English language courses in New Zealand
In this article, we will tell you in more detail about the available English language courses in New Zealand, about the difference between language schools, the cost, as well as the opportunities for part-time work while studying and the most profitable options of these language courses.
English language courses in New Zealand are either part-time, that is 10-15 hours per week, or full-time from 20 hours a week or more. But in order to get a student visa, only full-time classes are suitable, so we will focus on them in more detail.
ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNING
Every day we get a lot of questions about studying English in New Zealand – below we will try to answer most of them.
How many years can I go to English for New Zealand?
Studying at a language school is possible for students of all ages, starting from the age of 8. It is worth noting that study options for children that young is not available in all language schools, but only in some of them.
What level of English do I need to have to come and continue learning?
The process of learning English in New Zealand is gradual, so students can start from any level – from zero to advanced. On the first day of school, you will be tested to determine the appropriate level of the study group, get acquainted with the teacher, and begin your training. In addition to general courses there are also special groups for IELTS or academic English, groups for schoolchildren, combining classes with various sports or with activities, such as hiking or visiting the zoo.
When can I start studying at a language school?
Practically in all schools, you can start on any Monday.
How many hours a day will English language courses take?
The study will take from 20 to 25 hours a week, although in some schools, if you want, you can undertake more hours. Most studies begin at about 9 am, although in some institutions there are also evening groups that are convenient for those who work part time additionally in the morning and afternoon.
How much time do I need to learn to the language well?
Almost always you can choose the duration of the training yourself, from 2 weeks to infinity. Most often, to raise your English to a good level, you need at least 12 weeks of study. It is worth noting that the learning process is always interesting. Although by the end of the school day you may get tired, it’s all to your advantage. In the English-speaking atmosphere and with professional teachers being native speakers of English, and taking into account your responsible approach, the result will not take long.
CAN I LEARN ENGLISH AND WORK?
An important aspect of studying at a language school is the possibility of obtaining the right to work part-time for 20 hours a week, for the duration of your training. This provides an opportunity to reduce the cost of living, practice English, or even find a full-fledged job in your speciality. Specialists whose occupations are on the wanted list, for example, engineers or information technology specialists, can get a working visa on a facilitated scheme when they find a job in their speciality.
To qualify for part-time work, one of the following conditions must be met:
- Study in an institutions of the 1st category from 14 weeks or more OR
- Study in schools of grades 2-3 from 24 weeks or longer, but with IELTS 5.0 or higher that you have already obtained
Also, there is a possibility to get the right to work on the spot, if you study in a school of grades 2-3 for more than 24 weeks and pass the IELTS test while studying. More information about preparation for the IELTS test is on our website.
LANGUAGE SCHOOLS IN NEW ZEALAND
New Zealand language schools and universities are divided into categories that are awarded by the NZQA State Commission, for the quality of teaching and staff, for student achievements and learning conditions. The highest category is the first, there are also schools of the second and third category.
Conditionally, it is possible to divide schools into the following types:
Prestigious schools of the first category
The cost of training in such schools is from $ 300 to $ 450 New Zealand dollars a week. Usually, these are the best schools in New Zealand, offering a comfortable environment, the best teachers and best teaching materials. These schools include English Language Academy, Mount Maunganui Language Center, Language International, Unique New Zealand and other.
Standard schools of the first category
The cost of training in most of the good schools of the 1st category ranges from NZ $ 200 to NZ $ 300 per week. In these schools, you may not be offered beautiful, glossy materials, but classes will be held equally effectively with professional teachers and in a friendly atmosphere.
Among schools of this type with the most favourable offers, we note are CCEL in Auckland and Christchurch, NZLC in Auckland and Wellington, AIS, Auckland English Academy (ICL Group), Campbell Institute, LSNZ in Queenstown, Aspire2 Group and other.
Language schools of the second and third categories
These are the most economical schools, where training costs only 150 to 200 New Zealand dollars a week. A more modest school environment allows them to offer lower prices. Thus, you can choose the required study time (morning or evening), the desired duration by the hour (full or part-time) and with affordable prices. The longer the course of study, the less the cost of one week of training