My international education journey
In Good on You, Mate! Sandeep Sharma takes readers on a heartfelt and insightful journey from Mumbai to Christchurch, offering an authentic account of life as an international student in New Zealand. Blending memoir with practical guidance, the book captures the excitement, challenges, and cultural adjustments of studying abroad, while providing invaluable lessons for future students.
Sandeep’s story begins with the spark of inspiration to study overseas, leading to an intricate web of decisions, navigating education fairs, dealing with agents, and facing visa hurdles. His initial plan to study in Canada takes an unexpected turn, ultimately landing him in Christchurch at the University of Canterbury. What follows is a deeply personal narrative filled with resilience, adaptation, and self-discovery.
More than just a student memoir, Good on You, Mate! serves as an essential guide for aspiring international students, shedding light on the realities of academic life abroad, the importance of networking, and the often-overlooked value of embracing new cultures. Through engaging storytelling, the book explores themes of independence, career growth, and the long-term benefits of studying overseas, while also offering practical insights into internships, financial planning, and post-study work opportunities.
With a touch of humour and a wealth of first-hand experience, Good on You, Mate! is both an inspiring read and a roadmap for anyone considering education beyond their home country.
About the author
Sandeep Sharma is an accomplished professional with a diverse background as an Engineer, Entrepreneur, and expert in International Trade. He is the Founder and Managing Director of NorthStar Global Advisory, specialising in business advise and investments; with a special focus on international education sector. Prior to this he held the position of CEO of Quality New Zealand Education Limited, part of the QualityNZ Group—founded by New Zealand cricket legends Stephen Fleming, Brendon McCullum, Daniel Vettori and Geoff Allott. In this role, he collaborated closely with all eight New Zealand universities and key government agencies, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFAT), New Zealand Trade and Enterprise, and the Ministry of Education. His company was instrumental in delivering high-quality New Zealand educational services to South Asia and the Middle East.
Before this, Sandeep served as the Regional Marketing Manager at the University of Canterbury, where he was responsible for international marketing and business development. His career began in his family’s air-conditioning and refrigeration business in India, where he managed international sales and procurement. Sandeep established a state-of-the-art manufacturing line for producing heat exchangers, supplying to major brands in India and exporting to Europe.
Sandeep has travelled to over 20 countries, bringing a wealth of global experience to his roles. Beyond his work in international education, he is the Chair of the New Zealand Institute of International Affairs (NZIIA) for Christchurch branch, Trade & Strategy Advisor with the India NZ Business Council, and Strategic Partnership Advisor for Australasia to Global Order, New Delhi. He is actively engaged in track II diplomacy, working with the Asia NZ Foundation and various business chambers in Canterbury, Auckland, UAE, and New Delhi.
