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World
Class New Zealand Education
New Zealand, an English speaking
nation, is famous for its amazing scenery, its sporting
achievements with the All Blacks and the America's Cup,
and its hospitable people. It is a great country, a
fun place to visit and is increasingly being recognised
for its excellent study opportunities.
 New
Zealanders are well travelled and have a great interest
in people from other cultures, so visitors and international
students soon feel more than welcome. Ask any student
who has studied in New Zealand. Campuses are very international
with students from all corners of the globe studying
and socialising together. And where do they come from?
- Europe, USA, Asia, United Kingdom, South America,
India, Australia, The Pacific and smaller numbers from
many other countries.
The people were formerly a mix of predominantly European
and Pacific races. However, in more recent times, migration
has been encouraged from many countries resulting in
an exciting international community with a high tolerance
of, and interest in, each other' cultures. With a total
population of only 3.6 million there is a feeling of
space and freedom.
 The
country is a land of great contrasts. New Zealand is
a small island nation with a temperate climate. You
are never more than a few hours away from the sea. In
fact all of the larger cities are on the coastline,
with vistas of blue seas and green hills. Further inland
are the mountains, the backbone of the two major islands
(North and South Island) with tramping all year round
and skiing for up to six months of the year.
You may choose to study in a modern city with the shopping,
multicultural restaurants, night clubs, live theatre,
are galleries, museums, sports stadiums and all the
hustle and bustle. Or perhaps you prefer the slower
pace of the rural areas, where you'll find supportive
communities, access to the farmlands and orchards. Many
of the key tourist attractions are found in these rural
areas, so the pace need not be slow. You may choose
to shoot the rapids, jet boat through narrow gorges,
bungy jump from bridges high above gushing waters, explore
the forests, gaze at bubbling mud pools or wonder at
the geysers. Then there's the paragliding, windsurfing,
mountain biking, horseriding, fishing, kayaking, four-wheel
driving and so much more.
 New
Zealand Education
New Zealand has an international reputation
as a provider of quality education. It has a progressive
education system with many state of the art facilities.
It offers a safe learning environment with excellent
study opportunities and support services for international
students. Courses are available for academic, professional
and vocational studies at New Zealand institutions -
universities, polytechnics and institutes of technology,
colleges of education, secondary schools and private
training establishments.
New Zealand produces top graduates who can take their
place with confidence in the international arena in
many disciplines. Sir Ernest Rutherford, who first split
the atom, and Dr Bryan Barrett-Boyes, prominent international
heart surgeon, are but two examples of the calibre of
New Zealand graduates.
You will find a wide range of options when you consider
New Zealand as a study destination.
 Secondary
Education
Students commence secondary education (Years
9 - 13) at approximately 13 years of age. They may choose
to study at either a state or private school. There
is a wide choice of subjects at 400 schools throughout
the country. The school year, based on four terms, commences
in early February and finishes in mid December. Many
international students complete the final year of secondary
school (e.g. Year 12 & 13) in New Zealand before
proceeding to tertiary study.
Tertiary Study Options:
Universities
There are seven government-funded universities
providing undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes.
Some also offer foundation programmes. Whilst all offer
a broad range of degree subjects, each university has
its own specialised courses.
The quality of a New Zealand university education is
well recognised internationally. Many New Zealand graduates
have gone on to achieve international recognition in
their field. Many of the international students from
developing Asian nations, who have studies at New Zealand
universities, have since served as senior administrators,
including cabinet ministers in their own countries.
 Polytechnics
and Institutes of Technology
A popular option is to study at one of the
25 government-funded polytechnics and institutes of
technology. They offer a wide variety of programmes
which can be both academically and vocationally focused.
You may choose from a short course teaching a specific
skill, or from a wide range of courses resulting in
a certificate, a diploma or a degree.
Some institutions offer Year 1 of a degree programme,
with subsequent years being completed at a university.
Teacher Training
New Zealand is internationally recognised for
its excellent education standards and as a provider
of quality teachers. There are six government-funded
specialist education institutions, two operating from
within universities, and the others offering their programmes
in collaboration with their local university.
They offer training for teachers from early childhood
to primary, secondary, special and tertiary (higher
education) level.
Private Tertiary and Training Establishments
There are a growing number of private tertiary
and training providers offering an alternative study
option. They offer a range of programmes including professional
certificates, diplomas and degrees in a diverse range
of subjects including art, the hospitality industry,
computer studies, secretarial studies, quality management,
ecotourism and others.
English Language Training
The choices are endless. Private English language
schools offer a variety of courses for all ages including
adventure, business and academic programmes. Adventure
courses provide a balance of English language tuition
and a stimulating activity of your choice. There are
courses in English for business purposes and English
to prepare you for academic study with TOEFL or IELTS
testing.
Most tertiary institutions also provide English language
preparation for further study or foundation courses.
 Accommodation
and Cost of Living
Some secondary schools offer boarding facilities,
while others arrange homestays for international students.
Usually universities and polytechnics offer student
accommodation on campus. Some students prefer to live
off campus and will seek advice from the student support
services, provided by most tertiary institutes, to help
with arranging homestays or give advice on finding student
flats.
It is generally recommended that international students
allow NZ$9,000 to $10,000 per year for living and accommodation
costs. This includes accommodation, food, travel, textbooks
and limited entertainment.
In Summary
Work hard and play hard is the lifestyle choice
of many international students in New Zealand. If you
are looking for world-class education and training,
and also want new experiences, fun, a relaxed lifestyle
and a safe and healthy environment, then you should
consider New Zealand as your study destination.
Where Can I Get Further Information?
There are New Zealand Education Centres within some
of the New Zealand Embassies. They are in Bangkok, Jakarta,
Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong, Seoul, Singapore, Taipei, Tokyo
and Hamburg.
If you wish to surf the World Wide Web, visit 'Education
New Zealand' and their website is
www.educationnz.org.nz
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