Life in New Zealand
WORLD'S BEST COUNTRY TO LIVE IN
THE WEATHER
A PARADISE ON EARTH
Every day is a travel day! How about that?
So, what can you expect?
Well, if you’ve seen The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, The Narnia Chronicles or The Piano, you’ll have an idea: soaring mountain peaks, mysterious lakes and rivers, dramatic volcanic plateaus, vast open plains, winding rivers, thermal wonderlands, fiords, native forests, glaciers, miles of farmland and even more miles of glorious coastline with gorgeous sandy beaches. It’s not just the range of beautiful scenery to see – it’s the different ways you can experience it: by car, on foot, by boat, on horseback, by helicopter, by rail, by rubber raft.
Here are some other facts that might amaze you:
WE ARE PROUD
TO BE NUCLEAR FREE
Christchurch
What to bring to school on your first day
1. Your passport.
Original, not a photocopy
2. A passport-sized photo.
For your student ID card
3. Basic Stationary (pens and notebooks).
4. Your WiFi enabled device.
e.g. smartphone, tablet or laptop and the WiFi password will be given to you during the orientation.
5. Insurance certificate and insurance policy in English.
In case of you want the school to arrange your insurance, our student service team will arrange your insurance to start in your first arrival date to New Zealand to the last day in your visa.
6. Taxpayer identification number or national identity number from your country
if you are planning to open a bank account in NZ
7. Your NZ home address and phone number.
Airport Transfer
Insurance Support
|
Duration |
Prime |
Lite |
|
1 month |
$75.00 |
$45.00 |
|
2 months |
$128.00 |
$88.00 |
|
3 months |
$168.00 |
$113.00 |
|
4 months |
$217.00 |
$134.00 |
|
5 months |
$262.00 | $170.00 |
|
6 months |
$299.00 |
$202.00 |
|
7 months |
$349.00 |
$237.00 |
|
8 months |
$396.00 |
$270.00 |
|
9 months |
$442.00 |
$304.00 |
|
10 months |
$478.00 |
$337.00 |
|
11 months |
$531.00 |
$371.00 |
| 12 months | $571.00 |
$396.00 |
Note: Fees is subject to change from time to time according to the insurance company’s policy
Homestay
Living with a New Zealand family is a great way to get to know Kiwis and New Zealand.
You will be welcomed into a New Zealand home and will be able to practise the English you learn at school every day.
Some frequently asked questions about homestays:
HOW MUCH DOES A HOMESTAY COST?
It is $270 per week. There is a once only $230 fee to organise the homestay for you.
If you are under 18 years, There will be $50/week. Compliance service fee.
I DON’T LIKE CATS OR DOGS. IS THAT OK?
Yes, we have homestay families that don’t have any pets. Please let us know when you apply for a homestay.
ARE THE HOMESTAYS SAFE?
Yes. Everyone in the homestay family has been checked by the police and our Homestay Coordinator has visited and checked every homestay to make sure they are of a high standard.
ARE THERE YOUNG CHILDREN IN THE HOMESTAY?
Some homestays are families of mother, father and children. Some homestays may have no children.
IS IT NEAR THE SCHOOL?
Our homestays are located in different parts of Christchurch. The school’s central location means it is easy to get there by bus.
DO I NEED TO PAY FOR MEALS?
Breakfast and dinner are included. Your homestay will provide lunch at the weekend. Please tell us if you have any dietary requirements.
DO I HAVE TO SHARE A ROOM?
No. All students in homestays get their own bedroom. All rooms are furnished and have a desk for you to study.
WILL THE HOMESTAY FAMILY PICK ME UP AT THE AIRPORT?
Yes, if available, the homestay family can pick you up and return you to the airport. Our Homestay Coordianator will pick you up if your host family is not able to (Airport Pickup Fee will be charged).
IS THERE ANY SPECIAL DIETRY OPTION?
Yes, that will be negotiable
ARE THERE OTHER INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS IN THE HOMESTAY
In most homestays there are no other students. Sometimes there may be one or two other students staying there. Please tell us your preference.
After enrolling, you will be sent a homestay questionnaire. This is where you can tell us what kind of homestay you would like and if you have any special requirements.
Private Flats
Some students choose to stay in a flat with other people (flatmates). This is a more independent situation than a homestay. Some flats have furniture, but you may have to buy a bed. Usually the rent is cheaper if there are more people in the flat. You will need to pay for the rent of your room, food, power, phone and the Internet. For example, in a shared flat of three people your weekly costs may be between $160 – $230 per week, including rent, food, power and phone. A good place to look for a flat is on www.trademe.co.nz.
Hotels and Hostels
You may want to stay in a hotel or a hostel for a short time when you arrive, before you decide where you would like to live. A good place to search for a hostel, backpackers or guesthouse is http://www.hostelz.com/hostels/New-Zealand/Christchurch.
You can look for a hotel at www.expedia.co.nz/Christchurch-Hotels.d179996.Travel-Guide-Hotels.
Some hostels also have long-term options for people who want to stay for a few weeks or more. Here are some places in Christchurch that offer this: (This is not a full list.)
http://www.thistleguesthouse.co.nz/
http://hakalodge.com/haka-lodge-christchurch/
There is an accommodation notice board at Peeto. This has information about the different options that are available in, to learn more about the tenancy laws and your rights, please visit the below website; https://www.tenancy.govt.nz/.
Our experienced team can assist you
with study plan support and advice for the airport transfer and visa assistance, insurance and accommodation as well.Activities
Pastoral Care
