More than 100 students from throughout the world will be calling Rotorua home for the next 12 months.
Mayor Steve Chadwick welcomed newly enrolled Waiariki Institute of Technology international students at a reception at the Rotorua District Council chambers yesterday where they were introduced to what the council's role and responsibilities were.
Many students were eager to meet and take photos with the mayor afterwards. "You couldn't come to a better place than Rotorua to understand biculturalism and it really makes them realise the indiginality of our community and that they are welcome here," Mrs Chadwick said.
"They will also become ambassadors of Rotorua, talking to their families back home, taking photos, having family visit them here.
"International education is also a huge stimulant to our economy. I think we are the right size as well. I think the good thing about this community is that they can come here and feel that they can be a part of our community."
Student Mauricio Dyarzo of Chile will be studying for a diploma in tourism at Waiariki after receiving a grant from his ministry of education. "I did a degree in eco-tourism at home and I want to learn all about sustainability. I really admire what you guys do here and learning about it is my main motivation," he said.
"I'm looking forward to travelling and getting to know the different culture and knowing how they do things in tourism here."
The introduction to the district council and meeting the mayor was part of the group's orientation to Rotorua.
Waiariki Institute of Technology international education director Graeme Rennie said, "They were welcomed on the marae at Waiariki and the district council is a key part of the community which we are a part of.
"We're very much more laid back here and most of them would never get an opportunity to meet their city's leader as they're either too busy or there is too much security so the students really appreciate this opportunity."