From Sri Lanka to New Zealand: Manodya’s journey to finding community
Manodya moved from Sri Lanka to study Computer Science at Massey University in Auckland, hoping for a calmer place to learn and grow. Two years later, she says New Zealand taught her something she didn’t expect: that even far from home, community is everywhere.
Her first memory of New Zealand is one many international students can relate to. Arriving in a completely new country, tired after a long flight, and suddenly feeling overwhelmed inside an unfamiliar airport. She remembers how a a local couple noticed her confusion, walked over with a smile, and guided her all the way through customs.
“That was my first moment here, and I thought… if strangers are this kind, maybe I’ll be okay.”
That simple welcome set the tone for what she would experience again and again in New Zealand.
A host family that felt like home
The kindness Manodya experienced at the airport continued when she moved in with her host family. Wanting to be respectful, she told her host family she could cook for herself, but it didn’t take long for them to realise otherwise. One evening, after watching her make another bowl of instant noodles, her host smiled and said, “You can’t live like this.”
From that moment on, meals became something they shared. Her host family cooked for her, looked after her, and taught her how to make proper meals.
Far from home and missing her mother’s cooking, these small acts of care made New Zealand feel less unfamiliar and a lot more like home.
Finding her Sri Lankan community in New Zealand
The turning point was joining the Sri Lankan Students’ Association at Massey and finding her community on campus too. A place with people who understood her background, her traditions, and the small things she missed.
As she became more involved, Manodya stepped into the role of Secretary, supporting other Sri Lankan students as they settled into life in New Zealand.
Organising Avurudu celebrations in April became one of her favourite ways to stay connected. With traditional games, shared meals, and the familiar sounds of home, those events brought Sri Lankan culture to campus in the most joyful way.
“It gave me the same feeling of community I grew up with, and I wanted to pass that on to others.”
A new way of learning
New Zealand’s education system was a big shift from what Manodya was used to in Sri Lanka. Back home in Sri Lanka, education was mostly about studying for exams. But in New Zealand, she discovered a very different approach: students are encouraged to think independently, explore topics in depth, and ask questions.
“At the start I was very hesitant about reaching out and asking questions, but my lecturer was very patient. He took the time after the lecture to explain things to me and said I could ask questions any time. That really helped me a lot.”
With study deadlines set well in advance, Manodya found she had time to think more deeply about her work, and that helped her retain what she learned long after submitting her assignments.
Gaining skills for the real world
Manodya also discovered the importance of networking. Studying alongside students from different IT backgrounds enabled her to share knowledge, collaborate, and discover how different skills connect in the real world.
Internships added another layer of learning. Through hands-on experience in professional settings, she learned how workplaces function and gained skills she knows will stay with her long after graduation.
“I feel like I’ve learned so much through internships because I got to experience how things go on in an actual company and I gained a lot of really useful, practical knowledge.”
She’s now completed two internships, including one with a health‑focused organisation that matched her interest in natural products.
A peaceful environment that changed everything
Manodya came to New Zealand looking for somewhere peaceful, somewhere where she could get in the right frame of mind to study. She was looking for somewhere truly authentic where she could focus on her studies and immerse herself in a different culture.
Massey University’s Auckland campus is set slightly away from the city and surrounded by trees and walking paths, which gave her the calm she needed to reset and concentrate.
Coming from a hot country, the transition to New Zealand’s pleasant cool climate was a nice change. She started going on morning and evening walks and became addicted to exploring the wild, green areas around the campus.
“If I had a 30-minute break between lectures, I'm like, oh, let me just go there and sit and just like drink my water and prep for the next lecture. I really enjoy going on hikes here. It’s so nice.”
Manodya’s advice to Sri Lankan and other international students
For students thinking about studying in New Zealand, Manodya also shares some helpful advice:
- Do your research. “Do as much research as possible when you’re choosing a university. Look at what they offer, what support systems are in place, and what feels right for you.”
- Talk to current students. She says connecting with other Sri Lankans and international students helped her understand what to expect. “Sri Lankans in New Zealand are incredibly supportive, and I found most people here to be really friendly and easy to talk to.”
- Choose the place that feels right for you. “Don’t pick a university just because your friends are going there,” she says. “Pick the one that fits your future, not someone else’s plans.”
And finally, the advice that shaped her own journey:
“If you come with an open mind, you’ll find your community here,and eventually, it becomes your family.”
Ready to start your journey?
About the contributors
Education New Zealand is a government agency that promotes New Zealand education worldwide and supports international students every step of the way.
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