FAQ
How old do I need to be to study at a New Zealand high school?
From 13 to 18 years old but I only place international students aged 15 and older.
What is the usual length of time students stay in New Zealand?
The minimum is 1 term, which is approximately 10 – 12 weeks, and the maximum is 4 terms, which is 46 weeks, including holidays between terms.
What level of English do I need?
A minimum of B2, although some schools in New Zealand offer English lessons for non-mother tongue speakers.
How long in advance do I need to book everything?
This depends on the school you choose, because most schools offer limited places and in some cases, you may need to confirm one year in advance. However, it is also possible to arrange things within three months, but please note that the visa processing time for stays of more than three months can take up to ten weeks.
It’s also good to remember that generally speaking, the earlier you book flights, the more choice you have, and the lower the cost.
How much does it cost to live and study in New Zealand?
Obviously this depends on how long you plan to be in New Zealand. Please see the Pricing section which explains how much you should budget and what is covered.
What happens if I don’t like my host family?
All the schools I work with are incredibly proud of their success record in finding the right match between students and host families. In the rare situations where things don’t work out, the school will help you find a new solution and depending on the school’s policy, there may be a small administration fee for this.
How do I get to school each day?
This depends on the area! For example, in larger cities, you will probably travel by bus, while in smaller towns you will walk or even cycle. Some schools even ensure that every homestay family lives within walking distance of the school.
What is the visa situation?
Italy and New Zealand have a visa waiver agreement which means that 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. There is a cost of around 15 euros for this.
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. The cost is NZ$750 (approximately 400 euros).
You can learn more here: https://www.govt.nz/browse/immigration-and-visas/get-a-new-zealand-student-visa/when-you-need-an-nz-student-visa
Who organises the flight to New Zealand?
I book a flight for myself to Auckland in January and in July (the most popular months for Italian students to begin their experience). Students who would like to be on that flight and part of my group can book directly or through Leonardo Travel (https://www.leonardotravel.net/). Alternatively, you can book a flight of your own choice, again either directly or through Leonardo Travel. Please note, that if you are part of the accompanied group, there is a fee of 300 euros.
What support is provided while I am in New Zealand?
There is plenty of support, both in New Zealand and in Italy, as I am always just a phone call or email away. All the schools I work with have incredible International Student teams, including a homestay manager, and they are absolutely committed to ensuring you always have someone to talk to about any sort of issue or topic.
What checks are carried out on schools and families so that I know I (or my child) will be safe?
Host families must meet strict criteria set by the schools, including police vetting, a check of the accommodation offered and regular monitoring. What’s more, all schools must adhere to the Code of Pastoral Care, developed by the New Zealand government specifically to ensure international students are cared for correctly.
You can learn more here: https://www2.nzqa.govt.nz/international/study-nz-quals/code-international-students/
is a period spent studying abroad recognised by the Italian scholastic system?
Absolutely! The Italian Ministry of Education and Research recognises study experiences abroad as part of the national curriculum, in accordance with Article 192 of Legislative Decree 297 of 1994 (Testo Unico della Scuola which translates as the Consolidated School Act), subsequently updated by Ministerial Circulars 181 (17/03/1997) and 236 (08/10/1999) and the Note on Individual Mobility (Protocol No. 843 dated 10/04/2013).
These regulations allow for the recognition of the academic year spent abroad (or parts of it, such as a term or terms) and grant students access to the next grade level without having to repeat the year. The Ministry of Education clarified in Note 843/2013 that study experiences abroad are “an integral part of education and training pathways” and are “valid for readmission to the home institution (…). It is the responsibility of the Class Council to assess the necessary elements to directly admit the student to the next grade level.”
According to point 7 of the Ministry of Education, University, and Research Note No. 3355 of 2017, study experiences abroad can be equated with PCTO projects [Percorsi per le Competenze Trasversali e l’Orientmento which can be translated as Pathways for Soft Skills Development and Career Orientation]. It goes on to say “The Consiglio di Classe [a body consisting of school leaders and teachers] has the ultimate responsibility to recognise and evaluate the skills acquired abroad, highlighting their strengths in order to determine their equivalence, including in quantitative terms, with the work-based learning experiences completed by the rest of the class.” The document also emphasises that what truly matters is the assessment of the acquired skills, which are “cross-disciplinary, individual, relational and highly valued in the job market.”