"Kia Ora!" :
Welcome to Auckland
– The City of Sails
The staff would like to welcome you to Auckland Language
Centre. We look forward to your arrival and to making your stay enjoyable
and successful.
To help you prepare for your trip we have compiled the following information,
which we believe will help you adapt more quickly to a new country, climate,
college, customs and lifestyle.
If you have any further questions, please contact us at:
21 Federal Street, P.O. Box 105 035,
Auckland, New Zealand
Phone : 64 - 9 - 303 1962 Fax : 64 - 9- 307 9219
E-mail: info@akldlang.co.nz
Website : www.geosalc.co.nz |
 |
Awesome Auckland
Located on the shores of the Waitemata
Harbour and with a population of 1.3 million, Auckland
is New Zealand’s largest and most cosmopolitan city,
and the centre of NZ’s business and culture.
In Auckland you can enjoy theatre, the arts, restaurants, sporting events,
outdoor activities and more. The central business district, where ALC is located,
is surrounded by some beautiful parks and reserves, and just a short drive
away are located some of Auckland ‘s finest beaches.
Auckland is a multicultural society, drawn from many ethnic backgrounds, where
Maori European and Asian cultures mix in an atmosphere of friendly tolerance.
Language Difficulties
Most of you may experience some difficulty speaking
English. This is natural. You will be using conversational English
which is probably different from what you were taught in high school.
It will take time to become proficient in your speech. When you talk
with your host family, teachers or friends, ask them to speak clearly,
slow down or repeat themselves. These people are excellent sources
of new words and phrases. Ask them for help with your pronunciation
and vocabulary. They will be happy to help. If you become tired and
frustrated when you do not learn as quickly as you would like, relax
and slow down. Be patient. It takes time.
Asking for help...
If there is something you don't understand, or something you are not sure how
to deal with, ask someone for help or advice. If you do not ask, we cannot
help you.
"I don't understand. Can you explain this to me?"
"Can you help me please?"
"I am sad / confused / homesick. Can I talk with you about it?"
"I would like some help with homework / English / new friends"
Weather
Auckland has very changeable weather and has been said to
have 'four seasons in one day'. The climate ranges from warm to hot summers
to cold crisp winters. It does not snow in the city but skiing is very popular
in the mountains a few hours drive away.
November to April is warm to hot (Max. 18 – 30 degrees C)
May to October is cool to cold and often windy and wet (Max. 7 – 18 degrees
C)
What to bring
Clothing
- light, comfortable clothing for
the warmer months (T-shirts, shorts, sandals etc.)
- wind proof jacket, pullover, jeans,
jacket and strong shoes or boots for the colder
months
- raincoat and strong umbrella, as
Auckland can get wet and windy
|
All types of clothing can be purchased
in Auckland.
Food
All Asian products and most European food products are readily available in Auckland
and you do not need to bring these with you. As New Zealand has been an isolated
country for many years and is relatively free from pests and harmful insects
there are very strict quarantine laws controlling the importation of food and
plants.
Do not bring any plant or animal material in to the country (eg. Mushrooms, fruit,
Chinese herbs, pork, noodles, spices etc.). However, if you must bring any of
these please remember...The following classes of goods must be declared on your
New Zealand Passenger Arrival Card:
- food of any kind
- plants or parts of plants (alive
or dead)
- animals (alive or dead) or their
products
- equipment used with animals
- equipment such as camping gear,
golf clubs, and used bicycles
- biological specimens.
|
Passengers who fill out the Quarantine
section of the declaration card incorrectly, risk an
instant fine of $200. This is in addition to the prospect
of a fine of up to $100,000, or a prison term of up to
5 years for serious breaches of the New Zealand Bio-security
laws.
Please see the New Zealand Customs service website for more details:
http://www.customs.govt.nz/index.htm
Students travelling on a Student
Visa
Students on a student visa need to comply with certain conditions:
1. Students must have an attendance level of 80%
2. Students must notify ALC of any change of address
3. Students must meet course requirements
4. Students may not work unless you have applied for permission to work and
hold a work permit and work visa.
STUDENT VISA
Student visas are for all students who are enrolled for 12 weeks Full Time
or more.
Requirements :
- Students must attend 20 hours minimum
study per week to maintain their student visa status.
- Students who are in New Zealand on a tourist
visa need to speak to their respective countries counselor
in regards to their eligibility. Counselors are available
between 12:15 – 17:00 Pm Monday to Friday
Process :
Step 1
The registrar, upon receiving the students registration form from the agent
or individual student shall issue an initial letter of acceptance stating the
students name, date of birth , period of and study and course type.
Step 2
Upon full payment of tuition fees the registrar will then issue a receipt of
payment and final letter of acceptance stating the students name, date of birth
, period of study , course type and that all fees have been paid.
Step 3
Overseas Students
The receipt of payment , final letter of acceptance and pre-departure report
are first faxed and then express couriered to the agent and respective New
Zealand Embassy in that country.
Agents will then apply for a students visa on behalf of the student.
Step 3
New Zealand based student
The receipt of payment and final letter of acceptance are issued to the local
agent or the individual.
Agents or the individual students will then apply for the student visa.
Students already studying at Auckland Language Center who wish to apply for
a students can get a student visa application from the Registrars office. Councilors
are available to help student with any enquiries they may have.
Central Auckland
New Immigration Service
450 Queen Street
P O Box
Ph 914 4100 Fax 914 4118
Please ask the Registrar for more information, or see the New Zealand Immigration
services website:
IMMIGRATION "Full Details of visa and permit requirements, advice on rights
to employments in New Zealand while studying , and reporting requirements are
available through the New Zealand Immigration Service, and can be viewed on
their website at http://www.immigration.govt.nz/
Health Cover
Auckland Language Centre has agreed to observe and be bound by the Code of
Practice for the Pastoral care of International Students published by the Ministry
of Education. Copies of the Code are available on request from the this institution
or from the New Zealand Ministry of Education website at http://www.minedu.govt.nz.
HEALTH AND TRAVEL INSURANCE
"Most students are not entitled to
publicly funded health services while in New Zealand unless
they are :
- A resident or citizen of Australia ; or
- A national of the Unit Kingdom in New
Zealand; or
The holder of a temporary permit that
is valid for two years or more.
If you do not belong to one of these special categories and you receive medical
treatment during your visit, you will be liable for the full costs of that
treatment. We strongly recommend that you have insurance that will cover the
cost of medical treatment in New Zealand for the duration of your stay in New
Zealand. We also strongly recommend that you obtain insurance to cover your
travel to and from New Zealand.
Medical treatment in
New Zealand can be very expensive. Students are advised
to carry health insurance to cover against medical and
hospital expenses. Auckland Language Centre can organise
insurance for you. If you need health insurance please
complete the following forms and return the two Southern
Cross Healthcare forms to "The Registrar".
Download
Health Insurance Application Form PDF
(You will need Free Acrobat
Reader Software to view the PDF)
Banking
If you are staying in New Zealand for more than 12 weeks you should open a
bank account. Most savings accounts come with a plastic "cash card" which
you can use to access automatic teller machines (ATMs) 24 hours a day to withdraw
and deposit money. All the major banks are located close to ALC and we will
assist you during orientation with opening a bank account if you need one.
Postal Mail
Please ensure that any mail that is sent to you by post has your name clearly
written in English script, with the word Student on it.
| Example: |
John Smith - Student |
| |
Auckland Language Centre... |
Your arrival in New Zealand
If you have reserved an airport pick-up, a representative of our transfer company
will meet you at the airport. Look for the ALC sign. If you cannot find the representative,
please wait in front of the flower shop and our staff will come and find you.
Very Important:
Please put the Kiwi picture on your bag so that we can recognise
you!
Your first day at Auckland Language
Centre- Orientation
On the Monday that your course begins you must attend enrolment and orientation
day.
On this day you will complete an English test to assess your level of English
and follow a special orientation program for new students.
What to bring:
Passport
Letter of Acceptance from Auckland Language Centre
A pen and paper
Programme:
| 9:00 am |
Introduction to the Registrar |
| 9:05 am |
English Placement Test and Interview |
| 10:15 am |
Introduction to the Student Services staff |
| 10:30 am |
Morning break |
| 11:00 am |
Walk around downtown Auckland |
| 11:30 am |
Orientation in your own language with student
services staff |
| 12:15 pm |
Lunch break |
| 1:15 pm |
Afternoon class for full-time students |
In our orientation program you will learn how to use public transport; you will
find out more about visa regulations, about homestay and other accommodation
issues, about the structure of the academic program at ALC, timetable details,
holidays, school policies and facilities, recreational activities and more. There
are also two questionnaires for you to complete to help us to improve our service.
Regular class times
Regular school days are structured as follows:
Morning Class 9:00 am – 12:15 am
(Morning Break 10:40 am –11:00 am)
Lunch 12:15 pm - 1:15 pm
Afternoon Class 1:15 pm - 3:15 pm
(Afternoon Break 2:20 pm - 2.30 pm)
In addition to regular classes you may also be involved in a number of excursions
and activities outside the classroom.
 |
Teaching Methods
Our teachers are dedicated to helping every student
to learn English as quickly and effectively as possible. The emphasis
is on communication, and a wide range of resources and the most up-to-date
and appropriate methods are used to ensure that every learner achieves
their potential.
Teachers at ALC use a blend of proven approaches and challenging new ideas,
and take into account a range of learning styles and cultural backgrounds.
You may be a little surprised by the new style of lessons in your first week,
but will soon find that you are able to communicate with others in the class
and become independent outside the class. Please remember to tell a teacher
about any individual difficulties you may have; they will always be happy to
help you.
Homestay
Living in a homestay is an ideal way of quickly
becoming familiar with a new culture and environment, and there is
greater progress in English language skills. All homestay hosts of
Auckland Language Centre speak English as the first language in their
homes, and are otherwise very diverse in their ethnic origin, religion,
age and family situation.
In an ALC homestay you will be provided with a furnished single room, breakfast
and dinner on weekdays and three meals on weekends (if you are at home). We
will do our best to find a homestay situation which matches your interests
and preferences, however it is rare to find a "perfect match".
While you cannot think of yourself as a guest in a hotel, you must also realise
that you are not at home with your own family. Expect things to be done very
differently, Meals, chores, rules and responsibilities will be different. Family
structures also vary because of the many races, cultures and ethnic origins
that exist in New Zealand. Every family has a different way of doing things,
different values, and different expectations of the family members. Learning
to fit into the family will help you to understand New Zealand cultures and
values.
If you become unhappy in your homestay situation, please speak to someone in
the Homestay department. If after discussing your situation you would still
like to move out, you must give two weeks notice to your homestay family and
to ALC.
Cost of Living (per week)
If you are planning to live independently, ie. not in a homestay, you can find
shared accommodation from $80-$130, or rent a one-bedroom flat from $130-$200.
You should budget approximately $10 for electricity and gas, $60 for food,
$40 for public transport and at least $30 for miscellaneous expenses such
as telephone, medical costs, entertainment, etc. In total, you should expect
to be spending $250 - $300 per week.
Student Services
The Student Services Department assists with finding
suitable accommodation and can help you with a wide range of issues
including employment, legal and financial problems, academic counselling,
visa issues, recreation, etc. Furthermore, the Student Counsellor is
available to discuss, in strict confidence, any difficulties and personal
problems (homesickness, health issues, etc) that you may have from
time to time.
How to contact FIELS with complaints
If you have a complaint which our staff have not been able to satisfy, you
may wish to write to another organization.
Our school is a member of FIELSNZ - The Federation of Independent English Language
Schools of New Zealand. You may write to the Secretary of FIELSNZ at P.O.Box
2577, Auckland.
If FIELSNZ is unable to help you, please contact the New Zealand Qualifications
Authority. Their address is P.O.Box 160, Wellington.
Or you can contact the International Education Appeal Authority, C/- Ministry
of Education, P.O.Box 1666, Wellington.
What is the International Education Appeal Authority (IEAA )?
The IEAA is an independent body established to deal with
complaints from international students
About pastoral care aspects of advice and services received from their educational
provider or the provider’s agents. The IEAA enforces the standards in
the code of practice.
How can I contact the IEAA ?
You can write to the IEAA at :
The International Education Appeal Authority
C/ - Ministry of Education,
PO BOX 1666
Wellington
New Zealand
In the case of an emergency only you
may ring the following number after you arrive in New Zealand.
0800 106 108
All the staff at Auckland Language Centre
wish you a safe journey and look forward to welcoming you to Auckland!
|
