Sarah Littlewood

Growing up in China sparked Sarah Littlewood’s fascination with people, languages and cultures, and inspired a dream of one day representing New Zealand overseas. 

Now based in Tauranga, the second-year University of Waikato student is studying a Bachelor of Global Studies, majoring in International Relations with a minor in Anthropology. 

Born to a New Zealand father and American mother, Sarah spent most of her childhood in China, where her mother taught English. Her family moved to Tauranga seven years ago. 

When considering University to study international relations the launch of Waikato’s Bachelor of Global Studies offered the opportunity, she was looking for close to home. 

“I love people, languages and cultures, and interacting cross-culturally,” she says. 

“It combines everything I am interested in, and I get to pursue it while staying close to home.” 

The degree’s language requirement was another drawcard. Sarah chose Chinese, giving her the chance to strengthen the language skills she developed while growing up in China. 

She particularly enjoys the international relations papers, describing them as content-heavy but rewarding. 

There is so much you get to learn and explore. I’m learning about different political systems and cultures, and I love it.

As a Tauranga-based student, Sarah travels to the Hamilton campus two or three times a week using the University’s inter-campus shuttle. She completes her remaining classes online. 

While balancing travel, online study and in-person classes requires careful planning, she says the shuttle has made her degree possible. 

“I’m very grateful for it. Without the shuttle, I wouldn’t be able to do my degree.” 

Sarah has already embraced several opportunities alongside her studies, she was named on the Division of Arts, Law, Psychology and Social Sciences’ Academic Excellence List for 2025 and placed third in a Chinese Bridge speech competition. 

After completing her bachelor’s degree, Sarah hopes to continue with postgraduate study at Waikato. Her ultimate ambition is to become an ambassador with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, although she is also open to representing a non-governmental organisation overseas. 

Her advice to future students is to seek out opportunities, manage their time carefully, and be patient with themselves. 

“The transition from high school to university is significant, so be gracious with yourself. Look out for opportunities and go after them because they can open doors you didn’t think were possible.”