Shreyash Jamdar

Why did you choose to come to UC?

I earned my Bachelor’s degree in India and decided to make my future in sport, so I was looking at Master’s degrees in a few countries. UC stood out for its strong academic reputation, research opportunities, and industry connections – especially in my area of interest. I also preferred New Zealand for its peaceful environment and plentiful work opportunities. Plus, living in Christchurch is like a dream for me! It’s beautiful, surrounded by wonderful natural scenery and outdoor experiences.

What are the academic staff like? 

UC’s lecturers and academic staff are highly knowledgeable in and passionate about their subjects. They’re very experienced and quite well known in their fields, which is helpful for students in terms of personal and academic growth because they encourage us to participate in everything from discussions and projects to volunteering. And they’re incredibly supportive. Whenever I need help or have any doubts, they’re always ready to go the extra mile for me. 

What is the support like for international students at UC?

It’s great. When I landed in New Zealand, I didn’t know anyone. The international team organises workshops, orientations, events, and regular meetings to help us connect with other international students. It’s great having those opportunities to make friends. They also offer a lot of support, no matter what you need help with, like free counselling. I never felt homesick because people here are so friendly and welcoming.

How do you find life in Christchurch? 

Christchurch is quite vibrant and full of opportunities to explore. I love that there’s a mixture of modern amenities and natural beauty. You can be in the city and drive just ten minutes to be in nature. There are lots of parks and gardens within the city, too. There are always different festivals and cultural events going on. I try to attend them all to gain a bigger cultural perspective. People here are very welcoming and friendly, and they’ll give you a smile and nod just walking down the street. We’re not used to that back in India, but it really makes my day.

What do you enjoy doing when you’re not studying?

I love going to the Botanic Gardens, and I go star gazing in the Port Hills about once a week. It’s quite scenic up there. I also really like camping and hiking, so it’s a dream for me to be in New Zealand because there are so many scenic routes to drive around and plenty of places to go camping. 

Have you taken part in any internships or other practical experiences at UC?

I’m currently doing an internship with Greg King, an experienced and well known sports and conditioning coach. He’s worked with many international cricket teams and the Indian Premier League, so it’s a really great contact for me. I’m helping him with the Canterbury Cricket team, where I’m working with players from the Black Ferns, New Zealand’s international cricket team. It was like a dream to even just meet these players, and now I’m training them and helping them with their goals. I also got an opportunity to work with the Sydenham cricket team, where I train cricket players from various local colleges. Additionally, I’ve been working as a research assistant for the UC Faculty of Health, which fits in exactly with what I’m doing with my internship. 

How will that experience help you in your future career?

I love cricket, and that’s where I want to focus in my career. Working with Greg King is huge for my CV and for my future growth and career. The opportunities I’ve gotten through my internship are even better than what I was expecting. I thought it would take years and years of working in the field before I got these opportunities, but UC made it happen. It’s so much fun for me, and I never even think of it as work because I am always excited to go out there and help these players. 

Would you recommend UC to other international students?

Of course! The quality of education and the support you receive is excellent. I also enjoy the diverse student culture. It’s amazing meeting students from all over the world, and it helps you gain cultural knowledge in addition to the academics. Being here at UC is great!