STUDENT LIFE & EXPERIENCES

International students at Paraparaumu College get to experience life in New Zealand through their time in the classroom and as well as through a range of extra-curricular activities and events made available through the College, the community and students’ host families.

​​​​​​​Some of the highlights for our international students include:

  • A pōwhiri (Māori welcome) which is held at the beginning of Term 1 and 3, and when we have short term groups arrive.  Our students are welcomed into our school and are given their first taste of Māori culture in Aotearoa. 

  • In February, we hold our welcome camp at El Rancho in Waikanae where our students have an opportunity to get to know each other and try a range of activities.

  • Attending the senior school ball which is usually held in May

  • Our end-of-year programme for students staying in Term 4, but who are not sitting NCEA exams.  Each year the programme is different, see below for an outline of what we did in 2023.

So what do our international students have to say?

Click the links below to read or watch their testimonials:

Nele from Germany

Ana from Germany

Doyoung (Daniel) from South Korea   

Almendra Gironas Fernandez (Chile)

Andrea Colangelo (Italy)

Lily Krug (Germany)​​​​​​​ 

Want to find out more about life and living in New Zealand?

Life and Culture in New Zealand - learn about living in New Zealand, the lifestyle, culture, Kiwi English  

Making Friends - living in a new country can be challenging, here’s some tips about how to meet people and make friends  

Personal Wellbeing - while you are here we want you to be happy, healthy and safe as a international student, here are some great tips 

Well Being and Staying Safe - your health and well-being is very important. Here is some information and resources to help you stay well and stay connected.  

Laws and Government - it’s important to understand how New Zealand law applies to you while you’re here. Find out what our laws are around drugs, cigarettes and alcohol. 


Cost of living in New Zealand

In general, we would suggest ~$100NZD pocket money per week.  Costs vary depending on the individual, lifestyle, sports and hobbies. We recommend that on arrival students open a New Zealand Bank account, the school can help with this. Parents can provide a monthly amount to students that they can budget with.

ITEM

ESTIMATED COST

Personal Hygiene - shampoo, soap etc

$20 per month

Mobile phone plan

$20 per month

Public Transport$50 per month

Free time activities

$300 per month

Need legal advice? 

If you need legal advice YouthLaw Aotearoa provides legal advice to young people and children living in New Zealand.

Youth Law: https://youthlaw.co.nz/ 

Citizen Advice: https://www.cab.org.nz/

NCEA

National Certificate of Education Achievement (NCEA) is the qualification students earn when they are at school in New Zealand https://www2.nzqa.govt.nz/ncea/about-ncea/