Carrying My Culture With Me: Insights From a Pacific Creative in Thailand

by Soana Aleva, PMSA Thailand Intern - Currently in Nakhon Si Thammarat at Princess Chulabhorn Science High School

L to R: Eileen Dixon, Kayla Jones, Thorndon Antipas, Zion Pickering, Gloria Tawake, Soana Aleva, AJ Tuatagaloa, Nicole Paiti.

As a Tongan creative, born in Tonga and raised in Auckland, New Zealand, being selected for the Prime Minister’s Scholarship Programme for Asia and placed in Thailand’s Princess Chulabhorn Science High School has been a truly enriching experience. Coming from a strong cultural background, the exposure to Asian culture has broadened my perspective and challenged any limiting beliefs I once had.

Being immersed in Asian culture expanded my perspective and strengthened my belief in my own talents and cultural identity, as well as reminding me of the strong foundations we had growing up in New Zealand.

I have enjoyed my time in the southern part of Thailand , which resembles parts of Tonga where I grew up,with its palm trees, friendly locals and dogs. At school, I am met with warmth, love and care. The teachers look after me in ways that feel familiar to Pacific culture, and that sense of belonging has made this experience even more meaningful.

I have observed that the students are deeply committed to learning and it is their school’s culture to strive for excellence. As a result, this has helped make my time as an intern and ambassador for New Zealand special. Everyt time I share Māori and New Zealand culture in class,it is valued and shown deep respect. The kids walk around campus now saying “Kia Ora” and doing the mana wave. It has all been a special time of cultural connection and exchange, not to mention the delicious Thai food and islands like Krabi and Koh Samui that I’ve been able to explore in my own time.

Nicole Paiti & I proudly wearing our cultural attire to school

A key highlight of the programme has been participating in the Thai music and Dance groups. They taught Nicole and I (the other NZ teacher with me) how to drum and do Thai dance. This was a very special cultural exchange for me because Nicole comes from Cook Island dance background and my family has a line of Tongan dancers and drummers. Stepping into that world of dance and music brought me back to my roots as a girl who has done performing arts all her life.

Another highlight was being able to teach Māori dance in an after school club, being Pacific in New Zealand meant growing up learning a lot of the Māori culture naturally and it was a privilege to share how diverse New Zealand is and how proud we are to be kiwis.

This experience has strengthened my sense of global citizenship — learning to navigate a new culture while staying anchored in my Pacific identity. It has also helped build the global connections that Education New Zealand champions through international education.

Overall, we are fortunate to experience a country rich in culture and personal growth on a global level. I have connected with many locals, students, and teachers, and I hope this exchange continues. My worldview and aspirations have expanded, as there is still so much more to learn. I will return home with my cup filled ready to pour into my own career and the education systems in New Zealand. I am grateful and would like to thank all the organisations involved for this experience and I hope more young people get to travel for this opportunity in the future!

Malo ‘ Aupito & Tu’a ‘Ofa Atu

Soana ‘ Aleva