Study English in Christchurch New ZealandChristchurch PolytechnicNew Zealand can be the perfect location for an international student to undertake an ESL course. With a variety of different experiences available in each town or city, students are able to maximise their stay from both educational and cultural perspectives. Lee Aiken provides an insight into why deciding on the New Zealand Education system is an excellent choice for an overseas student. New Zealand -land of the great outdoors. Clean, green, natural, for these reasons New Zealand has long been known as a tourist destination. New Zealanders themselves are also great world travellers and so understand the special needs of people from other countries and cultures. It comes as no surprise then that education in New Zealand is well rounded and includes an appreciation of these great outdoors, as well as taking into account international events that impact on this small country located in the South Pacific. Both the general education system and the spoken language, English, are historically based on the British system, and English language instruction is taught by professionals in accents as close to the "Queen's English" as can be found outside England. Thousands of students come to New Zealand for English language study and travel each year. Courses are offered at many private language schools throughout New Zealand - choose the destination that you want to be in, or move around the country and study in a number of different cities! English language is also taught at many of the polytechnics. Many of these courses will enable you to incorporate some formal study into your timetable - try studying computing, CAD, business, tourism or even cookery! Studying at a polytechnic will also give you access to campus facilities such as the language laboratories, libraries, sports and recreation facilities. New Zealand attaches importance to the reputation of its education system. All schools must be approved by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA). In addition, many schools are members of associations such as NZEIL (New Zealand Education International), CRELS (Combined Registered English Language Schools), or FIELS (Federation of Independent English Language Schools). Classes are small- usually a maximum of 12 students, and include students of a similar level, from a range of countries. Students are encouraged to use English outside the classroom. Accommodation with a carefully selected New Zealand family is encouraged and forms the basis of an enjoyable learning experience and lifelong friendships. Students become part of the family and share in household chores. In some locations a hostel is also provided on the campus, or students may like to try flatting (shared rental accommodation) with friends. Courses are usually delivered in four week modules, and you can study for as long as you want or need. There is a range of programmes offered, including General English, English for Academic Study, IELTS courses, TOEFL courses, Pitman, Cam- bridge, group programmes, specialised programmes, as well as study and activity programmes. The cost of study and living are very competitive. Students from the Northern hemisphere will be pleasantly surprised at the comparative cost of coming for long term study. Lower living costs in this country with high living standards compensate for the higher airfares required by European students to travel to New Zealand - but it's well worth it! Students wanting to enter New Zealand for travel and study of 12 weeks or less will not require a visa. Entry to New Zealand can be made on a tourist visa. For courses of longer than 12 weeks duration students will be required to obtain a Student Visa. You should contact the nearest New Zealand Embassy or diplomatic post, or your study or travel agent, to obtain details. Once your study is over, you should take the opportunity to explore this beautiful country. New Zealanders are very friendly and welcoming people. With a population of only 3.5 million, there are plenty of wide-open spaces. The cities are very spacious with lots of parks and gardens. Housing is low density. Auckland is the largest city and is located on a harbour in the sub-tropical north. Sailing is a very popular activity. Most international flights arrive at Auckland International Airport. Wellington, the capital, is situated at the southern end of the North Island and is a centre for business activity. This is also a harbour city. The largest city in the South Island, Christchurch is known as the 'Garden City' and the most English of cities outside England. The city opens the gateway to the many scenic attractions and activities of the South Island. Dunedin city is the location of Otago University. It has been likened by many to Edinburgh in Scotland. And in between these major cities are a myriad of smaller cities and towns with their own attraction and local character. Travel outside the cities and experience the diverse scenery - mountains, sea, forests, thermal areas, mountain deserts, lakes, rivers, glaciers, fiords. These are easily accessible to all - you don't have to walk for miles to experience the magnificence, but if you do want to get away from it all there are some excellent walks into remote areas. You can experience them all in one day. But we encourage you to take your time, improve your English and explore the beauty that is New Zealand. Author Lee Aiken Christchurch Polytechnic Contact Information: International School of English Language Christchurch Polytechnic Institute of Technology PO Box 540 Christchurch New Zealand Ph + 64 3 940 8651 Fax +64 3 940 8220 Email: international@cpit.ac.nz Web: www.cpit.ac.nz/isel/
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Contact
Information:
International
School of English Language
Christchurch Polytechnic Institute of Technology
PO Box 540
Christchurch
New Zealand
Ph +
64 3 940 8651
Fax +64 3 940 8220
Email:
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