Paramsothy Jeyakumar (Jeya), once a talented post-graduate student in Palmerston North, shares his family's story of emigrating to New Zealand from Sri Lanka following his initial experience as a student. "New Zealand had everything we were looking for. No fear, less crime, no corruption, no racism, and equal opportunities for women.” If all these boxes are ticked, it was not easy to settle at first, but Jeya believes that hard work and honesty will see you through, and make you happy.
Making his family feel welcome, Jeya says New Zealand society has impressed him. “Each and every person is treated the same. There is respect and a genuine interest to learn about other cultures.”
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