Hello, my name is Milly, and I’ve been living in New Zealand for five years, originally from Shenzhen, China. My native language is Chinese, but I'm here to share a bit about my journey with English and how it’s shaping my life in New Zealand.
I started learning English back in secondary school in China, but I didn’t retain much beyond the basics. Since moving to New Zealand, I decided it was time to dive back into learning, and through friends, I found out about DynaSpeak. I’ve been studying at Level 2 this semester, and I’ve truly appreciated the flexibility that DynaSpeak offers, with a 3-day-per-week schedule and a self-paced online component that fits well with my personal schedule.
Studying at DynaSpeak has been a unique experience compared to other places. One of the most rewarding parts has been the focus on practical language skills and cultural understanding. Not only have I seen improvements in my grammar and writing, but I've also learned a lot about local Kiwi English, which has been incredibly helpful. Additionally, learning about New Zealand culture, including Maori culture, has been invaluable for fitting in and feeling more at home here.
My long-term goal is to feel confident enough in my English skills to communicate freely with others, which will allow me to pursue work opportunities. While I’m now comfortable speaking English with my teachers and classmates, I’m still working on building the confidence to speak with people outside of school. I know I’m on the right path, and I’m grateful for the progress I’ve made so far.