How expensive is it to live in New Zealand?

You can see the prices for things you regularly buy at: https://shop.countdown.co.nz and https://www.thewarehouse.co.nz/home.  You can see prices for other things you may need to buy on NauMai NZ’s What things cost in New Zealand page. You may also find this cost of living calculator provided by the New Zealand Government useful or this crowd-sourced one.

The prices below are in New Zealand dollars. You can use a currency converter to see how much this is in your currency.

Transport (NZD):
City bus or train ride $0.50 – $5.00
Monthly bus pass (multi-zone) $215
Car hire $40 per day
Bicycle hire $4 per hour / $20 per day
Return ferry ride $10 to $38

Entertainment (NZD):
Movie $13.00
Auckland museum $25
Auckland zoo $19
Public swimming pool $7.90
Hire rollerblades $20 for one hour
Mini-golf $13
Rainbow’s End amusement park $59
Kelly Tarlton’s aquarium $32
Sky Tower viewing platform $20

What other costs are there after paying for my course and accommodation?

• Transfer from the airport to your homestay family or other accommodation is invoiced with your enrolment if requested.
• Bus fares
• Lunches during the week (if you are in homestay) or all meals (if you are not in homestay)
• Some materials for afternoon classes
• Optional trips at weekends and certain activities on weekdays

The following are included in your course fees:

• Textbooks for morning classes
• WiFi access
• Use of Learning Centre for independent learning, guided by teachers.

Can I move on to a high school, polytechnic or university?

If you join our English for University or IELTS courses, we will help you enrol at a polytechnic or university. To begin studying at a polytechnic or university in New Zealand, you will need a score of between 5 and 7 in IELTS, depending on the course you want to take. The equivalent TOEFL scores are between 500 and 600. It is usually possible to extend your student permit for further study at another institution.

Can I re-enrol in the school and get a new student permit?

Yes, if you have good attendance.

How do I enrol?

• Get help from one of many authorised language travel consultants worldwide; (contact us here to find a consultant in your country) or
• Enrol online or
• E-mail us for a copy of our brochure and application form. Complete and return by post, fax or email to:

Languages International Ltd.
AUCKLAND 1141
NEW ZEALAND
Fax: +64-9-377 2806
E-mail: info@languages.ac.nz

Can I sit exams while at Languages International?

The following English language tests are available:

• the Cambridge exams around March, June and December
• the IELTS test every two weeks
• the TOEIC test at Languages International
• the TOEFL test

How good is the teaching?

• Our teaching staff are highly qualified and experienced and we are a teacher training centre. This means we consistently offer top quality instruction.
• Meetings for staff professional development and for materials development are held weekly.
• Teachers have access to a very large selection of source material for classroom use.
• The Languages International Teacher Education Centre (LITEC) trains people for internationally-recognised qualifications (from Cambridge ESOL) in teaching English as a Foreign Language.

Can I attend this school?

Yes, if you are at least 17 years old, and want to learn English.

When can I start?

You can start a General English course each week on Monday. Please refer to your chosen course to see specific start dates.

How many levels are there?

We have 8 levels, ranging from beginners to post-advanced, and exam preparation classes are also held regularly throughout the year. You will be given an interview and written test on your first day to find out your level.

Do I get a Certificate at the end of my course?

Yes. For courses over 12 weeks, you will receive a detailed report on your ability in different areas of language use.

How many students are there per class?

The average is 10 students per class. There is a maximum of 14 students in GE, EU and EB classes. There is a maximum of 12 students in Cambridge FCE, CAE and CPE preparation classes and TESOL.

Where can I stay?

Many of our students stay with a New Zealand family at first. We offer the opportunity for students to experience New Zealand culture with typical Kiwi host families. The families are carefully selected by our accommodation staff. All our families are friendly and welcoming, and live in: pleasant homes within easy reach of the city centre. New Zealand houses are generally quite big, with comfortable bedrooms and large gardens. You can read more information about living in homestay here.

Usually there are one or two students in each home. When there is more than one student, they are never of the same nationality, unless this is requested. We can place you as the only student in the family if you request this.

Alternatively, we have self-catering student accommodation for more independent students. We offer student residential accommodation and serviced apartments near the school in Auckland’s city centre.

Are you under 18 years old?
If you are under 18, you can only stay in homestay accommodation arranged by the school or with a relative or a close friend of your family. You cannot stay in Student Residence. More information for under 18s.

How far from school are the homestay families?

Most students catch the bus to school. The majority of our homestay families live between 30 and 40 minutes by bus from the school.

Can I move from homestay to student residence?

Yes, but you have to tell us 2 weeks beforehand.

Can I change my homestay?

Yes, but you have to tell us 2 weeks beforehand.

What sort of homestay family will I have?

Please tell us what sort of family you would like, and our staff will try to find a family that fits. We have a lot of families to choose from, including:

• families with young children
• families with older children
• families with older adults, children left home
• families with or without a dog or cat

What about finding my own accommodation?

After you arrive in NZ, you might decide to find your own place to live, either alone or with other students. NauMai NZ’s very good guide for international students will help you to understand how to go about this. If you have any questions, you should come to Reception and talk to the Student Services team.

How big is the school?

Typically, depending on the time of year, the student roll in Auckland is between 100 and 200 students. Average class size is 10 students, with a maximum of 14 students.

What is the nationality mix at the school?

We have students from over 40 countries and a yearly average of no more than 20% from any one nationality.

What is the school’s location like?

• Our school’s location is exceptional. We occupy two historic buildings inside Albert Park, opposite the clock tower of the University of Auckland.
• It is surrounded by beautiful lawns, flower gardens and large trees.
• It is 3 to 4 minutes walk to the main shopping street.

What will I do at weekends?

• We work with tour operators to offer a range of weekend trips.
• There is plenty to do in New Zealand. Many students go sightseeing with friends they have made at school or join one of our organised tours. It is easy to hire a car if you want to travel further.
• Learn a new sport – lessons are available in scuba diving, sailing, windsurfing, tennis, golf etc.

Does the school organise any activities?

Two days a week we have activities and trips after school. There are also weekend trips available. See the Social Programme pages for details.

What is Auckland like?

Auckland is…

• not too hot or too cold throughout the year
• within 3 hours drive of the main tourist spots of the North Island: Bay of Islands, Rotorua, Taupo and the Coromandel Peninsula.
• not too big or too small. There are 1.7 million people, spread over a large area. Most homes have their own garden
• scenically attractive, with many volcanic hills and two beautiful harbours

Auckland has…

• good swimming beaches only minutes from the city centre
• a good range of shops, restaurants and places of entertainment
• plenty of cheap sports facilities
• forest walks and exciting surf beaches within 40 minutes of the centre

How can I meet New Zealanders?

• You can have lunch with Auckland University students across the road at the Student Cafeteria. You can also join the University of Auckland Gym at a special student rate.
• Living in a homestay family is a good way to improve your English and experience the Kiwi lifestyle.

Where can I use the internet?

At school:
There is free WiFi at school. You will get the password on your first day at school. There are also computers for you to use in the Learning Centre. You have access to these from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.

At your accommodation:
Homestays usually offer guests internet access for study, emails and catching up with news from home. You cannot use it to download movies or music, or play online. Also, if you use Skype on your host family’s internet connection, it should be for a limited time. If you want to use the internet for more than this, you can get your own wireless internet connection from 2 Degrees.

The Student Residences have internet connections available in the rooms at an extra cost.

The Serviced Apartments offer WiFi at extra charge.

Other places:
You can purchase your own wireless internet connection from 2 Degrees. Because it’s wireless, you’ll be able to use it at your homestay and around town.

There are also lots of internet cafés around the city. Many charge $2 an hour.

A lot of businesses offer free WiFi or “free” WiFi if you buy something like a cup of coffee. Here are some examples.

Free
Auckland Public Libraries
SkyCity Metro on Queen St
McDonalds restaurants

Free with purchase
Northern Steamship
Some Auckland trains and buses, and train and bus stations
Starbucks

What happens when I first arrive in New Zealand?

If you request an airport transfer, a school representative will be waiting at the airport with your name on a Languages International sign as you come into the arrival hall. They will take you to your new home.

If you are in homestay, your host family will show you how to catch the bus to and from school on the first day.

Can I get help in my own language?

We have foreign language counsellors available to help ensure you can explain your needs.

Do I need a visa for New Zealand?

It depends how long you are studying and where you are from. More information…

Can I re-enrol in the school and get a new student permit?

Yes, if you have good attendance.

Is Languages International a Category 1 school?

Yes, Languages International is an NZQA Category 1 school. This means our full-time students doing a course of 14 weeks or more can get work rights on their Student Visa.

Can Languages International help its students find a job?

We can.  See here for more information.

What are my legal rights as a worker in New Zealand?

Please go to this NZ Government page: www.newzealandnow.govt.nz/work-in-nz/employment-rights.

How can I log in to the Retailer Area?

(To log in to the Retailer Area, you must first be one of our retailers. If you would like to become a Languages International retailer, please contact us.)

1) From any page on our website www.languages.ac.nz, click on “Retailer Area” (in the top left-hand corner) or go directly to https://www.languages.ac.nz/retailer-area/

2) The first time you use the Retailer Area you need to create a login. Click “request a login”.

3) Fill out the form and click “Submit”.

4) Please wait for a Languages International staff member to approve your registration. We will email you once access has been granted.  This process is not automated.  We will email you within 48 hours. (The Retailer Area is only available to our partners. If you have not yet signed a Retailer Agreement with Languages International and you want to become a Languages International retailer, please email us.)

How do I change my password?

1) Log in here:  https://www.languages.ac.nz/retailer-area/

2) In the top right hand corner of your screen it will say “Howdy, [your username]”. Click that message. You will be taken to the “Edit My Profile” page.

3) Scroll to the bottom of the page.  Near the bottom, in the “About Yourself” section, you’ll see “New Password”. Type your new password there twice (once in each password field.)

4) At the very bottom of the page, click the “Update Profile” button.

Note: Don’t bother filling out any of the other blank fields in the profile.  We don’t use those for anything.