The Lived Experience of Pasifika Anatomy Students Living in Ōtepoti and Studying At Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka

Many Pasifika students in Te Tari Kikokiko at Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka face challenges while living in Ōtepoti and studying in our department. We conducted online talanoa with 24 Pasifika undergraduate students to gain feedback about their experiences. Students reported having challenges in living independently, culture shock, and academic struggles while living in Ōtepoti. Reasons for choosing our institution and studying anatomy were discussed. Students reported challenges in adapting to learning styles for anatomy, workload content, personal barriers, lack of culturally competent support, difficulties in essay writing, and tutorials (timing conflict, delivery method). They also were reluctant to seek feedback from academics about their work. Students recommended extracurricular support (e.g., writing workshops), improving staff–student communication (e.g., for information on scholarship), and increasing Pacific presence (e.g., more Pasifika staff, visual signs). Institutions in Aotearoa New Zealand, including ours, should explore strategic ways to improve academic outcomes of Pasifika students.