How to apply

1. Decide on your programme. You can usually change your mind later after discussing alternatives.
   
   If what you want is not listed on the information sheets, contact us, we might be able to work out something that suits you. In some countries there are clear restrictions while in others there is a lot of flexibility.
    
2. Get your parents’ or guardians’ permission by talking it through with them. You’ll need their approval and support so be open and honest. The Rough Guide to our Ex­changes in the download section may help with this. If you or your parents or guardians have questions, e-mail ian@nziiu.co.nz or betty@nziiu.co.nz .
    
3. Print our initial application form or contact us to e-mail or post you a copy. Fill it out and send it with your parents’ or guardians’ signature, a copy of the main page of your passport, a recent photo and $50 to convince us that you are serious.
    
4. If we’re happy with your initial application (we usually are) we’ll send you a full ap­plication form and take it from there.
   
   Applications can take a while, so it helps to start early.

You’ll find application dates on the information sheets. These dates are when we have to have your application completed and in the hands of our affiliate organisation in the country you’re interested in.

The full application form is detailed and long and there’s rarely something in there that we don’t need to check. In some countries we will also need a letter from you to your host parents in the local language. In all countries we need a copy of your last full set of reports and any interim report received since then. We also need a copy of your Re­cord of Learning from NZQA.

Some people complete everything really quickly but others find the process a challenge and it can take them months. Decide which kind of person you are and start your appli­cation process with that in mind.