Predeparture ILSU Auckland 2012

EF International Language Centers

Language Courses Abroad For adults and students aged 16 & above

Auckland Auckland is New Zealand’s sparkling North Island hub, a friendly waterfront city with a gorgeous harbour and unrivaled beaches. EF Auckland provides students with a contemporary, comfortable learning environment.

Contact details: 10 Turner Street Auckland New Zealand Tel: +64 9 302 2079

Bayswater Marina

Stanley Point

Harbour Bridge

EF Auckland Auckland Harbour

Victoria Park Cross Bay Park

High Street Albert Park

Sky Tower

University of Auckland

Town Hall

Auckland Zoo

Karangahape Road

Western Springs Stadium

Watch a video

Auckland Domain

Auckland War Memorial Museum

Or visit us at Facebook.com/ EFAuckland

Accreditations and Memberships The EF International Language Centers in London, Cambridge, Brighton, Oxford, Manchester, Bristol and Bournemouth are:

The EF International Language Centers in London, Cambridge, Brighton, Oxford, Manchester and Bournemouth are members of:

EF Dublin is accredited by:

The EF International Language Centers in the USA are accredited by:

The EF International Language Centers in the USA are members of:

EF Vancouver and Toronto are accredited

by Languages Canada.

The EF International Language Centers in Sydney, Brisbane and Perth are accredited by:

Important Note: Factual information contained in this document is subject to change.

The EF International Language Centers in Brisbane and Perth are members of:

The EF International Language Centers in Cambridge, München, Cape Town and Nice are accredited by:

EF Nice is recognized with the Label Qualité Français Langue Etrangère.

Federation of International Youth Travel Organizations.

All EF Courses are certified by Southern New Hampshire University.

EF Education is an active participant in the Comité Européen de Normalisation.

All EF Courses are recognized by Hult International Business School.

www.ef.com

Contents - Auckland Section........ Topic

1 ............. Introduction to EF 2 ............. Welcome to New Zealand 3 ............. Weather watch 4 ............. Travel & transfer service 5 ............. School information 6 ............. Academics 7 ............. Accommodation & meals 8 ............. Money matters 9 ............. Phones, faxes & Internet 10 ........... Health care & insurance 11 ........... School activities & excursions 12 ........... Transportation 13 ........... Expectations 14 ............. New Zealand culture & living tips 15 ........... Adjusting to a new culture 16 ........... EF school calendar & holidays 17 ........... Checklist

Dear Student, Kia Ora and welcome, thank you for choosing to study at EF in Auckland, New Zealand.

The EF Auckland school is located in the heart of the most dynamic city in what is widely considered to be one the most beautiful, unspoilt countries in the world.

Whether you are here for serious academic study or to mix learning with travel, New Zealand will not disappoint.

The school has first class facilities and close links to world ranked academic institutions, where options for academic study range from short certificates through to internationally recognized doctorates.

If travel is your motive, good choice. Visit Lord of the Rings – ‘Hobbiton’, swim with the dolphins, ski and scuba dive all on the same day, enjoy beaches to yourself or just relax in natural hotsprings.

Here at EF Auckland we are passionate about New Zealand, join us and I am confident you will leave feeling the same way!

We look forward to meeting you.

Kind regards Sarah Jung School Director EF International Language Center, Auckland

1. Introduction to EF EF Education First welcomes students of all ages from every corner of the world to learn a language where it is natively spoken. Our innovative curriculum, the EF Efekta™ System, integrates face-to-face learning in a classroom with studying outside the classroom using the interactive learning tools in our online iLab. An intensively structured academic program along with an array of educational and social activities results in a fast and fun way to learn a language.

EF students come from diverse backgrounds and like you, they have chosen a program to enhance their language skills as part of their academic or career plan. Many have planned for years to take advantage of this opportunity.

A large percentage of EF students apply their new language skills by taking a recognized exam, such as Cambridge, TOEFL, TOEIC and IELTS. Successful completion of such exams provides the necessary language qualifications for university and for professional endeavors. Many students view their time with EF as a chance to explore educational alternatives while improving language and study skills. Students wishing to study at university can access information and make informed academic choices through our EF University Placement Service.

A great aspect of an EF program is the variety of nationalities at our schools. We welcome you to join this international community where you’ll experience life and language with EF. We take great pride in our continuing dedication to our mission - breaking down barriers of language and culture.

2. Welcome to Auckland, New Zealand New Zealand’s multi-cultural society is a result of migration from all parts of the world, beginning with Maori from the Pacific and, later, British people in the 18th century. And more recently increasing numbers of immigrants from the Asia- Pacific Region. The relationship between the descendants of original (Maori) inhabitants and the descendants of early British settlers forms the primary basis for the economic, political and social structure of New Zealand.

Two founding languages and cultures The Maori, known as the ‘tangata whenua’ or ‘people of the land’, are the biggest nonEuropean group. A resurgence of Maori culture and language over the last few decades has resulted in a new sense of national identity based on the idea of bi-culturalism - joint responsibility for achieving the ideals of the Treaty of Waitangi, which was signed in 1840.

Kiwi culture has also absorbed some of the rich elements contributed by people from the Pacific Islands and Asia who make their home here, so that weekend markets with Asian and Polynesian food are common.

English and Maori are the official languages, but New Zealanders come from many ethnic backgrounds, from European to African and South American. Multi-cultural influences are very much part of indigenous “Kiwi” fashion, art and music. You may be hosted in a family that appears to be non-Kiwi but will find that they speak good English and are very much typical of New Zealand households.

Getting along together The various communities live in relative social harmony, with equal rights for all. There is legislation prohibiting discrimination based on gender, race or disability. The Human Rights Commission and the Office of the Race Relations Conciliator investigate complaints under the Human Rights Act. If anybody’s behaviour

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Auckland, New Zealand

or words make you feel uncomfortable, talk immediately to the staff at your institution. They are committed to providing a safe environment for you and are trained to deal with any difficulties.

History Archaeological evidence indicates that New Zealand was populated by fishing and hunting people of East Polynesian ancestry perhaps 800 years before Europeans arrived. Known to some scholars as the Moa hunters, they may have merged with later waves of Polynesians who, according to Maori tradition, arrived between 952 and 1150. They were not fisherman who had blown off course in a storm.

They came in double-hulled voyaging canoes (pahi) stocked with the plants and animals on carefully planned voyages. Some of the Maoris called their new homeland “Aotearoa,” usually translated as “land of the long white cloud.”

The Auckland Museum houses a wonderful display of Maori and Polynesian artifacts providing a fascinating insight into Migration within the Pacific and early life in New Zealand prior to European settlement.

The first recorded European to sight New Zealand was the Dutch navigator, Abel Tasman who sighted the South Island’s West Coast, on December 13, 1642. He mapped a part of the coastline and gave the country, which he believed was a continent, the name Staten land.

When the mistake was discovered the country was given a new name, Nieuw Zeeland. In the late 18th and early 19th centuries, lumbering, seal hunting, and whaling attracted a few European settlers to New Zealand.

On October 7, 1769 English Captain James Cook traveled to the country. In 1840, the United Kingdom established British sovereignty through the Treaty of Waitangi signed that year with Maori chiefs. In the same year, selected groups from the UK began the colonization processes. Expanding European settlement led to conflict with Maoris, most notably in the Maori land wars of the 1860s. British and co-

lonial forces eventually overcame determined Maori resistance.

Constitutional government began to develop in the 1850s. In 1867, Maoris won the right to a certain number of reserved seats in parliament. During this period, the livestock industry began to expand, and the foundations of New Zealand’s modern economy took shape.

By the end of the 19th century, improved transportation facilities made possible a great overseas trade in wool, meat, and dairy products. By the 1890s, parliamentary government along democratic lines was well established, and New Zealand’s social institutions assumed their present form. Women received the right to vote in national elections in 1893. The turn

3. Weather Watch

of the century brought sweeping social reforms that built the foundation for New Zealand’s version of the welfare state.

in summer. Autumn is from March to May and it is generally warm during the day and cool at night. Winter is from June to August and the days and nights are cool. It does not freeze in Auckland: the winter daily minimum temperature seldom drops below 8 degrees Celsius.

Spring is from September to November when the days are warm and the nights are cool. It is wise to bring a sweater to Auckland, and a leather jacket or windbreaker and raincoat, as the nights can be chilly, even in summer, and to carry an umbrella as the weather is quite changeable, particularly in the summer months and the rainfall in the region is quite high.

Maoris gradually recovered from population decline and, through interaction and intermarriage with settlers and missionaries, adopted much of European culture. In recent decades, Maoris have become increasingly urbanized and have become more politically active and culturally assertive.

Today New Zealand is a country of interesting contrast – socially and geographically. You will find a modern and innovative business community alongside poorly developed public transport systems. An economy that continues to rely heavily on agriculture (farming, crops and orchards) is also developing strongly on tourism and “export education” enterprises.

It is a café culture with sophisticated dining and nightclubs, alongside the unspoilt natural beauty of undeveloped beaches, mountains, rivers, and lakes. And in Auckland especially, you will discover markets, shops, restaurants, art, crafts and entertainment from a multitude of different cultures often side-by-side with our own unique Kiwi offerings.

General Information about Auckland Auckland is New Zealand’s largest city- more than 30% of New Zealand calls Auckland home. The City of Sails is built around Waitemata Harbour to the North and on Mankau Harbour to the south. It is a modern city and is New Zealand’s business capital. About one

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and a half million people live in Greater Auckland’s three cities and four districts: Auckland City, Manukau City (south), North Shore City, Waitakere City (West), Rodney District (North Shore) Papakura and Franklin Districts are south of Manukau City. Auckland is an isthmus, a narrow strip of land which separates two bodies of water: the South Pacific on the East and the Tasman Sea on the West.

Auckland, New Zealand

In New Zealand, the seasons are opposite to those in the Northern Hemisphere and the weather in Auckland is generally mild.

Summer is from December to February and it is warm to hot (and sometimes humid). Temperatures rarely go above 25 degrees Celsius

4. Travel & Transfer service Transfer service Arriving at a busy airport in a foreign city can be confusing. EF offers a one-way transfer service from the airport to your accommodation for an additional fee. We highly recommend that you take advantage of this service.

At least one month before your arrival, you must inform the EF Office in your home country of the exact details of your flight (airline, flight number, date and time).

If you have paid for an Airport Transfer you will need to fully exit the arrivals area – do not turn left to the shuttle bus and taxi area, but instead proceed right through to the main airport waiting area. Look for the driver – he or she will have an EF sign. If you cannot find the driver then go to the McDonalds on the left

as you enter the main Arrivals area and wait there – the driver should come to find you. If you have waited for more than 30 minutes and the driver has not located you, please call the airport transfer company (+64 27 4453778) or the school emergency phone number – there are airport officials who will assist you if you give them the number to ring for you. You will receive these numbers and other important contact information from your local EF office prior to departure.

Students arriving independently Even if you do not want to take the airport transfer service, you must still inform EF of when you plan to arrive, especially if you will be staying in a homestay, as they will be waiting for you at home. Please go straight from the airport to your homestay and do any sightseeing after that. The family will be expecting you shortly after your plane arrives.

If you have not paid for an Airport Transfer here are some options for getting to your accommodation. There are three main methods of transportation from the airport into the city.

Option 1: Air Bus The Air Bus (a big, blue city bus) leaves from the International Airport approximately every 20 minutes, and stops at various points in central Auckland. Tickets are approximately NZ$16.00. If you are considering a taxi from one of the downtown stations to your homestay, please consider that it may actually be the same distance in many cases to take a taxi directly from the airport to your homestay due to the location of the airport and the above stations in relation to our host communities.

Option 2: Taxi Taxi rides from Auckland’s International Airport to our host communities cost from NZ$50 to NZ$75. There are plenty of cabs available, so there is not usually a wait. It is a good idea to keep a record of the driver’s number, which should be on an ID card on the dashboard of the taxi, and to ask for a receipt, in case you have any questions about the fare.

Option 3: Supershuttle Shuttle busses are shared transport in minibusses that will take students right to your accommodation, but may make several stops on

the way. Depending on the location of your accommodation the fares range from NZ$20 (Inner City areas) up to NZ$50 (Albany area).

This is a great option if there are 2 or more going to the same location, as each extra person to the same address is just NZ$5 more.

These leave every 15 minutes and are located immediately outside the airport terminal via the group arrivals area.

5. EF School Information The EF school is located in the heart of Auckland’s Central Business District (CBD), which is where many other language schools are located. Turner Street is very close to of the University of Auckland campus and adjacent to the Auckland University of Technology and the University of Otago Auckland campus, as well as being surrounded by a number of student-oriented restaurants and services. The Edge, Auckland’s entertainment area, is two blocks away. Ferries and other transport for sightseeing and commuting are at the end of Queen Street- a ten-minute walk.

The school is housed in a stand-alone, two-story building and has been recently renovated to accommodate several classrooms, language labs (computer rooms), a student lounge and a café.

There are two i-Labs (language lab computer rooms) at the school, which are primarily for your i-Lab lessons and self-study tutorials. When not in use for a class these are available for students to use the Internet. The school is also equipped with Wi-Fi wireless internet. We encourage you to bring your personal laptop computer for email and internet use on the wireless network.

EF has a student lounge for studying and relaxing with friends. Snack food and drinks are available from vending machines in the café area, and there are many places nearby where cheap and delicious food can be purchased for lunch.

Most students spend their free time enjoying Auckland’s harbour and bustling Queen Street with their new friends at the cafés in the CBD or in Parnell, Ponsonby or other fashionable districts close to the city centre.

School Accreditation The school has been accredited by the NZQA and is a signatory to the NZ Ministry of Educa-

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Auckland, New Zealand

tion’s Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of International Students.

level. You may speak with your teacher if you feel you have been placed into the wrong level.

The school is a member of English New Zealand, the professional association for English language schools in New Zealand.

Orientation There will be an orientation programme to acquaint you with the school, the accommodation and life in Auckland. You will receive a map of Auckland and additional information to help you get to know the city. Information about New Zealand’s driving laws will also be given as well as information on the Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of International Students and the New Zealand Qualifications Authority.

Students will also be required to pay for their books on their first day (please see section 17 for prices and further information).

Code of Practice for Pastoral Care of International Students EF Auckland has agreed to observe and be bound by the Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of International Students published by the Minister of Education. Copies of the Code are available on request from this institution or from the New Zealand Ministry of Education website at: http://www.minedu.govt.nz. A summary of the Code of Practice appears at the end of this document.

6. Academics EF language courses give students the opportunity to study the English language and the local culture for as long, and with as much intensity, as suits the student and his or her needs.

EF Level Placement Test Within 24-hours after booking your course, you’ll receive your personalized EF username and password for the online EF campus called My EF. Before traveling, you will take the EF Level Placement test online. This test will measure your language level and ability, grammar and listening comprehension abilities. Using your test results, our academic team will place you in one of six different language levels.

As your English language skills become stronger, you will be promoted into the next language

The activities coordinator will speak to you to find out what you like doing in your free time and will take all new students on a short tour of the city to help familiarise you with local banks, post offices, shops, restaurants, and snack bars.

General English Classes General English classes focus on the development of the four skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing. They also include work on grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation.

Special Interest Classes Depending on your course type you may also select a number of special interest (SPIN) classes. SPINs allow you to improve your English through the study of a wide range of subject options. Admission to some of these will depend on academic and linguistic level

and availability of places. The selection of SPIN classes varies throughout the year and a student may not be able to repeat the same SPIN class. Some of the Special Interest classes that have been held among many others are: Drama, Current Events, New Zealand Culture, English Through Music, Business English.

in a home environment and interact with the members of the household. Our homestay hosts choose to host international students because they want to learn about other cultures and people. Students who live in a homestay must respect the family and their home.

Likewise, the hosts will respect the student. As you get an in-depth look at New Zealand life, you will realize that New Zealand culture is not the same as your culture, and therefore, home life may be quite different. The relationship between husband and wife, the roles of family members, the relationship with or discipline of children and the relationship with pets are just some examples. If you are open-minded about these differences, life in the family will be a great learning experience.

Class Schedule Classes will be scheduled between 8:40 am and 5:50 pm Monday through Friday and may be in the morning or the afternoon.

Exams You may enrol for several different public examinations during your course. For example, Cambridge, IELTS and TOEIC exams are all popular with students. Some can be taken at the school itself, others must be taken at an external examination centre and booked several months in advance. Advice as to the most appropriate examination to sit for will be given to you by the Director of Studies. You will be responsible for the cost of all exam registration fees which cannot be paid at the sales office.

Attendance

Cancellation of course or school transfer

You are expected to attend all classes.

Consistent failure to attend class, for whatever reason, may result in expulsion from the program with no refund of course fees. In order to be eligible for an EF certificate, students are expected to participate in class and must attend at least 80% of all classes. Please note: New Zealand immigration regulations require you to attend 80% of all your classes!

If you decide to downgrade, cancel or transfer your course to another EF school, please talk to our Customer Support team. They will advise you of any transfer charges and visa restrictions.

Internet Not all of our host families have internet access available. If the family does allow internet access to the student they will usually ask for NZD10 per week to cover this cost.

EF University Placement Service EF International Language Centers offers a University Placement Service (UPS) that provides advice and assistance for students who want to study at a university in New Zealand or enrol in a university preparation programme. If you are interested in continuing your studies, you are encouraged to talk with the University Pathways Manager at your school.

Auckland is a very multi-cultural city and made up of many different ethnic groups: European, Maori, Pacific Islander, Asian, Indian and many, many more. EF expects its students to respect the customs and culture of all New Zealanders as much as it expects EF homestay hosts and staff to respect the customs and culture of its students.

Class size The average class size is 15 students with a maximum of 17 students.

Homework You are expected to complete all assignments set by your teachers in General English and Special Interest classes. If you are taking an examination preparation class you should expect at least one hour of homework per night.

Assessment You will be assessed at regular intervals throughout the course. Assessment is based on attendance, participation, attitude and performance.

Course books As part of your academic program, you’ll be expected to buy the books and classroom materials that you will use in class. The exact number of books that you’ll need is determined by your academic level, progress and choice of special interest classes. If you wish to buy additional books you may need more money. The books you buy are yours to keep, write in and take home with you for future reference. iLab Learning All English language school courses include six iLab sessions per week. iLab sessions comple-

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ment and reinforce classroom learning in an interactive online learning environment. Please note: iLab is not included in the EF Basic Course.

Auckland, New Zealand

University Transfer Credit Through our partnership with Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU), EF students may be eligible to receive university credit for their coursework.

Homestay families are not necessarily made up of father, mother and children. They can be made up of two parents with children living at home or away, a man or woman with one or more children, or a single person. It is also very common for a woman to go out to work as well as a man.

7. Accommodation & Meals Homestay and student residence accommodation are available at the EF Auckland school.

All homestay and student residence issues during your stay should be directed to the Accommodation staff.

Homestay accommodation Students staying in a homestay will have the opportunity to experience New Zealand life and also have the chance to practice their new language skills with fluent English speakers.

Students who choose homestay accommodation should do so because they want to live

Before you leave your home country, please let your homestay hosts know the date and estimated time of your arrival to ensure they are at home to welcome you when you arrive.

Each homestay has been carefully chosen and is matched as best as possible to a student according to their age, interests and habits.

The Homestay Coordinator likes to know how you are getting on with your family and will help you with any problems should they arise.

Transportation You are responsible for all transportation costs to and from the host’s home. Many homestays are located in residential areas to the south of the Central Business District (CBD). All homestay are within 30-60 minutes travel time from the school by public transport (usually two bus stages and/or a ferry ride). You may find that you have a short walk to the bus stop from your homestay and/or from the school.

Laundry and Facilities Many New Zealand families have their own washing machine and most hang their washing on a line in the garden to dry rather than using a clothes dryer. Ask your hosts whether they would prefer to do your washing for you or whether you should do your own. If you are allowed to use their washing machine, please ask for instructions on how to use it. You may be charged a fee for laundry by your hosts.

Please keep your bedroom clean and tidy, especially if you are sharing your room with another student.

Inviting friends Always ask your hosts before inviting friends home. Please do not expect your hosts to serve meals to your friends. Also, if you are going to stay out very late at night, please inform them so that they don’t worry about you.

Meals in a homestay Your homestay hosts provide breakfast and dinner Monday to Friday, and all meals on the weekends. You are responsible for your own lunch during the week. Meals will only be provided when you are home to participate.

Please be sure to call your hosts if you are going to be late or if you are not going to be home for a meal. There will be no refund for meals not taken at home with your family. If you cannot eat certain foods, please inform your family at the earliest possible time.

Student Residence EF Auckland’s main student residence is Empire Apartments. A modern, recently refurbished student residence, it is within easy walking distance of the school. Please note: students must be 18 years or older to stay at Empire.

Address: 21 Whittaker Place Telephone: +6499509000

Telephone use To call your friends and family you will need to use a prepaid telephone card. Your family can telephone you, but please ask them not to call too late. Remember that you are sharing the

Empire offers the following: zU nits have 3 individual bedrooms and shared kitchen and bathroom facilities z I nternet connection available zH ousekeeping every fortnight zD irect dial telephone in every unit zF riendly, multilingual staff to serve the tenants z2 restaurants onsite

telephone with the rest of the people in the home. Do not spend more than 15 minutes on the phone at any time.

zT V lounge and movie-screening room zL aundry facilities zG ym

Smoking Usually you will be matched with a family with the same smoking habits as your own. Please ask before you smoke in the family’s house they may prefer you to smoke outside. Many New Zealanders do not smoke and it is banned in all public places, such as shops, offices, buses, trains and airport terminal buildings.

Empire requires a NZ$400 deposit from each student. This will be refunded at the end of the student’s stay if there is no damage to the rooms. NZ$60 will be retained from each deposit as a cleaning fee.

Requests for change Homestay accommodation is booked for your entire course. You may only change homestays

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for very serious reasons and you must give four weeks notice to the Accommodation Coordinator. Requests for change will be considered on an individual basis. No refunds will be granted for students who choose to leave their homestay for personal reasons.

Auckland, New Zealand

Changing accommodation There are three ways in which you may decide to change your accommodation: Change from your current homestay to another homestay

You should speak with the Accommodation Coordinator if you have problems in your current homestay. In the event that the situation is extreme and the Coordinator agrees that you should move immediately (or as soon as possible) she will make necessary arrangements for you to be moved as soon as practicable.

You may need to pay for the costs of transfer (i.e. a shuttle bus or taxi fare to move your belongings to the new location). In all other situations you must give four weeks notice to the homestay via the Accommodation Coordinator.

Change from a homestay to residence Unless there is an extreme situation you are required to give four weeks notice of change.

The Accommodation coordinator will make the booking at the residence. There is a surcharge (i.e. additional weekly fee for the residence) and you will receive an invoice for this additional charge from your Sales Office.

Cancellation of accommodation This is where you choose to find your own accommodation. In all cases you must give four weeks notice to your homestay and Accommodation Coordinator. You will receive a refund from your Sales Office, if appropriate. You should check your eligibility for a refund and the amount before you cancel your accommodation. Please do not rely on the refund to pay for your alternative accommodation while in Auckland.

8. Money Matters Currency The currency in New Zealand is the New Zealand Dollar. The symbol for this currency is $ or NZ$. The dollar is divided into 100 cents.

Banknotes are different colors and come in denominations of $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100.

Coins come in denominations of 10c, 20c, 50c, $1 and $2.

Banking There are a number of banks near the school where students can change money and cash traveller’s cheques. Banks are normally open from 9.30 am to 4 pm Monday to Friday only, so it’s a good idea to cash some travelers’ cheques at the airport when you first arrive.

There are many ATM (automatic teller machines) throughout the city and New Zealand which will welcome most recognized bank cards.

To open a bank account, you will need two forms of identification – a letter from the school, a minimum deposit and be intending to stay in New Zealand for more than 12 weeks.

Spending money Just like in any other big city, you should not carry a large amount of cash around with you in Auckland. If it is lost or stolen, it is very unlikely that it will be covered by an insurance policy. It is much safer to carry money in the form of travellers’ cheques or International debit card.

Students will need about NZ$250-300 per week to cover the cost of activities, travel, weekday lunches, sports and entertainment.

dents and does not charge for this service.

Internet The school is equipped with Wi-Fi wireless Internet and there are countless internet cafes throughout the city. Students are highly encouraged to bring their personal laptop computers for email and Internet use on the wireless network.

10. Health Care & Insurance The EF staff can recommend nearby hospitals and doctors offices if you need medical attention.

Please ask the EF staff or your homestay hosts for assistance if you need medical attention. If you have any personal problems there is always someone who you can talk to confidentially.

Erika Travel Insurance Because security is EF’s number one priority, we have negotiated a comprehensive tailor-made travel insurance package for EF students with Erika Travel Insurance, an international insurance expert. The policy protects you against expenses incurred through accident or illness, and provides coverage for loss or theft of baggage and personal effects. It also provides coverage against interruption of your EF program due to illness as well as liability and legal expenses.

The EF staff is trained to assist with your Erika Travel Insurance questions and claims. When you are sick or injured the last thing you want to do is deal with such issues. Let us help you!

11. Activities & Excursions Credit cards EF strongly recommends that students travel with either a Visa or MasterCard. Credit cards enable you to rent cars, reserve hotel rooms, and do various activities, which may be more difficult with cash or traveller’s cheques.

If you want to use bank or credit card to withdraw New Zealand money from an (ATM), you should only use machines in New Zealand that are attached to a bank. If the machine is attached to a bank and the machine takes the card, you can easily get the card back again by going inside the bank and asking for it. You cannot get the card back if the machine that has taken it is not attached to a bank.

9. Telephones, fax & Internet Telephone All long distance calls must be collect calls, charged to the person you are calling, or charged to a prepaid telephone card. Phone cards are a very cheap and convenient way of phoning overseas from public and private phones in New Zealand, you can purchase these at he school reception. Please use these phone cards when phoning from your homestay or ask parents/friends to call you. Always ask permission before using your homestay host’s telephone.

Fax All EF schools use fax machines to conduct business. You can send faxes from the school but you may be required to pay NZ$5 per page. The school can receive faxes for stu-

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Auckland, New Zealand

Eligibility for Health Services Most international students are not entitled to publicly funded health services while in New Zealand. If you receive medical treatment during your visit, you may be liable for the full costs of that treatment. Full details on entitlements to publiclyfunded health services are available through the Ministry of Health, and can be viewed on their website at http://www.moh.govt.nz

Extracurricular activities contribute greatly to your social and academic success. They not only help you to relax after a day studying, they also provide you with an opportunity to meet and make friends from other classes, other countries and other cultures. Your school’s activities and trips give you the opportunity to apply your life skills, practice English in real situations and familiarize yourself with New Zealand culture.

Accident Insurance The Accident Compensation Corporation provides accident insurance for all New Zealand citizens, residents and temporary visitors to New Zealand, but you may still be liable for all other medical and related costs. Further information can be viewed on the ACC website at www.acc.co.nz

Activity Program The EF Activities Coordinator arranges a regular schedule of local activities, day-trips, and weekend excursions to area attractions. The cost of these trips is not included in the tuition.

Insurance All students traveling to New Zealand are required to have medical and accident insurance upon starting their program of study. You will still have to pay for some treatment if you see a doctor but you can claim the money back from the insurance company. Please note: You will need to keep all receipts in order to receive money back from the insurance company.

All students are required to bring proof of insurance in English to show that they have proper health insurance when a medical emergency occurs. Students who do not bring proof of insurance will be required to purchase insurance through EF at the school.

Weekly Activities We have a weekly program of activities on campus at either no cost or minimal cost.

The Activities Coordinator will also organize sports games and tournaments, depending on student interest and participation.These will be during the evenings and in weekends. Some will be free of charge others at cost price for students.

Examples of Activities & Excursions zA tour of the Waitemata Harbour Islands zB ungee Jumping from the Harbour Bridge zK elly Tarlton’s Underwater World Aquarium zS hopping in New Market zT ouring the yachts at Viaduct Harbour New Zealand is a place of great natural beauty.

There are abundant beaches right within Auckland’s city limits. There are walking and cycling

tracks and plenty of outdoor activities to suit all levels and interests. The activities coordinator at EF Auckland and all of the teachers and staff will help you to discover more about this wonderful, beautiful and friendly city.

12. Transportation Public transportation The Link and other public busses are only a few minutes walk from the EF school. Information about Auckland’s public transport can be found on www.rideline.co.nz Buses and Trains The public bus system in Auckland is reasonably efficient. A monthly bus pass from will cost approximately NZ$110-170.

There is also a free city bus which runs in a loop through the City Centre (CBD).

The Link is a public bus which makes a continuous loop of the greater Auckland area every 10 to 15 minutes. It costs NZ$1.60. There is a Link stop at the corner of Turner Street.

Although the commuter train is not very popular with Aucklanders, major improvements and widening of service have taken place. The train serves many of EF’s homestay communities.

Ferry There is a very efficient and reasonably priced ferry system. The ferry building is a ten-minute walk to the bottom of Queen Street from the school. Tickets usually include bus transport. A combined bus and ferry pass will cost around NZ$300 per month.

Transportation from accommodation to school You should ask your homestay hosts to advise you on the best travel pass to buy for travel to and from the school.

13. Expectations Expectations are a normal part of anticipating a new experience. Remember that many of your expectations may have been formed by the unreal world of TV and movies. Arrive at your course centre with an open mind!

What you can expect from EF: zS upportive staff, available for guidance zA n academic program which combines language, special interest, and culture-oriented classes.

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Auckland, New Zealand

zF ull program of local activities and excursions at special EF rates. zA ccommodation in either homestay or student residence. zE F Academic Year Abroad Diploma for Academic Year Abroad students with 80% attendance per term and good academic standing and academic records zE F Course Certificate for International Language Students with 80% attendance and good academic standing. zP reparation classes and/or materials for appropriate standardized language exams and availability of University Placement Service (UPS).

What EF expects of you: zT o develop a greater understanding of the world around you. zT o attend at least 80% of all classes and to do your best in class at all times. zT o be respectful of your homestay hosts, your classmates, your teachers and your community. zT o keep your room and shared areas clean. zT o speak English at all times. zT o abide by all laws, rules and regulations of your host country, state, campus and school.

What you can expect from your homestay hosts: ❚❚A comfortable, clean place to live. ❚❚Prepared meals or accessibility to food to prepare yourself according to the meal plan. ❚❚Access to the school in approximately one hour by public transportation. All transportation costs are your responsibility.

14. New Zealand culture and living tips Immigration Full details of visa and permit requirements, advice on rights to employment in New Zealand while studying and reporting requirements are available through the New Zealand Immigration Service, and can be viewed on their website at: www.immigration.govt.nz/forms Passport and Visa requirements Everyone entering New Zealand needs to hold a current passport and, where necessary, an appropriate visa. Students coming to study on an English course of 12 weeks or fewer can usually enter New Zealand on a Visitor’s Permit (please see the list of countries attached which do NOT require a visa for entry). Students

coming for courses longer than 12 weeks will require a permit and will need to enter on a Student Visa. It is best to contact the nearest New Zealand Embassy or Consulate fordetails.

The requirements for students coming for courses longer than twelve weeks are: ❚❚Students must qualify as a full-time student (i.e. no less than 20 hours per week) for the duration of the course. ❚❚Complete NZ Immigration Student permit/ visa application including financial undertaking. ❚❚Proof of pre-paid English language course which will include an offer-letter from EF Auckland and a guarantee of appropriate accommodation (this information wll be included in the offer-letter that the school issues.

Please see the following website for up-to-date information and forms: http://www.immigration.govt.nz/forms/pdf/ nzis1012.pdf If you extend your course once you are in Auckland and you will then be here for more than 12 weeks you will need to apply for a Study Visa. To do this you will need: ❚❚Letter from the School to show that you have paid for the course and accommodation in full for the whole time you will be studying; ❚❚a bank statement in English and with an official bank stamp or a financial undertaking form signed by someone who is willing to guarantee your support while you are here.

This must also have a bank statement in English and with and official bank stamp. ❚❚and of course your passport!

Going out in New Zealand In order to be allowed into nightclubs and pubs students have to be 18 years of age and carry a valid ID. Official valid IDs include: a passport, NZ driver’s license or an 18+ card.

Post Auckland’s main Post Office is located on Victoria Street about ten minutes’ walk from the EF school. Students can use red/white/ black post boxes in the street to post letters.

The blue post boxes are only for express post within New Zealand itself.

Recommended website ❚❚www.aucklandnz.com/index.html

14. Adjusting to a New Culture The EF community is more than a group of students who have come together to learn English. It is also a multi-cultural group of young adults who are eager to share their own culture and learn the culture of their host country and fellow classmates. One’s culture is made up of values, beliefs, arts, tradition and practices of a specific community or population. Our culture affects how we view ourselves, how we relate to others and what we value as important in life. We are often unaware of how much our culture affects our lives.

You may have already had some exposure to the new culture you are about to experience. You may have seen television shows, read books, or studied in school about New Zealand. While some parts of this culture may already seem familiar to you, experiencing a new culture firsthand will prove exciting. You will be meeting students from all over the world who, like you, are looking forward to spending a year learning and living a language both inside and outside the classroom.

As a visitor to a new culture, you may experience periods of fatigue and discomfort when you are uncomfortable. Culture shock is what sometimes happens when we try to meet challenges of our new culture by using the values, beliefs, and attitudes of our own culture. As visitors to a new culture, we must learn that cultural differences are merely different, not right or wrong.

It is a good idea to bring traditional objects from your culture to share with students and your host to teach them about your country.

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Auckland, New Zealand

Tips on coping with change Remember that change does not come without some effort! We humans need a certain amount of stress to motivate us to learn new ways of being. Learning always involves some form of change. You should try the following: zW hile you might be tempted to surround yourself with things that are familiar to you, try not to isolate yourself by being only with others from your home country. Keep reaching out to your host, dorm-mates, and other students. zP ut off making major decisions - such as an accommodation change until you feel more “at home” with the culture in general. zT alk to us about your worries or problems.

EF Staff are here to help and would prefer to know about any problem you may have so that they can help you. zS et goals no matter how big or small and accomplish them! You will feel good about yourself in doing so, and you will reduce the negative feelings associated with culture shock. (For example: set the goal that you will speak only English with fellow students.) zR emind yourself that you came to this country to experience a new culture, to meet

weekly), you will be able to reduce the impact of culture shock. You will have a record of your academic and personal progress to look back on in days and years to come. Be sure to note changes in: zL anguage skills zS chool performance and involvement zC ampus/host adjustment z I ndividual learning and growth

others and to explore your new surroundings. Relax, take a deep breath, and reflect back on the days before leaving your home country when you were excited about your new adventure. Try to refocus this former excitement towards your experience.

Keep a Journal One way to keep track of emotions and changes that take place over the year is to keep a journal. By recording your experiences and feelings on a regular basis (daily or

tions to their Student Visa allowing them to work 20 hours per week if they are in a fulltime study course lasting at least six months.

Immigration New Zealand has to be satisfied that the main purpose of your course is to develop English language skills and you have an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) overall band score of 5.0 or above (General or Academic Module)

Keeping a journal will help to remind you that culture shock is truly a temporary phase of adjustment.

Bring interesting Items from home!

Each spring students present an International Fair to the staff, students and community. We have seen costumes and drums from Korea, dancing and music from Austria, a piñata and tortillas from Mexico. If you have room in your suitcases for some music, a costume, pictures, some typical crafts it will be good to show other students and will decorate your room to make it seem like home.

15. Working in New Zealand Students can apply for a Variation of Condi-

16. EF school calendar & holidays School holidays The EF International Language Center in Auckland recognizes the following public holidays when there will be no classes. If your arrival falls on one of these dates, please check with the school staff upon your arrival for an exact orientation schedule.

2012 1 January - New Year’s Day 2 January - Day after New Year’s Day 30 January - Auckland Anniversary Day 6 February - Waitangi Day 6 April - Good Friday 9 April - Easter Monday 25 April - Anzac Day 4 June - Queen’s Birthday 22 October - Labour Day 25 December - Christmas Day 26 December - Boxing Day

2013 1 January - New Year’s Day 2 January - Day after New Year’s Day 28 January - Auckland Anniversary Day 6 February - Waitangi Day 29 March - Good Friday 1 April - Easter Monday 25 April - Anzac Day 3 June - Queen’s Birthday 28 October - Labour Day 25 December - Christmas Day 26 December - Boxing Day

17. Checklist ■■ Valid passport (with visa where necessary) It’s a good idea to make copies of these and pack them in your suitcase just in case. You don’t need to carry your passport with you while you are in New Zealand but you must keep it and your other documents in a safe place while you are in the country.

■■ Passport Photos (4) for EF student identification cards, travel cards and other possible documents ■■ Flight ticket ■■ Luggage correctly labeled ■■ E F Confirmation letter & other EF documents

Checklist

■■ M ake sure all EF forms are complete, especially the Health Certificate ■■ Medical and travel insurance documents with proof of insurance in English, if you have secured Erika Travel Insurance from EF, you do not need to have anything translated.

■■ Basic medical supplies, any medication you take regularly and a spare pair of contact lenses or glasses if you wear them.

■■ An International Driving License if you are planning on hiring or buying a car.

■■ Local currency for first week and for any learning materials that are not included in the cost of the course.

Important telephone numbers Homestay host’s or student residence name:

Additional notes or numbers:

_________________________________________

_________________________________________

Homestay host’s or student residence address:

Homestay host’s or student residence address

_________________________________________

_________________________________________

Homestay host’s or student residence telephone number(s):

Homestay host’s or student residence telephone number(s)

_________________________________________

_________________________________________

EF Sales Office telephone number:

EF Sales Office telephone number

_________________________________________

_________________________________________

EF School telephone number:

EF School telephone number

■■ Money in the form of an ATM card (Automatic Transaction Card), credit cards and/or traveler’s checks (Do NOT bring large amounts of cash in any currency!).

■■ Electric adaptor for any electrical appliances you plan to bring with you.

■■ Pencil and/or pen and notebook.

■■ Items from your hometown or country so you can share your culture with friends, homestay hosts and teachers.

■■ Personal sports equipment.

+64 9 302 2079 _________________________________________

_________________________________________

EF School emergency telephone number:

EF School emergency telephone number

+64 2 156 7599 _________________________________________

_________________________________________

■■ Favorite books, photos and a camera.

■■ Homestay or student residence details and emergency numbers.