Laos international students enjoy three week experience at Macleans College
Posted on September 07, 2026
For 18 international students from Laos, three weeks at Macleans College offered much more than a taste of life in an Auckland school.
Alongside their classroom experience, the students explored the city, discovered New Zealand’s natural and cultural attractions, and took part in a wide range of activities.
Each international student was paired with a Macleans College student ambassador who supported them throughout their stay and helped them settle into daily life on campus.
The students joined their ambassadors in the classroom and experienced the routines of a New Zealand secondary school. They also had opportunities to connect with other students through extra-curricular activities on the school grounds, including football, basketball and badminton in the gymnasium.
Their programme extended well beyond the classroom. The students explored some of Auckland’s most popular attractions, including Auckland Zoo, Rainbow’s End, Howick Historical Village and Manawa Bay outlet shopping centre.
At Auckland Zoo, they discovered New Zealand’s unique wildlife and explored Te Wao Nui, which showcases native plants and animals including kiwi, kea and tuatara. At Howick Historical Village, they stepped back in time while exploring heritage buildings and learning about life in early Auckland.
The group also enjoyed a day at Snowplanet, New Zealand’s only indoor snow resort, and took part in a cooking class in Macleans College’s Food Technology classroom.
Their experience continued further afield with a two-day ski trip to Whakapapa in Tongariro National Park. The trip gave the international students the opportunity to experience New Zealand’s volcanic landscape while enjoying skiing and snowboarding.
Their visit concluded with a farewell event. Each student received a certificate commemorating their time at the school before sharing a final meal of pizza with their student ambassadors.
The visit gave the international students an opportunity to experience Macleans College both within and outside the classroom, while building friendships and creating lasting memories of their time in New Zealand.
