High School Exchange New Zealand - Classic & Classic Plus
Discover New Zealand: Where Adventure Awaits!
New Zealand is also known as Aoteoroa, and is a country where sunshine and snow come together. The people of New Zealand have a history that embodies Maori, European, Pacific Island and Asian immigration. You will be greeted with a G’day, Kia Ora or Haere mai if you start a high school exchange in New Zealand. Maori culture is prominent in New Zealand and in 1987, the Maori language was made official alongside English. This country has a rich blend of cultures existing in a landscape that will take your breath away at every turn. From cities to lakes, glaciers to mountains, this country has a geography that is unique.
Life as an exchange student in New Zealand
You will be welcomed into life in New Zealand by the friendly local people. You could be placed to the north near Auckland, the largest city in the country or be placed on the South Island, where the scenery is breathtaking. The weather in New Zealand can be similar to the UK at certain times of the year, but it balances out the rain and the sun much more. People from New Zealand are kind, laidback and welcoming to people from overseas. This is a country that relies on tourism, so there are many adventures to be had. You can explore this country with the support of MyEducation, a host family and school behind you.
The New Zealand School System
The school year runs from late January to November/December. The year is usually made up of two semesters, with a longer winter break in June/July and shorter holidays at Easter and in September. New Zealanders attend high school for five years, from Year 9 to Year 13. Students are 17 or 18 when they graduate and complete their NCEA (National Certificate of Educational Achievement.)
Schools in New Zealand are either co-educational or single sex. They require that students wear a uniform that is designed to suit the climate. Lunch at school is often a packed lunch, but there is the option to have a hot lunch in the canteen if you wish.
Subject choices and options vary and students specialise more in the final 3 years of school. Generally students study 4 to 6 subjects and prepare for their end of school exams with a focus on these areas. The school timetable is full and students shouldn’t expect to have ‘free’ periods, as they would in England and Wales.
High School Exchange in New Zealand 2024-25 ||10 months: £12,795 ||5 months: £10,995 || North or South Island request £950
Arrival Orientation
All arrivals in January and July will attend an arrival orientation in Auckland. This is a 3-day preparation course where you will be introduced to New Zealand culture, shown the sites of Auckland and learn about the expectations of the program. You may be able to surf at Piha Beach or experience a traditional Maori Hangi. You will get to know other students from across the world arriving for the exchange program and have time to get over your jetlag. This will be a fun few days to help you settle in before traveling to meet your host family.
Trips: South Island
Embark on an 11-day South Island adventure filled with breathtaking scenery and thrilling activities. From the unique overnight cruise in the awe-inspiring Doubtful Sound to heart-pounding jet boat rides in Queenstown, every day promises excitement. Explore the Abel Tasman National Park by sea kayak, marvel at the Punakaiki Rocks, and uncover secret hot spots. With deluxe accommodation, delicious meals, and a 5-star coach for travel, this journey guarantees unforgettable moments and new friendships forged in the heart of New Zealand’s wild beauty.
Trips: North Island
Get ready for an action-packed 8-day journey through the top of New Zealand’s North Island, where adventure meets Maori culture. Snorkel and kayak in the pristine Bay of Islands, explore the famous Kawakawa toilets, and soak in thermal hot pools. Dive into history at Ruapekapeka Pa and immerse yourself in Maori traditions at Te Puia Cultural Centre. Witness geysers, mud pools, and enjoy a traditional Maori Hangi meal. Glide down gondolas, try Stand Up Paddle Boarding and Waka Ama, and step into the enchanting world of Hobbiton. This trip promises a whirlwind of excitement, culture, and natural wonders.
New Zealand Classic Preferred
If you want to go to New Zealand, but want a bit more choice about where you go, the Classic Preferred program is for you. This program allows you to choose from 3 schools that you can enrol at. You will complete a brief application and have a meeting with our NZ partner office. They will then determine which school can provide you with the best experience for your needs and hopes. The benefit is that these schools only welcome students from our partner office and they are located in areas where you will get a real insight to the Kiwi way of life.
Get more choice at an affordable price.
Cullinane College (North Island)
Cullinane College is an integrated, Co-Educational Secondary school in Whanganui for students in Years 9 to 13 with a current role of around 350 students. The College prides itself on being a close family where students are taught within a framework of Catholic values and teachings. Cullinane College is highly regarded within the community for providing an excellent standard of education.
While this school is founded around Catholic values, students are not required to be religious or Catholic. There is a religious component to the school but students find this interesting to learn about and at no time feel any pressure to become Catholic. Many other topics are covered within the religious studies course such as Life Skills. This is a school that values diversity and the unique perspective students from different cultures and upbringings can provide.
Students are challenged to accept individual differences in each other, to care for those in its community, and to celebrate each others successes and achievements. As a small College, International students are fully integrated with kiwi students. This helps everybody to become fluent in speaking, reading, and writing English. As well as supporting students in their pursuit of their academic goals, the College offers every student the opportunity to take part in a wide range of other activities. These include many different summer and winter sporting options as well as drama, performing arts, culture and kapa haka, service groups, leadership training, and adventure education.
Manawatu College, North Island
Manawatu College is a state funded co-educational school situated in the township of Foxton. It has a role of around 270 students with an excellent teacher / pupil ratio allowing for positive interactions between teachers and students. Students appreciate the
inclusive culture, family atmosphere, and positive relationships in the college.
Manawatu College has a proud reputation as an effectively functioning school with strong links to its Community. Students succeed together because Manawatu College works in partnership with whanau (family) and the community to provide students with the opportunity to develop knowledge, skills, self esteem, and attitudes needed to adapt to an increasingly changing world. They view learning as being enjoyable, challenging, and meaningful so that students are inspired to become highly motivated
and active participants in the learning process. This is expressed in the school’s motto: “Haere I tou kaha – Personal Best”.
Students are supported as the schools embeds a culture of success by actively encouraging and celebrating academic, leadership, cultural, and sporting achievement. There are a huge variety of sporting and other extra curricular options available at the school making it ideal for sports loving and outgoing students. Choose from an extensive range of activities including Athletics, Basketball, Cycle Racing, Football, Hockey, Half Ironman Competition, Rugby, Running, Swimming, Tennis, Volleyball, Band, Choir, Duke of Edinburgh Award, Outward Bound Course, Rockquest, Spirit of Adventure, Stage Challenge, and Theatre.
Gore High School, South Island
Gore High School is a state funded co-educational school catering for students in years 9 – 13. It is situated on 9 acres of grounds in the heart of Gore and has a role of around 455 students. The school has a proud tradition and reputation as a school
which promotes educational excellence and high levels of achievement.
At Gore High School, staff nurture a friendly welcoming environment of mutual respect. International students are encouraged to become fully immersed in the life of the school. Students benefit from small class sizes, enthusiastic and dedicated teachers, excellent pastoral care, outstanding facilities, a strong academic programme, and a wide range of cultural and sporting activities.
In sports, students are able to choose from summer and winter sports including hockey, cricket, netball, soccer, basketball, athletics, volleyball, rugby, touch rugby, badminton, tennis, trapshooting, equestrian, moto x, triathlon, squash, and much more. There are also numerous out of school sporting options available.
The school also has a strong tradition in many cultural activities. These include the annual Prefects’ Variety Concert, an annual School Production, the Sheilah Winn Shakespeare competition, a Junior Variety Concert, a school choir, jazz band, rock bands, and music classes. For those students who wish to pursue their musical talents, the school offers music lessons in a variety of instruments.