FFP students
Full Fee Paying Students come to New Zealand to study English, and to experience NZ culture and family life.
Students can choose to study from a minimum of 11 weeks and up to one or more academic years at a New Zealand High School. NZIIU selects and recommends schools throughout NZ based on students’ needs. If there is a request for a specific school we do aim to meet this and place the student in their preferred school. Students may choose to go to a girls’ or boys’ only high school, a co-ed school, or a Catholic school.
Students will share life with a kiwi host family. There is ongoing support from NZIIU. Each school carefully selects host families, considering the students’ personalities and preferences in the process. Students are under the pastoral care of their school and are supported by a strong network of staff at the International and ESOL Departments and NZIIU staff. NZIIU is one of only eleven Government Approved Exchange Scheme Organisations and a signatory to the Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of Students, published by the Minister of Education. Is it important to know that students have adequate support for the duration of their stay abroad.
“I learnt so many things in this year abroad as well as English eg. having responsibility, importance of friends, and cooperation. I think I grew up a lot. I really appreciate that I could come here & have great experiences.”
Pauline, France
Support Services
NZIIU provides students with 24/7 access to an emergency contact and maintains regular contact with students, ensuring that their welfare is taken care of.
Students are contacted monthly via telephone, and visited every three months, after which a student progress report is submitted in English to our affiliated organization. We liaise with schools and host families on behalf of students, giving advice and support to students on issues that may arise, and assisting students to extend their stay in New Zealand, obtaining student permits and other required documentation.
The Advisor contacts students once a month, meets the students in person at least once every three months and submits monthly reports. The Advisor is the students’ 24/7 contact and there to assist in a number of instances such as, in the event of an emergency, homesickness, or when the student needs someone who understands their first language. The advisors provide efficient and professional support for our Fee Paying Students.
Introduction to English Communication
Prior to a student settling into their host family and school, NZIIU offers an ‘Introduction to English Communication’ (IEC) at an additional cost.
This is designed to prepare students for life in New Zealand, assist them to adapt to New Zealand culture, their host family and school life, as well as give them an intensive start to their English. The course is available for either a 2 or 3 week duration, commencing in January before schools open for a new academic year. Subjects covered include; New Zealand homes, setting goals, school life, learning styles, personal safety, acceptable and unacceptable behaviour and many more. Students are then ready to start the school year with a greater confidence and better understanding of English. Schools have commented on the ease of NZIIU students to adapt and settle into school life as a result of this programme.
“My experiences were awesome! I’ve learned plenty of things and made lots of friends. It was the greatest memory I’ve ever experienced. I saw a lot of new things in New Zealand. I will never forget about my studying abroad in New Zealand. “
Suzune, Japan
ESOL
ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) is offered as a subject in New Zealand schools. Some schools also offer an ELS course (English Literary Support), IELTS & SAT preparation classes with small class sizes. Students may choose to sit NCEA (New Zealand’s National Examinations) at the end of the academic year and to gain credits in ESOL with these courses designed to provide the opportunity for students to gain University Entrance literary credits. Secondary schools in New Zealand have fully qualified full time ESOL teachers.
Most schools test international students on arrival and place them in classes suited to their level of English. Students incorporate at least 4 hours of ESOL class into their mainstream timetables. Some schools offer a foundation (beginner) ESOL class for up to 20 periods for students with a lower level of English, however ESOL is usually offered at 4 to 8 hours per week. Many International Departments together with the ESOL teachers offer lunchtime ESOL and homework support and some even have in-class subject support.
New Zealand Schools
NZIIU currently has students in Northland, Auckland, Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Wellington, Christchurch and other regions. Whilst Auckland and Christchurch are often popular destinations, you can choose from schools throughout N.Z. Schools in all areas provide students with the opportunity for a complete English immersion-learning environment and numerous outdoor activities. Below you can find a selection of schools we currently send students to.
Auckland
Other North Island
Christchurch and South Island
School Terms
Full Fee Paying Students must pay the international school fees and other costs associated with study in New Zealand. New Zealand schools have four terms with the academic year starting at the end of January or early February. Some schools accept enrolment from any one term whereas some only accept enrolments starting from Term 1. Students can also extend their stay. Enrolments are flexible and NZIIU welcomes inquiries throughout the year. However, in order to allow time to process applications, they should be received at least three months before the proposed term start date. Here are the term dates for 2022-2024:
School Subjects
Students have a wide choice of subjects available to them and can study courses at different levels in the same year. Senior students usually take 5 to 6 subjects in the mainstream classes, of which 3 to 4 are of the students’ choice. Some subjects require at least 1 or 2 years of study. Available subjects include; English, Maths, Accounting, Economics, Food Technology, Food & Nutrition, History, Geography, Computing, Music, Physical Education, Wood Technology, Arts, Graphics, Photography, French, Japanese, Spanish, Maori, Chinese and Sciences.
Sports and cultural activities
New Zealand schools encourage students be ‘all-round’ students, by participating in both sports and cultural activities as well as their academic studies. Students can join school sports teams, playing both inter-school and at a National level. Some schools offer over 45 different sports and almost all schools offer major sports such as athletics, basketball, rugby, soccer, badminton, netball, tennis, table tennis, cricket, swimming and more. Schools have a strong emphasis on cultural integration in New Zealand. Students actively take part in orchestras, bands and choir and enter national competitions each year. There is also music tuition available at schools at a small additional cost. Most schools have an annual school production and participate in festivals and events, which involve dancing, drama, music, singing, lighting, photography and design. These are wonderful opportunities for international students.