VOICES OF STUDENTS

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"One-on-one support from friendly staff "

"The students can flourish with the personal attention that the faculty provide at IPC," says Professor John F. Fanselow, President of IPC. One of the advantages of studying at IPC is the individual attention you can receive from friendly, approachable staff because of small classes -15 per class on average. They will quickly see your needs and support you in an individualised manner that often is less available at larger universitites.

Professor Fanselow continues, "Part of our personal responsibility for your learning is to provide learning experiences that are practical, learning by doing, namely participation. So, the 'P' in IPC stands for personal, practical, and participation, as well as Pacific." Here at IPC, all staff are ready to help you and encourage you so that you can take the initiative in your studies and make the most of this intellectually stimulating environment.

"I chose IPC because of its international campus which would enable me to come into contact with various cultures, I also liked the wide range of subjects and the small student-to-teacher ratio. Before coming to IPC, I had already spent three years at Massey University gaming a degree, and then worked in Wellington two years. IPC's environment was something I have never experienced before. IPC is a progressive, forward- thinking institution, and the BIS is a degree that is different in that it combines a number of disciplines, giving a more holistic approach to learning. This degree has given me the confidence to step forward into an uncertain future, knowing I am not limited in my abilities and understanding."

Helen Smith
New Zealand
Graduated from IPC in 1999
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"When I took an assessment test of my English fluency six month after I entered IPC, I was very impressed to see how well I improved in a short while! All aspects of my life here are helpful. Classes are good, of course, and so are interactions with lecturers, friends from other countries, and friendly local people. Now, after finishing the Foundation Programme, I am studying toward a degree. I also enjoy being involved with various community activities, such as being a volunteer for people with disabilities. I enjoy my life at IPC. It is a place to make your dreams come true."

Yume Hatakeyama
Japan
"I chose IPC for my Masters in Intemational Studies (Environment) because of the College's interdisciplinary approach towards environmental issues and management. Besides providing the best for their international students, IPC also takes good care of its students' welfare and provides a good studying environment. Especially with the help of dedicated lecturers, IPC helps me build up my confidence about the future challenges waiting to be dealt with when I graduate. I have gained a lot from what I have studied and experienced at IPC,. which will be very valuable for me in my future career and social life."

Kaliammal Maniam
Malaysia

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"IPC is a great place to learn and enjoy Japanese language and culture with other students. I studied Japanese at high school and wanted to continue with my interest in the Japanese culture and started at IPC with Diploma in Japanese Studies, then Advanced Diploma in Japanese Studies and I am now studying for my degree. The small classes are really great, with enthusiastic lecturers making interaction easier. I also had the opportunity to experience life in Japan through the Japan - New Zealand Partnership Awards and made some very good friends in Japan."

Johanna Gardner
New Zealand
Year 2001 recipient of Japan
- New Zealand Partnership Awards
"I am excited about the concept of the 'interdisciplinary' approach that IPC focuses on in the Bachelor of International Studies. It is challenging to study different areas such as environment, economics and international relations, but for me, it is an opportunity to open up new avenues of interest. I think the environment of IPC helps me to be interested in learning. I am meeting a lot of stimulating lecturers for on this beautiful campus. Because of the small classes, I am getting ample attention and support from lecturers. I also have many opportunities to talk with lecturers from different fields and backgrounds. It always stimulates my interest and helps me to broaden my horizons."

Andrew Gray
New Zealand

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"The personal attention you can have from your lecturers in one of the best things offered at IPC. Writing a graduation thesis in a second language was a very big challenge for me, both in terms of the content and the language. My supervisor-lecturer was a very knowledgeable person, of course, and he was also very friendly and attentive. He monitored my progress, suggested critical issues and viewpoints that I needed to consider, taught me how to construct my thesis, and corrected it. He was a lecturer from Japan, but he talked to me only in English, never in Japanese. He believed it was the best way for my acquisition of English."

Miho Yamataki
Japan
Graduated from IPC in 1999

"You'll see friendship can go beyond the borders"

IPC aims to foster close links and understanding among students from Pacific Rim countries through education. At me campus in Palmerston North, IPC currently has around 500 students from Australia, Brazil, Chlina, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, Peru, Philippines, Somalia, Taiwan, Thailand and other countries (as of September 2001).

In addition, IPC is a residential college. Approximately 70% of the student body live in the Halls of Residence and the rest live with host families, both sharing cross-cultural experiences every day. IPC students from different countries not only study but also live together and help build a truly international campus.

"In December 1998, IPC hosted a Christmas party on campus for local children from the city of Palmerston North. I wore a costume of a fairy to entertain them, and it was very popular - as popular as Santa Clause was! Since coming to IPC, I have been involved with many volunteer activities in the city as well as on campus, which I find very meaningful both for myself and for the local community."

Wing Yan Po
China
Graduated from IPC in 2000

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"Before coming to IPC, I studied public health at the University of Tokyo and received a bachelor's degree there. It was an interdisciplinary field of study, and I wanted to further my education at IPC in an English-speaking environment where multi-cultural, broader perspectives are available, with an emphasis on an interdisciplinary approach toward environmental issues. I enjoy every day here at IPC, and I am sure this is an invaluable experience for me."

Michiaki Takayasu
Japan

"Before coming to IPC, I had a chance to spend ten months in Japan on a high school exchange programme. I had such a good time there, and became very interested in the Japanese language and culture. Here at IPC, I really enjoy spending time teaching my friends English as well as learning Japanese from them. In future, I'm thinking of going to Japan again to work and make use of my Japanese skills."

Brent Houthuijzen
New Zealand
Graduated from IPC in 2000

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"I really enjoy my life at IPC, not only academically, but also socially -- especially through musical activities that I am engaged in with friends at IPC and people in the local community. For example, I enjoy playing the piano while a friend plays the flute, or the violin, in the senior common room of IPC. I also belong to a local band of Palmerston North, and practice violin. Music can bring people from different backgrounds together, and it is a very important aspect of my IPC life."

Wei Lin Chia
Malaysia
Graduated from IPC in 2000

"I am studying the Bachelor of International Studies which includes actively learning the Japanese language in the programme. IPC offers a wonderful environment for acquiring foreign language skills and cultural experiences. Not only in classrooms but also outside of the classrooms, I learn a great deal. Living in a Hall of Residence on campus with students from Japan and other countries, I constantly practice and improve my foreign language skills through living and socialising with them. In everyday situations, I experience many cultural differences to overcome as well as things in common within us. I am making friends here. I believe my life in IPC now is what I definitely need for my future career."

Patricia Mayo
New Zealand