Dara Sam’s life-changing journey of learning, growth and inspiration in New Zealand

When Dara left Cambodia to pursue a Master of Arts in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington, he expected to gain advanced teaching skills. What he didn’t expect was a complete transformation in the way he saw himself, his career, and the world around him.

Supported by a Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship, Dara spent 18 months in New Zealand—a time he describes as life-changing, both personally and professionally.

"My friends and colleagues who had already studied here told me that New Zealand provides a world-class education and I found that out for myself," he says.

Before his studies, Dara was working as an English teacher in Phnom Penh. He had never thought beyond classroom teaching. But the international qualification and personal growth he gained in New Zealand opened new doors.

Today, Dara holds a leadership position as Vice Chief Academic Officer at NTC Group, one of Cambodia’s leading private education providers. He now oversees the General English Programme curriculum development for 33 schools, 600 English teachers, and nearly 20,000 ESL students.

Dara says there is high prestige attached to international education in South-East Asia, especially for those who studied on a scholarship, which in turn leads to more career opportunities. What sets New Zealand apart from other study destinations is its student-centered approach to learning.

His experience highlights the practical, innovative nature of New Zealand’s education system, which helps students not just gain knowledge—but also learn new ways of thinking and applying it to real-world challenges.

While Dara was initially drawn to New Zealand for its global reputation in education, what surprised him most was the culture of care and respect in New Zealand.

Dara arrived in New Zealand at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, a time of uncertainty for many. What reassured him was the way New Zealand treated international students. “I felt like a New Zealander,” he says. “The government cared for everyone equally. I always felt safe and valued.”

This supportive, inclusive approach is something Dara says sets New Zealand apart from many other study destinations and something he now carries into his leadership style. “In my new role, I now focus on supporting my teachers, making their work easier, and building a more understanding environment,” he says

From a shy teacher in Cambodia to a confident leader influencing thousands of students and teachers across the country, Dara is now helping modernise Cambodia’s English education system by sharing what he learned in New Zealand.

He has become a mentor to aspiring teachers and supports other Cambodian students in applying for scholarships to study abroad.