The students’ first week of learning in New Zealand is a classroom-based cultural orientation and a chance to research their volunteer organisations before moving to their hybrid timetable of a morning classroom session and an afternoon spent volunteering.

The Māori concept of manaakitanga – the act of showing respect, generosity and care for people – is used as a framework to help students understand both the responsibilities of volunteering and the valuable contribution they are making.

Having manaakitanga as a basis is also an effective way of providing feedback to the students further down the track, says Paul O’Farrell, acting director of the English Language Academy.

“It’s a way of walking them through the impact their actions have on everybody involved.”

Jeffrey Lam, one of three students volunteering at the Maritime Museum, said something he will take away from the experience was the respect New Zealanders have for other cultures.

“People are helpful and friendly and love to greet others. Even the bus driver says good morning and thank you.”

The three students volunteering at the Maritime Museum have been greeting visitors, directing them to exhibits and helping other volunteers with their work.

Candice Yeung says volunteering work is important to her because she likes helping people and it is effective way to contribute to society.

“As we are not native English speakers, we may be afraid of speaking English sometimes but we can express ourselves with the use of body language and it is also a chance to improve and learn from our mistakes.

“ELA provided lessons to guide us on how to be a good volunteer – things like being on time, taking initiative and being patient with visitors and what they ask.”

“We learnt about Māori culture before volunteering, so we can use 'kia ora' to replace hello when greeting people,” says Quintina Situ.