“When you leave your country, you have to reconstruct yourself.”

For Romi, learning English isn’t just about mastering a new language, it is about reclaiming her voice, reconnecting with her identity, and opening the door to a future life in Aotearoa.

Three years ago, Romi arrived in New Zealand from Argentina with an academic and professional background. Her first language is Spanish. She studied philosophy and spent ten years as a teaching assistant in the Philosophy Department at the University of Rosario. She also worked in digital marketing and managed inventory and sales for a furniture warehouse. But in a new country, without fluent English, her professional confidence faltered.

Setting in New Zealand

“Your thoughts are connected with your ability to speak. I felt I lost a part of me when I couldn’t communicate.”

Her brother had been living in Tauranga for five years and her husband was keen to migrate to another country. When her family moved to New Zealand it was hard at first. Romi says, “It was hard for my then 6-year-old daughter. She started Year 1 shortly after they arrived and it was very difficult in the beginning. Romi says now three years later things are easier because her nine-year-old daughter has more friends, including native English speakers.

Romi’s own journey with English was inspired by a wish to communicate more fluently. She started work when she first arrived but didn’t feel comfortable speaking with suppliers, especially on the phone.

Enrolling in class at English Language Partners

So, Romi joined classes at English Language Partners where she met teacher Jude.

“Jude is amazing—super kind. You never feel like you’re doing things wrong.”

Romi joined several classes including Kiwi Speak, English for Phoning and Emailing and the Conversation Club. In the Conversation Club learners chat with a group of volunteers for 60 minutes of intense conversation practice with native speakers.  

Romi said “When I first joined the Conversation Club I was overwhelmed because it was different to the dynamics of a normal class. Usually, you only speak some of the time in class but in the conversation class it is nonstop talking to different people. Eventually I really felt the conversation class helped my English fluency.”

Phillipa Cairns, Centre Manager Bay of Plenty says, “We are so proud of Romi’s journey from a Learner to a Teacher!”

Enrolling in further study

After a year at English Language Partners, with Jude’s encouragement, Romi enrolled in Level 4 English at Toi Ohomai.

She completed a TEFL certificate and is now a qualified language teacher. Romi dreams of working as an English teacher someday. She has also completed the volunteer home tutor training at English Language Partners.

As if that wasn’t enough, Romi has enrolled in some papers as part of a three-year degree at the Tauranga Campus at the University of Waikato. She will study sociology with a minor in linguistics and English.

With a passion for learning all languages Romi is also learning te reo Māori. “The sounds are similar to Spanish, and I love learning it,” she says. “Te reo Māori is taught through movement and games—it’s very engaging.”

Romi has been researching second language acquisition and linguistics. “Your mind needs time to connect your previous knowledge with the new language,” she explains. “In the beginning, you use isolated words to communicate. Then you start to build structure. Eventually, you become fluent and connect your new language with your mother tongue.”

“Each skill is different. I realised I’m fluent in reading, but speaking with native speakers is another challenge.”

Becoming a volunteer home tutor

Through her own experience and her work with others, Romi has developed a strong sense of purpose. “I want to teach English,” she says. “I realised there are so many women who struggle with English. They were professionals in their countries but give up their careers here. They’re overqualified but can’t validate their professions without English. It’s a high barrier.”

“There should be a way to help them. It’s also good for New Zealand.”

Romi volunteers as a home tutor for English Language Partners, supporting a Cambodian learner who speaks Khmer and Thai. “I’m so proud of her,” Romi says. “She struggles with reading and writing but speaks well. She does lots of homework.”

Romi’s story is one of resilience, reflection, and quiet determination. “Perfection doesn’t exist,” she says. “But I always try to do the best I can.”

Her journey is far from over. She dreams of travelling back to Argentina and exploring the South Island. She and her family have done a few trips in the North Island. But for now, Romi is focused on her studies, her family, and her future.

“I feel a strong connection to Tauranga now. It feels like my roots are growing here again. Ko Paraná tōku awa, engari ko Mauao tōku maunga. The Paraná in Argentina is my river, but Mauao in Tauranga is my mountain. I don’t see myself living anywhere else. Every weekend I love climbing the Mount to watch the sunrise and sunset”.