Rate My Professor Mary Powell

Mary Powell serves as the Homestay Manager in the Pathway and English Language Centre at the University of Otago, under Campus & Collegiate Life Services. She is responsible for running the homestay office, acting as the primary liaison between host families, students, and the university. Powell manages placements for a diverse range of students, including international and domestic participants from the English Language Centre and Pathway programs, accommodating short-term, long-term, and multi-year stays. Her role ensures students have supportive living arrangements that promote cultural exchange and personal growth.

In her tenure, Powell has organized memorable student trips to locations such as Tekapo and Queenstown, handled challenging situations like a student's bus incident, and arranged special events including a traditional New Zealand Christmas lunch for an elderly Japanese group. The homestay office operates nearly year-round, closing only for two weeks, facilitating experiences like attending rugby games and other local activities. Powell's contributions enhance the overall student experience at the University of Otago.