Student Stories

We welcome diversity at Freyberg High School and have had the pleasure of welcoming students from all over the world. Here are some of their stories:

Jana Petrasova - Slovakia
Jonas Boesl - Germany
Viktoria Bengtsson - Sweden
Elizabeth Bosch - Germany
Joaquin Paredes - Spain

Jana Petrasova - Slovakia

Ahoj, I'm Jana from Slovakia.

I was scared the first day. But after that day, I knew it wouldn't be hard to fit in. People at Freyberg are really friendly which made it much easier.

I can honestly say this was my best year. I knew lots of students, teachers and I knew their expectations for me in each class. I will miss Freyberg. I want to say thank you to all my teachers, and to all the great people who helped me to fit in, and not loose the nerve.

Thank you. Jana

Jonas Boesl - Germany

Hey, My name is Jonas and I've been a student at Freyberg for nine months.

These last nine months in New Zealand have been a unique time for me. When I arrived here I wasn’t sure if I could easily find friends and get involved into the school. But the teachers and students at Freyberg are really nice and friendly, so it wasn’t a problem at all.I made really good friends and after a while following the teachers in class with English language wasn’t so hard any more.

I was also able to participate in school trips like the Year 12 PE skiing trip and the Year 13 geography trip. I had a really good time and I want to thank everyone for making it so easy for me.

Jonas Boesl.

Viktoria Bengtsson - Sweden

Kia ora! My name is Viktoria and I am from Sweden.

With only one day left at Freyberg high school, I have been reflecting back on my time here and have realised how good this school has been for me. From the first day, I’ve been taken care of from both teachers and students. I’ve made lifelong friends and will from now on be fluent in English. I haven’t for one minute regretted the decision of going on an exchange to New Zealand. The things that I have seen and experienced here are worth being away from Sweden for.

Some of the best memories that I’ll always carry with me are the trips that I’ve attended, such as the week in Fiji with my beloved host family, the south island tour with 30 other exchange students, where I realised what New Zealand environment is all about. Also the Tongariro crossing that I did with a lot of other year 13 students from Freyberg was an amazing yet challenging experience. This year has definitely been the best year of my life and I want to thank everyone who’s been a part of it. And of course, a special thank to Freyberg High School for having me!

Viktoria Bengtsson

Elisabeth Bosch - Germany

Hi there, My name is Elisabeth. I was a student at Freyberg for 8 months.

The first impression I had of the school was: Wow – it’s big! My school at home in Germany has only about 650 students and all the classrooms are basically in one building, so Freyberg seemed huge! I was surprised how many cultural things one could do at Freyberg - and I took the opportunity and joined the Senior Music Band, the Volleyball team, the Barbershop Singing group and Bella Contare.

Another highlight for me was the Geography trip to Waitomo Caves. I had a wonderful time and I would go again anytime!

So what are my final words – well I will miss many things about New Zealand and what I will miss the most are all the wonderful opportunities Freyberg gave me – the trips, the education, the sport and not to forget the music! I had the time of my life, thank you so much for everything!

Elisabeth Bosch

Joaquin Paredes - Spain

Hola, I'm Joaquin, I'm from Spain and I've been an exchange student for 12 months.

Freyberg is a great school, with a friendly and careful staff, and New Zealand 's a wooly good country. I started playing rugby league, where I met some new people, and gave me more confidence.

The second year, as '7th former' was much easier. the life in the common room gave me the opportunity to meet heaps of new people. Now, I’m quite comfortable, but, as all the good things, it comes to an end. I’ll never forget my time here… Thank you for this awesome time.

Joaquin Paredes