FAQ
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Yes. International students (including group students) must have appropriate and current medical and travel insurance while they are in New Zealand. For more information please see the "Life in New Zealand" section.
2. Is there an application fee?Yes. Please see our fee schedule for more information. Please be sure to check our Promotions section to see our latest specials.
3. How do I pay my fees?Once you receive your Conditional Offer of Place and invoice you can pay your fees. Please see the "How to apply" section for more information.
4. What happens if I do not come to class or if I withdraw from my course?In this case, we have to inform New Zealand Immigration if you have a student visa. This may mean that your visa will be revoked. Please note the refund policy in the International Student Enrolment Form.
5. Can I work part time while I study?You can work only if you hold an appropriate visa that allows you to work i.e. if you are a Working Holiday Maker. You can apply for a variation of conditions to your student visa, which will allow you to work, if you hold a minimum IELTS level of 5.0 and are studying 6 months or more.
6. How do I get a job?If you hold an appropriate visa that allows you to work and you are enrolled to study full-time at Fern School of English for 12 weeks or more you can use the employment services of Redfish – free of charge. Please visit www.redfish.co.nz for more information.
7. When does my course start?Courses start every Monday. Please check the "Events and Activities" section for holiday dates.
8. What if my flight details change?If your flight changes, it is important that you tell us straight away either through your Educational Consultant or email info@fernenglish.co.nz.
9.What will happen on my first day?When you arrive at Fern on your first day you will meet your Student Support Advisor who will take you on a tour of the school and arrange for your student ID photo to be taken. You will take a simple grading exercise which will tell us your English level. Your Student Support Advisor will also explain the school rules and answer any questions you may have.
10. Who can help me if I have a problem while I'm studying?Your Student Support Advisor is there to help you. You will meet your Student Support Advisor on your first day. Fern School of English has a multi-lingual Student Support Services team providing advice on a broad range of matters such as banking, accommodation, public transport, visa and insurance information.
11.How are the fees that I have paid protected?Fees paid by students are protected under the terms of an NZQA approved Trust Deed administered by an independent chartered accountant.
12.What happens if Fern is unable to deliver my tuition?In the unlikely event that Fern is unable to deliver tuition for any reason, your fees are protected by a bank bond administered by an independent third party (chartered accountant) pursuant to an NZQA approved Trust Deed. This covers the unused portion of the fees paid for the course of study.
13.Do I have to do anything if I change my address?Yes. You must tell your Student Support Advisor if you change your contact details, type of accommodation or your NZ home address.
14.What if I have a complaint?First, you should see your Student Support Advisor. They will discuss it with you. They will also be able to advise you about how the complaints procedure works. On your first day at Fern you will be given more information about this process.
15.Do I always have to speak English?Yes. While you are at school it is important that you speak English – even if it is sometimes easier to speak your own language. Fern is a supportive environment, so it is the best place to begin speaking English. If your Student Support Advisor speaks your language then it is OK to speak to them in your language about personal matters.
16.Can you help me to find somewhere to live?Yes. We can arrange homestay accommodation for you. We can also assist you in arranging hotel, hostel or private accommodation.
17.What is the Code of Practice?The Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of International Students is an important document from the New Zealand Ministry of Education. It sets standards for the pastoral care of all international students studying in New Zealand. Fern School of English has agreed to observe and be bound by the Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of International Students as published by the Minister of Education. Copies of the code are available to download from the New Zealand Ministry of Education website at: www.minedu.govt.nz/educationSectors/InternationalEducation/. You can also read copies and summaries of the code in different languages online.
18.Can I start my course and then organise my visa afterwards?No. It is very important that you have a valid visa before you enrol on your course. If your visa has expired then we cannot legally enrol you. Full details of visa and permit requirements, advice on rights to employment in New Zealand while studying, and reporting requirements are available through Immigration New Zealand, and can be viewed on their website at www.immigration.govt.nz
19.What documents should I bring with me?It will make your time in New Zealand much easier if you bring the following documents with you: Birth certificate, Academic qualifications, Credit references, International driver's licence, Important medical records and prescription information. If your visa allows you to work then you could also bring: References from previous employers, Curriculum vitae.
20.What is the weather like in Auckland?Auckland enjoys a subtropical climate with warm humid summers and mild damp winters. Temperatures range between 20-30ºC in summer and between 10-15ºC in winter.
21.What sort of clothing should I bring?As the weather in New Zealand can be changeable, you should bring a variety of casual clothing that can be used in warm and cold weather, as well as in wet weather.
22.Can I bring food into the country with me?It is safest not to bring any food into the country as New Zealand has very strict rules about what food you can bring with you.
23.How can I get to my accommodation from the airport?Please tell us if you feel nervous about arriving in Auckland by yourself, or if you are unsure about how to get to your accommodation. We can arrange an Airport Collection so that all you have to do is land in Auckland, collect your baggage and look for the person holding your name on a placard when you walk in to the airport arrivals hall. A small cost will apply – please email us at info@fernenglish.co.nz to find out more. If you have booked a homestay family through Fern, you will be collected from the Airport and taken to your homestay family. You will need to provide flight details if you want to be picked up from the airport.
24.Will I need a New Zealand bank account?Having a New Zealand bank account makes your financial life much easier to manage while you are studying. It is also essential for having your wages paid while working in New Zealand. If you need assistance, please talk to your Student Support Advisor.
25.What time do businesses open and close?Although businesses are only open Monday to Friday, stores are almost always open on Saturday also. Shopping malls are open seven days a week. Stores and shopping malls generally open at 9am and close at 5.30pm. Thursday and Friday are often late night shopping evenings and most stores and shopping malls are open until 9pm.
26.What language is spoken in New Zealand?The official languages of New Zealand are English and Maori. English is the main language spoken in New Zealand. It can be confusing when you first arrive in New Zealand as New Zealanders often speak quite quickly, use local slang and also mix a few Maori words and phrases into their everyday conversation. If you do not understand, or if someone is talking too fast please ask them to speak more slowly. You will find most people are happy to help you to understand.
