There are a number of fine high schools in Christchurch, and Ben and Elspeth Kong have good working relationships with them all.
 I
am pleased to make this statement in support of Mr Ben Kong as a guardian
for young Thai students living and studying in Christchurch, New Zealand.I have known Mr Kong for approximately two years. During that time he has acted in a guardianship role for several students who have been studying the English language in the International Division of this Polytechnic. Mr Kong has impressed me greatly by the care and concern he shows for the students under his guardianship. He gives generously of his time whenever there is any kind of problem and is always willing to do whatever is necessary to try to resolve difficulties. His familiarity with, and sensitivity to, Thai culture and his skill with the Thai language, mean that he is accepted by the students and is able to gain their confidence. Some Thai students are quite young, 18 years or younger, and it is a great responsibility for us to have them studying here. Ben has been extremely helpful in all situations regarding homestay, study habits and general behaviour. Even when I asked him to help the students who were not officially under his guardianship he was ready to assist without any payment being made. We have had several problems with young Thai students who come to Christchurch and have poor study habits because they tend to spend a lot of time in the city with other Thais. Ben keeps a close watch in the city on the places where they spend time and is able to provide discipline and advice. I would not be prepared to have a young Thai student in the school unless the parents agreed to that student being under Mr Kong's guardianship. Mr Kong clearly has a deep love for the Thai people and the students have a great respect for him. I am happy to recommend him to any Thai parent or institution as an ideal person to act as a guardian to Thai students living in New Zealand.  Joan Boyer Head, International Division School of Languages Christchurch Polytechnic |
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 This
is to certify that Mr and Mrs Kong are used by this College as official
guardians of several of our international students from Thailand.We are a College of some 60 international students, all of whom are required to have guardians and it is good for us to be able to refer students in this area to a reliable guardian service, such as the Kongs provide. At all times, we have found the Kongs to be sincere and genuine in their desire to ensure that student needs are being met and that the students are contented in both their place of residence and in the college. They have at all times kept in close contact with the college regarding these students and we are extremely pleased with the service that they are providing. I would recommend Mr and Mrs Kong, without reservation, as providers of a quality guardianship service in Christchurch, in touch with both the needs of Asian students and the realities of life in our schools and in our city.  B.J. Maister Rector St Andrew's College |
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 I am
pleased to write in support of Mr Ben Kong who operates in Christchurch
as "Student Links". His company offers support to Asian students
in new Zealand. He acts as a Guardian for many young people and co-ordinates
home-stay for them.Ben is a man of integrity and absolutely honest and straight forward in all his dealing with students and schools. He is a very sensible person and his company sets reasonable and correct rules for young people in this care to follow. He is always a strong advocate for the young people in his care and works very hard to provide them with care and attention and advice on how to succeed in New Zealand. We are very happy to work with him and he is accredited to act as an agent on our behalf. He offers Thai students a unique service in Christchurch, being fluent in their language and understanding of customs and practices. I commend him as a thoroughly professional and reliable operator who provides an excellent service to his customers.  D.R. Chapman Principal Linwood High School |
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 I have
known Mr Ben Kong for three years, both as a parent of students in our school
and as a guardian for several of our Thai students.I have found him to be a very pleasant, conscientious, reliable man who shows he is responsible. He is a man of very high integrity, honest and hard-working. He has a keen sense of responsibility and is dedicated to assisting the students in his care. His students trust and respect him. He maintains excellent communication between himself and parents and between himself and the school. He relates well to host families, teachers and students and, in fact, is well liked by all. He provides an excellent service for our international students. I would have no hesitation in recommending him as an agent for any overseas student, but particularly for Thai students as he speaks fluent Thai, has lived in Thailand and is familiar with Thai life and culture. J. R. Keir  Dean of International Students Middleton Grange School |
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Yours faithfully, |
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I
have known Mr Kong over the past year in my involvement with International
Students attending St Kevin's College.
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