Mia Shi

New Zealand
Career Advisor
Living Advisor

From international student to Software Engineer in New Zealand, Mia shares practical advice to help you study, work, and build a career abroad with confidence.

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Level
Senior
Role
Career Advisor
Living Advisor
Bio

Hi, I'm Mia. I came to New Zealand as an international student, completed my IT degree, and now work as a Software Engineer. I know how challenging it can be to navigate study, careers, visas, and everyday life in a new country. I'm here to help you understand what to expect, avoid common mistakes, and make informed decisions with practical advice drawn from real-world experience. Whether you're just getting started or planning your next career move, I'd love to support your journey.

This advisor can share these story and answers to you

Workplace Culture

What's the culture around overtime and taking leave?

How inclusive is the workplace culture here?

What does the work-life boundary look like here?

How do I adapt to workplace culture?

How do I build relationships at work?

Visa

What visa options fit my background?

How difficult is the visa approval process?

Can I switch employers on this visa?

Is permanent residency possible long-term?

Cost of Living

How expensive is daily life here?

Can I save money with this salary?

Which cities are more affordable?

What are the biggest monthly expenses?

Is public transport reliable and affordable?

Taxes

How does the tax system work here?

How much salary goes to taxes?

Do internationals get tax benefits?

Do I need to file taxes myself?

Are there hidden costs or deductions?

Immigration

How hard is it to immigrate long-term?

What pathways lead to permanent residency?

How long does the immigration process take?

Can my family join me later?

Healthcare

Is healthcare affordable for foreigners?

Do employers provide health insurance?

How good is the public healthcare system?

Can international workers access medical support easily?

What happens if I have an emergency?

Lifestyle

What is daily life like here?

Is it easy to make friends locally?

How safe is the city for internationals?

What activities do people do after work?

Is the lifestyle fast-paced or balanced?

Salaries

Is the salary enough for a comfortable life?

How often do people get salary increases?

Which industries pay the highest salaries?

Are bonuses and benefits common here?

How do local salaries compare internationally?

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3 mins
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Explore the most common questions about starting your global journey.
General questions for living abroad

Country Basic Questions

Work Visa Accessibility

Residency Potential

Cost of Living

Quality of Life

International Friendliness

Future Outlook