Exchanges to NZ

Visit New Zealand on a student exchange

You may be eligible to visit New Zealand on student exchange if you:

  • Are aged 15-18 years old
  • Come from one of our affiliate countries

NZIIU offers limited places for exchange students. Students are screened and selected based on their application, school records, and interviews.

Exchange students can stay from three months to one year and may be placed in a number of areas throughout New Zealand where there is a support coordinator. All students are placed with a host family and attend a local high school where they are treated the same as an NZ student.

At the beginning of December, we organise a New Zealand tour which is a wonderful opportunity for students to see the beauty of New Zealand and gain confidence for their stay. Our exchange students return to their home countries with renewed enthusiasm to continue learning English and an appreciation for another culture.

Supporting inbound exchange students

A local contact person is appointed to the student for the duration of their stay. We refer to these support people as Regional Homestay Managers (RHMs). This person selects the homestay, provides pastoral care overseeing the welfare of the student(s), in addition to maintaining regular contact with the family and school.

 

Similarities

  • You will discover what it’s like to live in New Zealand and participate in the Kiwi cultural traditions.
  • You will improve your English skills in a fully immersive environment.
  • Your host family will be carefully selected. All host families undergo police vetting and must meet the requirements of the New Zealand Code of Practice.
  • You will be offered a 12 day  tour around New Zealand’s most scenic sites in December (optional at own expense)
  • You have an opportunity to join a 4 day camp in April with NZIIU students from around New Zealand. (optional at own expense)

Differences

  • Exchange students do not pay tuition to the host school.
  • Host families are sourced by the exchange organisation and are paid a small stipend to cover basic costs for hosting exchange students. On the other hand, host families are paid at market rates for hosting full fee paying students.
  • Exchange students are classed as domestic students and may not be eligible for additional English language assistance in the host school.
  • Exchange students do not have their choice of host school or area.
  • Additional activities and excursions offered by host schools may be available at an additional cost.