International students meet and mingle
International secondary and tertiary students were welcomed into the inner sanctum of the Palmerston North City Council Chambers.
Pitchaya Paramarej from Thailand was preparing to return home after nine weeks attending school.
She said her parents chose New Zealand because it was considered safe.
“It is a peaceful country and it is safe to live here,” said the year 10 student, who has lived with a host family during her stay in the city.
“The first three weeks I missed my mum, but now I don’t want to go home.”
The only down side for Pitchaya’s stay was that “spicy” foods were not spicy as she was used to very hot foods.
The Brazilian students said they found New Zealand to be very different to Brazil and continued networking with their peers.
Mayor Grant Smith welcomed the students and the CEDA team and council staff created a quick-fire quiz based on a video, Kia ora from Palmerston North.