After some twists and turns, our family of three has finally settled down in Christchurch, New Zealand, and I have finally found the time to write down my experience of immigrating to New Zealand. Before I officially begin my immigration story, I must clarify: I did not obtain my visa directly through the New Zealand Skilled Migrant Category; rather, I studied abroad first and then applied for skilled migration. Therefore, my story may not be of much reference for those who wish to apply for a skilled migration visa directly. However, in addition to sharing my immigration experience, I will also talk about our life as a family of three in Christchurch, hoping to provide a simple overview for those who need it.
During the preparation stage (before studying in New Zealand)
First, I had to determine my major and the school. I discussed this with my agent for a long time and finally decided to apply for a school based on my undergraduate major in Software Engineering. In addition to making it easier for me to bridge my studies with the New Zealand curriculum after arriving, software engineering is also a long-term skill shortage occupation on the New Zealand Skilled Migrant Category list, which is beneficial for my subsequent immigration application. Secondly, it was about waiting for the school's offer and processing the student visa.
During the study stage (enrolled in postgraduate courses at Lincoln University)
When my husband and I first planned our immigration to New Zealand, we were determined that our family of three should not be separated and should live in New Zealand together. Therefore, he kept working hard on sending out resumes and interviewing with New Zealand employers remotely. By the time I had mostly resolved the enrollment procedures and housing issues, he had also obtained a partner work visa and brought our child to New Zealand first. About two months after arriving in New Zealand, he received an offer from a design company and switched to a work visa.
During my studies in New Zealand, I was very lucky to receive help from many people. In particular, regarding the housing issue, two teachers from the international student center kept in touch with me, and with their help, I finally found a satisfactory house near the school. There are not only supermarkets and hospitals near where we live, but also kindergartens, primary schools, and secondary schools, which is very convenient. For students who are not bringing their families, I suggest living in a homestay, as this can help you quickly understand the local lifestyle and improve your language skills rapidly. After solving the "housing" issue, there is "food." In terms of eating and drinking, Chinese supermarkets in downtown Christchurch are basically fully stocked with all kinds of ingredients, so cooking for yourself is not difficult and is definitely cheaper than eating out. However, vegetables in New Zealand are more expensive than meat, so you cannot buy things with the same mindset as you would back home.
Next, I want to talk about something very important for immigrant families in New Zealand: children's education! As I mentioned earlier, I came to Christchurch with my family, so the children's schooling had to be considered. There are two kindergartens near Lincoln University that are affiliated with the university. When going to school in the morning, I can drop the child off at the kindergarten before going to class, which is quite convenient. I have also planned for future education; Lincoln Primary School, middle school, and high school are all in Lincoln township, about a 5-minute drive from Lincoln University. Overall, solving the children's education issue is relatively easy.
I would like to interject a topic here: many parents worry that their children are too young to adapt to the education and environment in New Zealand. Judging from our family's experience of immigrating to New Zealand, children are actually the ones who adapt the fastest. Take my son, for example; before going abroad, his English was only at the level of simple greetings, and we didn't specifically teach him. But now, after a year in kindergarten, he has no problems communicating with his teachers. Their daily environment is speaking English, and he likes to speak English himself. For him, learning Chinese has become a bigger problem because it requires a lot of patience and practice. In short, coming to a foreign land will definitely require a period of adjustment, and "when in Rome, do as the Romans do" is the best way to adapt.