Helping international students connect and thrive at UCIC
UC International College (UCIC) is proud to celebrate its student Amanda Xumeng Bao, recipient of the Waitaha Canterbury International Student Award 2026 – Leader and Mentor Award.
Amanda’s recognition highlights the value of student leadership and peer-to-peer support in helping international students settle, connect and thrive in their new community.
Moving to a new country can feel unfamiliar, but at UCIC, students don’t go unnoticed. The college takes the time to know its students, listen to them and provide the support they need. With small, supportive classes, students are known by name, supported by their teachers and connected to their community.
Through initiatives such as the Student Buddy System and Student Councils, the college helps new students build friendships, settle into life at UCIC and in Ōtautahi Christchurch, developing a strong sense of belonging. These initiatives play an important role in supporting both students’ wellbeing and academic success.
Looking out for one another, making people feel welcome and creating a genuine sense of belonging is part of the Kiwi way. At UCIC, this means making sure every student feels supported and valued from the moment they join the college.
Amanda has embraced this spirit through her mentoring and support of fellow international students, helping others adjust to university life and feel at home in their new community.
Presented by the Mayor of Ōtautahi Christchurch, Amanda was recognised alongside four other outstanding international students from Canterbury. She also received her first pounamu (greenstone), a meaningful symbol of connection and contribution to the community.
UCIC is proud to help make Ōtautahi Christchurch a welcoming and inclusive place where international students feel at home.