As we get to know you through the application process to study abroad, it’s only fair that you know a bit about us too! Read on to learn more about the programs team behind all the emails and phone calls and our in-country staff who you will get to know during your time in New Zealand. And, of course, feel free to contact us anytime if you have questions!
Meet Team Christchurch
Program Managers
Kate Hilby (aka Hilby, Hilbs or Hilbo Baggins) is a TEAN alum who studied in Melbourne in 2009 and has been working as a Program Manager for TEAN New Zealand for the last six years. She recently returned from a year living and working from New Zealand based out of Auckland. One of her favorite things about living in New Zealand was the opportunity to get out and explore the vastly different and gorgeous landscapes found throughout the country. Her tip is to take time to visit the amazing National Parks of New Zealand, found on both islands. Two of her favorites include Tongariro National Park and Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park.
Q&A
Tell us a little about what you do at TEAN?
I currently work on our New Zealand, Fiji, Japan and Southeast Asia programs. My role as team lead and Program Manager is to make sure everything on these programs is running smoothly working with our team. It includes everything from making sure students have pre-departure information on time to making sure they submit all of the items they need to study abroad (i.e. transcripts, courses, contracts, arrival details, payments, visa confirmations).
Where did you study abroad?
I studied with TEAN in Melbourne, Australia at Deakin University. It’s a more traditional campus, just outside the city but being able to live in the city and commute gave me the best of both worlds. Honestly, Melbourne has something for everyone – think sporting events, art, music, theatre, comedy, laneway cafes/restaurants/bars, shopping, the list goes on. Melbourne is consistently ranked as one of the world’s most liveable cities, so why wouldn’t you choose to study there? If you’re looking for a Melbourne equivalent in New Zealand, check out Wellington known as the coolest little capital in the world. It’s a smaller city, but that makes it an easy city to get around by foot. It’s a very accessible city for study abroad students.
What brought you back to Melbourne to live and work after graduation?
When I graduated, I knew I wanted to return to Australia. My time studying abroad had given me that exposure to living abroad and I wanted to spend more time there as a professional. For my career, It was great to gain work experience at a university abroad. I’m so glad I went down this path or I might not have ended up at TEAN today!
Packing for study abroad is always a challenge and popular topic, as a frequent flyer – what insider tips do you have for someone packing for the semester?
I’ve become pretty good at packing light over the years since there have been so many times earlier on where I’ve overpacked. I took half of my closet and never touched the majority of it. You will hear the advice – pack everything you think you’ll need then take half of it – and it’s so true. My other advice is to pack articles of clothing you can mix and match to create different outfits to help reduce items. Also try to keep the shoe situation under control, they take up a lot of room. Bring a couple pairs that are super versatile (and comfortable).
If you were going to study abroad tomorrow on a TEAN program where would you go?
I’m biased, but I would study on one of our New Zealand programs. Since working with our TEAN New Zealand students, I’ve had the opportunity to travel to New Zealand several times and have visited all program locations. I also recently lived in New Zealand for a year based out of Auckland. I love the idea of going for a semester, joining a tramping club on campus and getting out into the beauty of New Zealand in my free time!
Sierra Westjohn
Region & Account Manager - Asia & Pacific
Having grown up in a tiny town in Texas, Sierra has always found magic in visiting new places. Her family encouraged her with tales of their far off home countries and frequent road trips across the states. She obtained her BA in English Literature with a minor in International and Global Studies from the University of Houston. There, she had the opportunities to study abroad in South Korea and to teach English in Japan. Those life changing experiences reshaped her passion for travel into an inspiration to help others take their own global adventures. When she isn’t exploring the world, she’s writing fantastical stories, studying too many languages, and searching for the best coffee beans. Her new home in Austin is already full of secondhand books and underwatered plants.
New Zealand Staff
Rachel has an extensive background in international education student services, marketing and university relations. She spent several years living and working abroad first in Japan on the JET program, then in London, England and Guangzhou, China. On return to New Zealand, Rachel managed the study abroad and student exchange programs at Massey University; her alma mater where she was awarded degrees in Business Administration and Marketing. She is now working at the University of Auckland, as well as representing TEAN as the New Zealand Resident Director.
Nick Halsall
Resident Director - Christchurch
Born in Greymouth on New Zealand’s wild west coast and educated across the mountains in the city of Christchurch, Nick always wanted to travel and see the world. The first overseas trip was a one-way ticket to UK/Europe. Followed by another one-way ticket home 6 months later. After then studying tourism and working for Air New Zealand it was back off again overseas to live and work for the next 20 years. With stints in Australia, Middle East, UK and Europe, Nick firmly believes the education of experience abroad is vital for personal development and building an individual’s resilience.