Hello! My name is Mani Marambe-Pickett. I am responsible for all of the Pastoral Care for International Students at the Professional Bar and Restaurant School in New Zealand. I am of Sri Lankan origins but was born and raised in Rome, Italy where I attended an American International Middle School and then an English Medium High School. After completing my A-Levels I moved to the United Kingdom where I obtained an International Tourism Management Honours Degree at the University of Brighton. Following my studies I lived in Greece, Austria and Turkey where I worked in 5 Star Resorts and Mountain Chalets. Once I returned to UK it was already time for me to move on once more and I took a plane ride of 28 hours to arrive in beautiful New Zealand.

Leaving home and travelling to study/live/work in a new country is a very exciting but also sometime a stressful experience. I understand, I used to be an international student myself. Even though studying abroad may be something you have planned and prepared for, the extent of the change and the effects it has on you may take you by suprise positively but also negatively too. 

I have joined the Professional Bar and Restaurant School to provide support to all International Students studying with us. My primary role is to assist you to settle into New Zealand and the Professional Bar and Restaurant School every step of the way. Due to my varied work experience I will also be able to assist you with your employment search. I can advice you on how to create a competitive New Zealand CV and give you a good idea about the current employment market. So whether you have a query about your accomodation, your course, or even questions on where to go for a social event I am the person to speak to! Furthermore, I believe in having an open door policy for all students, so please feel free to discuss any matters with me. 

To ensure you smooth transition into the school and Auckland, on the first day I will be running an induction to help you familiarise with the schools facilities and answer any questions you may have. This includes assistance with opening a bank account, accommodation, insurance and much more. I will also spend some time with you offsite to show you some of the popular amenities across Auckland city central. 

As an Internationally born and educated person myself, I also understand that factors such as food, climate, traditions, values, dress codes, social roles and rules of behaviour can affect us. These experiences are entirely normal and in the long term they become a valuable learning experience, making you more aware of aspects of your own culture as well as the new culture you have entered. It will give you valuable skills that will serve you in many ways now and in the future. This is one of the many benefits of studying as an international student at the Professional Bar and Restaurant School. 

Mani Marambe-Pickett
International Student Services
Tel: 0064 9 926 1540
Fax: 0064 9 920 3935
Email: mani@pbrs.co.nz