News & Events

Kara Frances Arenas and her mother, Marie Christine Mauricio, both came to New Zealand from Manila in the Philippines to pursue their studies.

Kara arrived first, enrolling as an international student at partner institution Otago Polytechnic. She is now a New Zealand resident studying as a domestic student at Future Skills. Christine is one of our first Future Skills International students.

Kara has a Computer Science degree from the Philippines and has worked in the Information Technology industry for more than 14 years, mainly in process improvement and governance roles.

Christine has worked as an HR Professional, spending 38 years working for a multinational manufacturing company and five years as head of HR at a property development company.

Kara says it was challenging going back to school after over a decade in the workforce.

“But making friends and building my network has really helped me a lot and given me a strong foundation here.”

“It's easy to talk to fellow international students since we're going through the same adjustments together and can help support each other, and speaking to more established immigrants shows me what to look forward to in the future.”

She says there are many avenues for support at school.

“Everyone from the lecturers to staff to fellow students just wants you to succeed.”

Christine agrees that the friendships she has formed have been a highlight of her study journey.

“Most of my classmates are younger or the same age as my children.  Even if we are generations apart, we still get along very well.”

Christine encourages those thinking of pursuing study not to let age get in the way.

“Learning is a lifelong journey.  Never hesitate to return to school, regardless of your age, because education is a valuable tool at any stage of life.”

Both mother and daughter look forward to returning to the workforce once they’ve finished their studies and putting everything they’ve learned into practice.