Sarah Thomson: The former Fairfield College student is finishing a conjoint degree in Chinese and Law.
University of Waikato student Sarah Thomson decided to study at the University of Waikato because the intimate class sizes would help her master Mandarin.
The former Fairfield College student came to Waikato in 2009, and is finishing a conjoint degree in Chinese and Law.
Next step to China
Sarah chose to study at Waikato as it was her local university and her ticket to China. In 2010, she spent a year and a half teaching English in China as part of an AIESEC exchange.
“I’d always wanted to go to China because it’s so completely different from New Zealand and it was something I didn’t know anything about.
“Now it’s a huge part of my plans for my future and my life right now.”
Sarah is hoping to work as an ambassador or international lawyer in the future, but before then has another trip to China planned after winning the 2012 Chinese Bridge Speech Competition.
“I got the special top prize to go over and compete later this month. One of the real advantages of studying at Waikato is the classes are small and intimate, and because my Mandarin lecturer is a native speaker, I find I’m at a real advantage.”
For the competition Sarah had to prepare and deliver a five minute speech in Chinese with a theme of “Me and China”.
Information Expo
The university is holding an Information Expo at its Hamilton campus on Sunday 24 June where staff and students will be on hand to answer any questions from prospective students about qualifications, study options, entry requirements, scholarships and life at the University of Waikato.
The expo will be held in the S Block foyer between 11am-3pm, and will feature stands from all faculties, sports clubs, U Leisure and the scholarships office, and student ambassadors will be taking guided tours of the university campus.