Name: Hannah Charlotte Franczak
Age: 17 last week!
Time in New Zealand: From mid-July 2024 to the beginning of December 2025, I am doing my NCEA in New Zealand.
I am from Besigheim, a small town in southern Germany, in the Baden-Württemberg region. Home to around 13,000 people, it is surrounded by vineyards and hills and is not far from the city of Stuttgart.
What is one of the biggest differences between Motueka and your hometown/city?
One of the biggest differences between Motueka and my hometown Besigheim is the strong connection to nature and the sea. Motueka is right by the ocean, surrounded by three national parks, and people spend a lot of time outdoors. There is also a lot of open space here, with farms, orchards, and paddocks spread throughout the area. In contrast, Besigheim is more compact and built-up. It’s surrounded by vineyards rather than farmland, and you can easily walk across town in a short time. The lifestyle is another big difference; Motueka feels much more relaxed and laid-back, with people often going barefoot and enjoying a slower pace of life. In Besigheim, things are more structured and fast-paced, especially when it comes to school and daily routines.
What has been your favourite experience here?
My favourite experience in New Zealand so far was an overnight tramping trip with my host family to the summit of Mt. Arthur, where we tramped through snow and ice to reach the top. Although I did some more spectacular tramps with my host dad and friends, the trip to Mt. Arthur remains special to me. It was my first tramp in New Zealand, and I see the mountain every day on my way to school. That is why this adventure has a special place in my memory.
What is a food that you’ve learned to love in NZ, and what is a food that you’ve missed from back home?
During my time here, I really got into Asian food and learned how to cook proper vegetarian meals, even tofu, which I did not like that much before. But there are still a few things I miss from home: like my grandma’s mushroom risotto, proper vegetarian meat alternatives, and of course, real German bread.
How have you changed, or what have you learned, since you’ve been here?
I have changed and learned a lot. Obviously, my English has improved, and with that, I’ve gained a lot of confidence in speaking. As an international student, you experience a wide range of emotions, and I have learned to manage them, overcome obstacles and to use every opportunity to make the most of my time in New Zealand. I have also learned that sometimes it is better to relax than stress out. On top of that, I have learned more about Māori culture and New Zealand history. I have changed on the outside too, I cut my hair short, improved my style, and most importantly, I feel more confident in myself.
What’s one of the first things you’ll do when you return home in December?
When I return home, the first things I will do are eat a Döner (a special kind of kebab), drink mate, and catch up with all my friends.
Open your home to the world
Motueka High School is again looking for hosts for its incoming international students. International director Naomi Uren says these teenagers, most of whom are from Germany, come here to experience a new school system, take advantage of the outdoor opportunities, “and experience day-to-day life in a country they have only read about or seen on Lord of the Rings”.
Host families include them in everyday life and care for them as part of their own family. “Living with an extra teenager can be a lot of fun, showing off all our region has to offer or just enjoying a game of cards together.”
If you have thought about hosting and have a spare room, the school would love to hear from you. You will be well supported by their international staff and home-hosting community, and a fortnightly reimbursement is provided to cover living costs.
You can find more information at www.motuekahigh.school.nz. Alternatively, pop into the school office or contact the homestay manager at fiona.bryan@motuekahigh.school.nz.
