Not knowing anything about New Zealand didn't stop Jeena Thomas and Anju Thomas studying in Rotorua.
The pair, from south India but who are not related, are studying towards their Bachelor of Nursing at Waiariki Institute of Technology this year. They will finish their studies in July, when they will become registered nurses in New Zealand.
They were already registered nurses in their home country, which means they only needed to study in New Zealand for one year and pass an English language examination to become registered here.
The 31-year-olds say the hardest thing about their studies is the language but they are confident of doing well and are looking forward to working in a hospital somewhere in New Zealand.
Although they had never been to New Zealand or heard much about the place, Jeena and Anju didn't hesitate leaving their home behind for a foreign place.
Anju had previously lived in Malaysia while Jeena had lived in the Middle East. The pair, who had not met before studying at Waiariki, heard about the institute through seminars in India.
The seminars provided information about Rotorua and Waiariki, the benefits of studying there and the facilities at the campus.
Anju said she also knew a friend who was studying the nursing degree at Waiariki at the time and talked to her about her experience. She said she had heard only positive things so decided to give it a go herself.
The pair said they were enjoying Rotorua.
"It's good, especially our lecturers, they are very good. They are willing to explain everything," Anju said."People here are very nice and friendly," Jeena said.
- Kristin MacFarlane, Daily Post