Chutchaya (Bloom) Phongthanakul

2014 AFY Graduate
Home Country: Thailand
University: Currently studying a Bachelor of Arts (major in Sociology, minor in Politics and International Relations) at the University of Auckland

Before I came to Auckland I was working as a secretary in my mother’s business, based in Bangkok. During that period, I found I did not enjoy working in the commercial field at all. I’m not a person who values money, but instead I have a strong passion for helping others, and through the study of Sociology and Political Studies that is what I chose to do. The Auckland Foundation Year was my program of choice because it has a very strong, internationally recognised reputation in preparing students for top universities in New Zealand and other English speaking countries.

While studying AFY, I engaged in many of the program’s activities, such as being the Head of the Students’ Council, and I was the students’ representative for the Board of Health and Safety. It was such a fun and spectacular thing to do.

The most wonderful part of my time at the Auckland Foundation Year were my AFY teachers who strongly supported me and treated me as if I was a part of their family. Without their contribution, I would not have received a place at the University of Auckland.

I’m currently studying Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Sociology and minoring in Politics and International Relations at the University of Auckland. In my spare time, I volunteer at a residential home and at a foundation for people with intellectual disabilities. During the university’s summer break I have also volunteered at a Buddhist temple in the North of Thailand as an English teacher.