Elisa Aguirre
Hailing from Mexico, Elisa is an awardee of the University of Auckland International Student Excellence Scholarship and is studying towards a Master of Heritage Conservation in Built Heritage.
Drawn by the “appealing, unique, and complete master programme, focused on the protection of built heritage”, Elisa chose the University of Auckland to complete her masters.
Elisa enjoys being able to work with industry professionals and to carry out guided research. “I have valued how practical some of my courses have been, providing me with the opportunity to recreate what professionals are doing, as well as working alongside government institutions such as Auckland Council. I have also enjoyed being able to carry out research focusing on my area of expertise with guidance from my professors, who are focused on developing our research methods rather than teaching us hard facts and memorisation of dates”.
A new experience for her was the blend of languages in New Zealand. “It has been a pleasant surprise to see firsthand how Te Reo Māori is mixed into everyday life. This is not the case in Mexico, and it has inspired me to look at areas of my own intangible cultural heritage that could benefit from the heritage conservation work in New Zealand”.
Life in Auckland offers the hustle and bustle of a city with a good balance with nature. “I live in the suburbs of Auckland, and I have enjoyed being able to travel within the city without a car. This provides me with a sense of independence in a new city that I am still familiarising myself with”.
Having been granted the scholarship has really allowed me to have a better quality of life in Auckland, not having to worry as much about my finances. Living in New Zealand as an international student can be costly so any financial aid is truly a gift.
"Studying here as an international student has given me more confidence in speaking English both in everyday life and in the classroom. I find it wonderful to be able to have the opportunity to have new experiences and relate to different cultures”.