New Zealand, an English speaking nation, is famous for its amazing scenery, its sporting achievements with the All Blacks and the America's Cup, and its hospitable people. It is a great country, a fun place to visit and is increasingly being recognised for its excellent study opportunities.

New Zealanders are well travelled and have a great interest in people from other cultures, so visitors and international students soon feel more than welcome. Ask any student who has studied in New Zealand. Campuses are very international with students from all corners of the globe studying and socialising together. And where do they come from? - Europe, USA, Asia, United Kingdom, South America, India, Australia, The Pacific and smaller numbers from many other countries.

The people were formerly a mix of predominantly European and Pacific races. However, in more recent times, migration has been encouraged from many countries resulting in an exciting international community with a high tolerance of, and interest in, each other' cultures. With a total population of only 3.6 million there is a feeling of space and freedom.

The country is a land of great contrasts. New Zealand is a small island nation with a temperate climate. You are never more than a few hours away from the sea. In fact all of the larger cities are on the coastline, with vistas of blue seas and green hills. Further inland are the mountains, the backbone of the two major islands (North and South Island) with tramping all year round and skiing for up to six months of the year.

You may choose to study in a modern city with the shopping, multicultural restaurants, night clubs, live theatre, are galleries, museums, sports stadiums and all the hustle and bustle. Or perhaps you prefer the slower pace of the rural areas, where you'll find supportive communities, access to the farmlands and orchards. Many of the key tourist attractions are found in these rural areas, so the pace need not be slow. You may choose to shoot the rapids, jet boat through narrow gorges, bungy jump from bridges high above gushing waters, explore the forests, gaze at bubbling mud pools or wonder at the geysers. Then there's the paragliding, windsurfing, mountain biking, horseriding, fishing, kayaking, four-wheel driving and so much more.

New Zealand Education
New Zealand has an international reputation as a provider of quality education. It has a progressive education system with many state of the art facilities. It offers a safe learning environment with excellent study opportunities and support services for international students. Courses are available for academic, professional and vocational studies at New Zealand institutions - universities, polytechnics and institutes of technology, colleges of education, secondary schools and private training establishments.

New Zealand produces top graduates who can take their place with confidence in the international arena in many disciplines. Sir Ernest Rutherford, who first split the atom, and Dr Bryan Barrett-Boyes, prominent international heart surgeon, are but two examples of the calibre of New Zealand graduates.

You will find a wide range of options when you consider New Zealand as a study destination.

Secondary Education
Students commence secondary education (Years 9 - 13) at approximately 13 years of age. They may choose to study at either a state or private school. There is a wide choice of subjects at 400 schools throughout the country. The school year, based on four terms, commences in early February and finishes in mid December. Many international students complete the final year of secondary school (e.g. Year 12 & 13) in New Zealand before proceeding to tertiary study.

Tertiary Study Options:

Universities
There are seven government-funded universities providing undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes. Some also offer foundation programmes. Whilst all offer a broad range of degree subjects, each university has its own specialised courses.

The quality of a New Zealand university education is well recognised internationally. Many New Zealand graduates have gone on to achieve international recognition in their field. Many of the international students from developing Asian nations, who have studies at New Zealand universities, have since served as senior administrators, including cabinet ministers in their own countries.

Polytechnics and Institutes of Technology
A popular option is to study at one of the 25 government-funded polytechnics and institutes of technology. They offer a wide variety of programmes which can be both academically and vocationally focused. You may choose from a short course teaching a specific skill, or from a wide range of courses resulting in a certificate, a diploma or a degree.

Some institutions offer Year 1 of a degree programme, with subsequent years being completed at a university.

Teacher Training
New Zealand is internationally recognised for its excellent education standards and as a provider of quality teachers. There are six government-funded specialist education institutions, two operating from within universities, and the others offering their programmes in collaboration with their local university.

They offer training for teachers from early childhood to primary, secondary, special and tertiary (higher education) level.

Private Tertiary and Training Establishments
There are a growing number of private tertiary and training providers offering an alternative study option. They offer a range of programmes including professional certificates, diplomas and degrees in a diverse range of subjects including art, the hospitality industry, computer studies, secretarial studies, quality management, ecotourism and others.

English Language Training
The choices are endless. Private English language schools offer a variety of courses for all ages including adventure, business and academic programmes. Adventure courses provide a balance of English language tuition and a stimulating activity of your choice. There are courses in English for business purposes and English to prepare you for academic study with TOEFL or IELTS testing.

Most tertiary institutions also provide English language preparation for further study or foundation courses.

Accommodation and Cost of Living
Some secondary schools offer boarding facilities, while others arrange homestays for international students.

Usually universities and polytechnics offer student accommodation on campus. Some students prefer to live off campus and will seek advice from the student support services, provided by most tertiary institutes, to help with arranging homestays or give advice on finding student flats.

It is generally recommended that international students allow NZ$9,000 to $10,000 per year for living and accommodation costs. This includes accommodation, food, travel, textbooks and limited entertainment.

In Summary
Work hard and play hard is the lifestyle choice of many international students in New Zealand. If you are looking for world-class education and training, and also want new experiences, fun, a relaxed lifestyle and a safe and healthy environment, then you should consider New Zealand as your study destination.

Where Can I Get Further Information?

There are New Zealand Education Centres within some of the New Zealand Embassies. They are in Bangkok, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong, Seoul, Singapore, Taipei, Tokyo and Hamburg.

If you wish to surf the World Wide Web, visit the New Zealand Education website on

http://www.educationnz.org.nz

Or you may wish to contact Education New Zealand (ENZ). ENZ is an organisation whose role is to co-ordinate the promotion of quality New Zealand educational services to international students, institutions, governments and international organisations.

This article first appeared in Studying Abroad