From Hanoi to Ōtautahi

An international student’s journey

When Viet Kien Ngo left Hanoi for Christchurch in 2020, he knew next to nothing about New Zealand. Five years on, that leap of faith has led to personal growth and recognition – including the 2025 Mayor’s International Student of the Year at the Waitaha Canterbury International Student Awards.

Now a final-year student at the University of Canterbury, Kien is being celebrated not only for academic excellence, but for his contribution to intercultural leadership, community engagement, and cultural diplomacy – both in Ōtautahi Christchurch and overseas.

“Coming to New Zealand and choosing Christchurch has been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made,” Kien reflects. “It’s given me space to grow, discover who I am, and develop as a global citizen.”

From Shirley Boys' to UC: A pathway of purpose

Kien’s journey in New Zealand began at Shirley Boys’ High School, a transition he describes as transformative. Coming from a rigid and high-pressure Vietnamese education system, he found in Christchurch the freedom to explore his interests – both inside and outside the classroom.

“In Vietnam, we study from 8.30am until 10pm, six days a week,” he explains. “Here, I had six subjects instead of 13, and I could choose what to focus on. That helped me get to know myself and realise what I truly enjoy.”

That sense of discovery continued at the University of Canterbury, where Kien now majors in International Business and Finance, with a minor in Japanese. He’s taken his learning global, with exchange experiences in Paris, China, and Indonesia – often serving as an unofficial ambassador for New Zealand along the way.

“I was travelling with a New Zealand university, but I wasn’t born in New Zealand. People were curious about my story. I found myself sharing both my Vietnamese background and my Kiwi experiences, and that mix became something really meaningful.”

Bridging cultures, building communities

Kien’s leadership has made a tangible impact across educational sectors. With 14 separate nominations for this year’s international student awards – from teachers, university staff, and peers – he has become a respected figure in Christchurch’s international education whanau.

As a fluent speaker of English, Vietnamese, and Japanese, Kien has helped bridge cultural gaps. He’s helped host visiting Japanese university students, worked as a translator and tour guide, and represented UC at inclusion-focused case competitions – winning first place for an initiative to foster belonging on campus.

He’s also a member of the Christchurch Youth Orchestra, pursuing his passion for violin alongside his academic work – something he says would have been difficult in Vietnam’s hyper-focused schooling model.

“In many Asian cultures, learning an instrument is encouraged – but taking music seriously often isn’t. In New Zealand, I’ve been able to do both. Schools here support the arts in a way I’d never experienced before.”

International students as nation builders

While stories like Kien’s are deeply personal, they also speak to a broader story around the value of international education in Aotearoa. According to Education New Zealand, international education contributed $3.6 billion to the economy in 2024. Canterbury alone saw 8,320 international enrolments last year, cementing its place as the country’s second-largest international education hub after Auckland.

But the value of international students goes beyond the economic.

ChristchurchNZ, in collaboration with the Christchurch Educated network, plays a central role in this ecosystem, promoting the city internationally, engaging with education agents, and connecting students to a pipeline of opportunities from school to university to employment.

Kien is a shining example of that long-term pathway in action.

“I want to settle down in New Zealand – this is where I’d like to call my second home,” he says. “Christchurch has given me so much. It’s not just a place to study – it’s a place where I’ve learned to live.”

A voice for the future

Despite his accolades, Kien remains humble and focused on helping others feel included, especially international students trying to find their footing in an unfamiliar environment.

“There are unspoken barriers – cultural references, language differences, invisible walls. But the more we connect, the more we realise we’re all human. We all want to belong.”

Now, as he approaches graduation, Kien is considering a career in diplomacy – or perhaps returning to the classroom as a teacher. He has already enrolled in the Master of Teaching and Learning for secondary education.

“After going through the education system here, I’ve come to really support it. I’d love to be part of shaping that experience for others.”

The calm to grow

For students considering Christchurch as a study destination, Kien offers honest insight.

“It’s not for everyone. Christchurch is quieter, more peaceful. But if you’re looking for space to slow down, reflect, and grow, it’s perfect. The lifestyle, the people, the sense of community – it’s all here.”

As New Zealand launches a new international education growth strategy aiming to double the sector’s value to $7.2 billion by 2034, Kien’s story shows what’s possible when students are not just welcomed – but supported, empowered, and celebrated.

“Once you find your people,” he says, “Christchurch becomes a very special place to grow.”