Katrin Schmahl
Germany
Katrin paid a short visit to New Zealand after she finished high school. She was
so impressed with the South Island that
she decided to return for a longer period
at a later stage.
The opportunity to return presented itself while she was studying toward a Civil Engineering qualification in Germany. “I chose a couple of interesting courses about earthquakes, for example design of piles and buildings and their behavior during earthquakes”.
Katrin was really impressed with the facilities at UC, especially the computer facilities and the well stocked libraries, with up to date books and extensive references.
“A highlight for me was that the lecturers and staff at the University were friendly and welcoming. Even if you are a student they treat you with respect. I got the impression that students come first”.
Katrin really enjoyed the New Zealand
lifestyle and was impressed by the
friendliness of the people. “I learned a
lot about the culture and behavior of
Kiwis and I made a lot of Kiwi friends. Of
course I got to know a couple of German
students too. I really enjoyed my stay in
Christchurch and I will miss it and all the
people I got to know.”