New Zealand culture inspires international student

International student from Santiago, Chilé, Constanza Lledó, 27,  already had a bachelor’s degree with honours in graphic design when she started studying at Wintec..

Cota, as friends know her,  moved to New Zealand in 2014 to further her  education and improve her language skills. Although this was a daring move her family encouraged her. “My family, they like it, they’re really happy for us, New Zealand is a really nice place to live.”

Upon arrival Cota decided that while she enjoys graphic design, she did not feel creatively challenged and decided to study interior design.

Cota’s passion, her travels, and her experiences of many cultures can be seen in her work.

She describes her style as “colourful”. “I love patterns, like organic designs, and clean functional, modern interior design.”

And, she says, she really enjoys the “relaxed Kiwi lifestyle”.

Coming from a big city Cota says she was surprised at the laid-back kiwi attitudes.“I remember when we were looking for a place to live, like a flat… I text I guy and he said ‘you can come through the window and look through the house and let me know if you like it or not’… but I think it’s really cool how people are so relaxed and they just trust.”

During the weekends Cota and her partner enjoy travelling around the North Island, challenging themselves with nature walks.

Cota wants to return to Chile after finishing her diploma. In Chile, Cota’s lifestyle was busier because of family and friends, one of the reasons she wants to return.

“I just miss people, like family and friends. You can get used to everything after a few months and feel comfortable where you are. But people, you will always miss people.”

But people, you will always miss people.

Currently there is little opportunity to study interior design in Chile, which is something Cota would like to see change. She would like to own her own interior design business and is open to the idea of tutoring and inspiring future interior design students.

“In the long term I could be a tutor, maybe. I would like to go back to Chile and have a job first though.”