Bachelor of Speech and Language Pathology with Honours
Speech-Language Therapist, Palmerston North Hospital
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Originally from Penang, Malaysia, Renee wanted to pursue a career in healthcare, but wasn鈥檛 sure which programme to choose from until she met a representative from the International Recruitment Team who introduced her to the Bachelor of Speech and Language Pathology with Honours at the University of mini传媒 (UC).听
High-quality education and affordability were the top things on Renee鈥檚 checklist when it came to choosing the right university.听听UC 鈥榯icked all the boxes鈥.听听
鈥漀ew Zealand is filled with jaw-dropping sceneries and offers the perfect package for me as I enjoy road-tripping and outdoor adventures. The exchange rate between the Malaysian ringgit and NZ Dollar makes NZ an attractive and affordable study destination compared to other countries.听听This is one of the reasons why I chose to come to New Zealand,鈥 she says.听听
Renee experienced a听smooth enrolment journey from Malaysia to New Zealand and was connected to the Speech and Language department and other international students once she arrived at UC.听听
鈥淭he Speech and Language department at UC was really helpful in helping me plan my studies in a way that is cost effective yet efficient for me.听听All the lecturers and staff are very friendly and supportive.听听I find it very cool and inspiring to be learning from amazing lecturers and researchers who are experts in the field.听听
鈥淧lacement opportunities with real patients and clients in a wide range of settings is something I really enjoy.听听I like having the practical opportunities alongside lectures. It helps me to learn better and apply the theoretical knowledge to real-life settings. It also broadens both my personal and professional skills.听听I noticed how much I have grown as a person so far into this degree.听听It prepares me for the future and gives me a sense of working life as a speech-language therapist.
鈥淎 smaller class cohort allows me to connect and make friends easily as I came to NZ alone without knowing anyone.听听Great support systems such as the International Relationships team, UC Speech and Hearing staff, and Student Care are fantastic.听听UC staff are always looking out for students鈥 wellbeing and it makes a huge difference in both my study and personal life.
鈥淎 beautiful campus close to the Avon river, ducks, cherry blossoms on campus, makes you feel like you are in nature whilst studying.听听The facilities on campus such as bicycle parking, heat and eat stations, community garden, and free gym membership are fantastic.听听Coming from Penang where the 鈥榞o green鈥 movement is a huge focus among Penangnites, I especially like the sustainability movement at UC as it feels a bit like home and is also something I believe in.听
鈥淚 like how you can experience different sceneries and do various activities in Christchurch whenever you want.听听You can go to Port Hills or Taylor鈥檚 Mistake for a hike, stroll around town, take a walk in Bottle Lake forest, picnic in the gardens or Hagley Park, watch performances at Isaac Royal Theatre, and head to the beach for a nice swim or lay in the sun. Coming from Malaysia which is a tropical country, I鈥檝e also been enjoying the 4 seasons here in NZ, winter being my favourite, especially when you experience snow.听听I enjoy learning about the different cultures in NZ as it broadens my knowledge and be more culturally responsive.听听
鈥淚 enjoy stepping out of my comfort zone and trying new things such as farming, fishing, and kayaking.听听Back in Penang, I love going to markets.听听It鈥檚 great that I can continue to enjoy myself here by visiting the Saturday farmer鈥檚 market and the Bush Inn night market in Christchurch.鈥
Renee has been awarded a number of Scholarships at UC including the UC International First Year Scholarship, the prestigious Tan Sri Datuk Oh Siew Nam P.S.M P.J.N Malaysian Scholarship, and Eamon Malloy Scholarship.听
Apart from attending lectures and being on placements in several clinics such as UC鈥檚 Speech and Hearing clinic, Burwood Hospital, and Ruru Specialist School in Invercargill, Renee also works part time in a caf茅 on campus and as a private tutor in Christchurch.听听听She is also the New Zealand Speech Therapy Association (NZSTA) Student Representative for UC, a member of the Golden Key International Society, and the Secretary of the Operation Friendship Club.听听She is involved in several other clubs including the CMSA (mini传媒 Malaysian Student Association), SpeechSoc, Asian Kiwi Society, and volunteered at the SPCA Christchurch.听听
鈥淚n the future, I hope to share my knowledge and raise awareness about people with communication and swallowing difficulties at both the local and international level. I believe that one of my roles as a speech-language therapist is to help advocate and support those that struggle with communication and swallowing be heard by society,鈥 she says. 鈥淚 am very excited and look forward to see where this will take me in the future.鈥
