About studying in New Zealand
New Zealand’s school year starts at the end of January (remember, that’s summer!) and is divided into four terms of ten weeks, with two weeks holiday between each term, apart from the summer break. This is approximately six weeks, from mid-December to the end of January.
You can choose to go for just one or two terms, or an entire year. I would definitely recommend at least two terms, not only because it’s a long way to go for just ten weeks, but also because you get to experience different aspects of life in New Zealand across the seasons. Italian students generally arrive in New Zealand in January or July, but there is complete flexibility.
The school week is Monday to Friday, from around 8.30 am until 3 pm.
UNIFORM
Most schools in New Zealand require students to wear a uniform. In some cases, it may be optional for international students, but some schools make it mandatory for all.
ACCOMMODATION
All my international students stay with a host family, which is what we describe as “a homestay” and is a crucial element of your adventure, because you become part of the family and get to really experience the authentic New Zealand lifestyle. Every host family is carefully vetted and subject to a police record check and regular monitoring.
VISAS
If you are going to be in New Zealand for less than 90 days, you simply need a visitor’s visa which you automatically get upon arrival. However, you need to apply for a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) at least 72 hours in advance, but I will do this with you.
For longer stays, you will need a student visa and this usually takes up to six weeks, but it’s best to allow ten weeks. Again, I will organise this for you.
STUDENT WELFARE AND WELLBEING
Education providers must be approved signatories to the Education (Pastoral Care of Tertiary and International Learners) Code of Practice 2021 (the Code) before they are allowed to enrol any international students.
When international students come to New Zealand to study, education providers must ensure that students are well informed, safe and properly cared for.
In New Zealand we call this ‘pastoral care’. Students are entitled to be treated fairly, at all ages and at all levels of education.
To support this, the New Zealand Government has developed the Code and all schools licensed to enrol international students are bound by it.
Find out more on the New Zealand Qualifications Authority website:
https://www2.nzqa.govt.nz/tertiary/the-code/the-code-for-learners/
In the meantime, to get you in the mood, here’s a taste of what a student experience in New Zealand is like.