of the international market.
“I especially liked the Applied Management course, which really opened me to the real world of business.”
On his course, Handoko learned a variety of skills such as how to write a business plan and how to research for competitors and demographic trends.
“Starting a business requires a lot of understanding and research. The BIB course helped me understand different business applications,” he says.
While an AIS St Helens student, Handoko enjoyed his experience. He says the lecturers were approachable, friendly and knowledgeable.
“The lecturers are very well-versed in other people's cultures. They know about most industries in the world as well as the economic and political situation in every country.”
Handoko says AIS St Helens is a great place to study and the BIB course is practical and useful.
Now that Handoko has graduated, he plans to use his new knowledge and return to work in his family's furniture business in Indonesia.
Name: Glenys Elwood
From: New Zealand
Studied: BIB graduated 2005 (top student)
Aspiring: To work for the United Nations
When Kiwi-born Glenys Elwood searched the Internet for an international business qualification, she was lead directly to AIS St Helens.
Since completing her BIB qualification Glenys discovered she has gained much more than she expected.
“I really enjoyed making friends with students from around the world and learning about their cultures,” she says.
On the BIB programme, the 23-year-old learned a range of cross-cultural and management skills. She believes the small class sizes and personal focus at AIS St Helens is what makes the institute unique. She also enjoys the high level of interaction in the classes.
“AIS St Helens is a place where East meets West and you learn many new things, but it is how you apply them that will show if you really learned it.”
In early 2004, Glenys wondered if she could continue with her studies due to financial reasons. Luckily, due to her good grades and her 2003 work with new Russian students, she received an AIS St Helens scholarship. At her recent graduation, she was also the BIB top student of the year. Her advice to other students is to 'work hard and play hard'.
Glenys' work history is interesting. Before being a student she worked part-time for her church and part-time as an office manager running a small collectors stamp dealership. She also spent more than a year in Russia working for Living Hope, a non-profit organisation, which works with the rehabilitation of street children in Vladivostok. Her role in Russia as a Foreign Communications Liaison officer involved answering emails, writing newsletters and keeping the English side of the office functioning.
Now back home Glenys works at Auckland's MOTAT (a transport museum). At MOTAT she is the party manager responsible for organising birthday and corporate parties. She is also a personal assistant to the operations manager. Soon she will be working with the marketing manager helping to organise MOTAT's major events.
In the future, Glenys would like to travel to Asia or the Middle East and work for the United Nations in coordination, aid or communication issues. In the meantime, she is also keen to do a post-graduate diploma in communications and then a Masters in international relations.
“Many companies have catch phrases or tag lines that sound great, but don't mean anything. However when AIS St Helens says individual focus international vision it is not just a catchy phrase. I have found it is actually true and that is what makes it a great place to study.”
Name: Mohammed Geele
From: Somalia
Studying: BIB
Aspiring: Business degree from Johnston and Wales University, United States.
From Africa to Auckland, from orchard work to study, in the past few years Mohammed Geele's life has dramatically changed.
Mohammed remembers the day he first thought about studying at AIS St Helens. At the time, he was picking apples with his friend Binyam.
“Binyam's friend used to go to AIS St Helens and he had recommended it almost a year ago. As we were talking we decided to give it a go.”
Now three months later the Somalian friends are Certificate in Business Studies graduates and eager to begin their BIB course.
“When I was at high school I used to cruise, but I have now learned that if you really work hard you can get what you want. I am more focused and motivated,” says Mohammed.
On the CBS course Mohammed particularly enjoyed the management and marketing papers. He found the computing skills challenging, but with encouragement from his friends he was able to achieve good results.
Mohammed hopes the new knowledge he is gaining will eventually be useful when he returns home to start up his own business.
“This business knowledge will make me more independent and I will not have to work for anyone.”
Name: Jenny Child
Studying: BIB
From: Russia
Jenny Child says her AIS St Helens English tutor was the best teacher she has ever had.
“David was wonderful. He explained everything and was always smiling.”
Eager to further her studies, Jenny returned to AIS St Helens this year to begin a Bachelor of International Business (BIB).
“The AIS St Helens staff are very helpful and nice. There are so many nationalities and it is wonderful learning about the different traditions. I have lots of friends here.”
The 27-year-old from Cheboksary was a manager, art teacher and student in Russia. Her Kiwi husband convinced her to immigrate to New Zealand and a friend recommended AIS St Helens.
Jenny has no regrets and says AIS St Helens students are encouraged to think for themselves and question, whereas Russian students must memorize material.
“In New Zealand students are prepared for a profession. In Russia we learn about everything.”
For her BIB course, which is an internationally recognized qualification, she is studying economics, marketing, management, accounting and business communication. She also works part-time at AIS St Helens library.
When she finishes her degree she is considering a career in advertising or marketing. She says having a qualification from a reputable English-speaking country is highly regarded in Russia.
Name: Yan Chen
From: China
Studying: BIB
Aspiring: To become an accountant or manage her own insurance business
Asking questions in class was not something Yan Chen was accustomed to before coming to New Zealand.
Yan Chen has done two years of a four-year finance degree at China's Economics Institute of Shan Dong. She is continuing her studies in New Zealand so she can improve her English.
As a first-year BIB student, Yan enjoys her interactive classes.
“In New Zealand I learn from the teachers and students. The teachers make you think for yourself. I now know how to use my knowledge, discuss and give my opinion.”
Yan says her teachers are approachable and helpful.
“AIS St Helens is very good. We have many assignments to do, which are very useful.”
On her course, Yan is studying accounting, business communication and marketing skills. After her degree, she wants to complete a Masters of Commerce (Mcom) at AIS St Helens.
Eventually Yan wants to be an accountant or manage her own insurance business. In the meantime, she is grateful for the new skills she is gaining.
“When I go back to China I will know English. I will also be able to work with overseas customers and understand how a different country's economy works.”
Yan's high grades are evidence of her dedication and effort. Her advice to other students is to study hard.
“Go to class and don't be lazy, instead read books. Be open, learn from your teachers and classmates, and don't be shy about asking questions.”
Name: Yi Li
From: China
Studied: BIB
Aspiring: To work in business
Although Yi Li was a human resource assistant for six years at a software company, it is her life as an international student that is teaching her the most about human behaviour.
The reasons Yi Li chose AIS St Helens were that it offered high quality courses, flexible and short-term study and friendly teaching at a reasonable price.
As an AIS St Helens student, Yi Li enjoys the small classes and the opportunity to communicate with other classmates and tutors. Through her studies she says she is developing skills in critical thinking, problem solving, decision-making, analysing, organising and time-management. Yi Li has also studied human resources, organisational behaviour, management, marketing, international trade, international business, financial management and accounting.
Yi Li describes the teaching style in China as learning by repeating, copying and remembering. She says the difference in New Zealand is that learning is by studying, creating, re-thinking and improving.
Yi Li says studying abroad provides you with a better understanding of cultural differences. You also become more independent, gain confidence, improve your English and make new friends.
Name: Andrey Buravtsov
From: Russia
Studying: BIB (finished September 2005)
Aspiring: To operate family business
Russian law graduate Andrey Buravtsov was keen to gain an internationally recognised qualification so chose AIS St Helens' BIB programme.
“I wanted a fast-track course and I was able to cross-credit six subjects, which means I can complete my degree in less than two years, instead of the normal three years.”
Andrey's career plan is to combine his international business and Russian legal knowledge and help run his family transportation business. He says in Russia having two degrees will be particularly useful.
On his BIB programme Andrey has increased his understanding of business theory and practice.
He has opened his mind, gained new ideas and learned people management skills. He has also been an AIS St Helens student representative.
Andrey adds the other advantage of studying at AIS St Helens is the multicultural environment.
“Because the modern world has become one global village it is very important to have skills in intercultural communication particularly in the Pacific Rim where our business operates.”
As an international student, Andrey has found the experience interesting. He enjoys the facilities at AIS St Helens particularly the free Internet use, gym and library. Andrey says the teachers are also friendly and helpful.
“If I don't understand something they will explain it again. They are also available after class if needed.”
Andrey hopes to finish his degree in September. He will then return home.
Name: Him Kim
From: South Korea
Studying: BIB
Aspiring: To become a store manager
A Bachelor of International Business (BIB) degree and new friends are what Him Kim hopes to gain from his AIS St Helens experience.
Him began his BIB degree last August. He has also studied English at AIS St Helens' city campus.
Since studying in New Zealand, Him has met up with old friends from Korea and made new friends with people from other countries.
On the BIB course, he is studying management principles, which involves learning about staff and business management. The course particular appeals to Him, because it is short, but also intensive.
So far, Him has been impressed with the quality of teaching that he receives.
“The head of the BIB programme is a very good teacher. He makes the classes interesting and keeps you focused. My Japanese teacher is also very kind and she makes learning easy.”
Him says understanding Japanese is also helpful, because there are many Japanese customers who visit the Asian grocery store, where he works part-time. Eventually he wants to use his new knowledge and become store manager. He says he is gaining knowledge that will be useful for his future.
Name: Daniel (Zhen) Xu
From: China
Studied: BIB graduated 2000.
The fast-track programme and small class sizes are just some of many reasons why Daniel (Zhen) Xu enjoyed studying at AIS St Helens.
Since leaving AIS St Helens in 2000 the top scholar and entrepreneurial award winner has gone on to become an assistant accountant at Stamford Plaza Auckland, a luxury five-star hotel in Auckland's central city area.
The 31-year-old remembers his AIS St Helens days fondly.
“There was a group of us who used to study together. We helped each other with problems and assignments and became good friends. Even now, we still keep in touch. It was a great time and I am so happy that I could make such friendships.”
The biggest challenge Daniel faced as a student was that his programme was fast-tracked. This meant he had to learn quickly and finish each course within a three-month period. Daniel values the knowledge he gained and the valuable personal growth.
“I now understand my strengths and weaknesses and I can make goals and decisions about where I want to go.”
Daniel says the AIS St Helens lecturers were friendly, well qualified and good to students.
“AIS St Helens is now the biggest private institute in New Zealand. They have a good relationship with other universities in other countries. This an advantage to students because the qualification is recognised overseas.”
Daniel's advice to students is to study hard and improve their interpersonal and communication skills. He says new graduates should be prepared to accept their first job at a lower level and then gain work experience and promotion.
Daniel's goals are to remain in the accounting field and ultimately become a financial controller. In the meantime, he will continue applying the accounting knowledge and the interpersonal and communication skills he has learned at AIS St Helens.
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