A Brief History of New Zealand

New Zealand is known as the youngest country on earth as this country was the last discovered major landmass. The first to settle in this country between 950 and 1100 A.D. were the Polynesians. Their society was run through the leadership system of Chieftainship that did not follow the usual rule of hereditary bloodline to continue the throne.

The first European who visited New Zealand was Abel Tasman, a Dutch explorer who with his crew in the ships called Heemskerck and Zeehaen arrived in December of 1642. Explorer Tasman docked at the northern end of South Island in Golden Bay which he later named as Murderer’s Bay and then traveled to Tonga where he clashed with local Maoris.

Both the Maori and the European culture now form part of the rich heritage that New Zealand has. For years, various travelers have visited this land including missionaries, sailors, traders and adventurers, all of whom have been enthralled by the countries people and its magnificent landscape.

New Zealand officially became part of the British Empire in 1840 when the Treaty of Waitangi was signed between the British Crown and that of Various Maori Chiefs. This treaty gave the Maori equal rights with the British citizens.

History of the Name of New Zealand

Abel Tasman, a Dutch Explorer and the first European to visit the land, sketched parts of the main island’s west coasts and called them Staten Landt, taken after the name States-General of the Netherlands. Cartographers from Netherlands later changed this to a Latin Name, Nova Zeelandia (Nova = New) which historically comes from the name of a Dutch province called Zeeland. This was then later on changed to New Zealand by Captain James Cook who visited the country 100 years after Tasman.

Studying in New Zealand: A Fun Experience

Studying in New Zealand is not too expensive as it may seem. New Zealand offers many outstanding educational institutions and study opportunities, students will also enjoy New Zealand’s splendid beaches, awesome scenery, wildlife adventure sports and the country’s lifestyle itself.

New Zealand has a reputation for being a provider of excellent education. A variety of courses in the field of academics, professional and vocational studies are offered in the universities, its polytechnics, colleges of education and secondary schools, as well as its private training establishments, language schools, high schools, universities, technical schools and institutes.

The country has progressive training systems for students due to its many state-of-the art facilities. Short-term English language courses use modern teaching methods that include laboratory works and conversational classes, enhancing the abilities of the students. There are many polytechnic institutes of technology and universities in New Zealand offering English language training. There are also many private training establishments that provide a wide array of Tertiary and Vocational courses.

High Schools in New Zealand offer a superb choice for students. This is because schools offer a large range of subjects to choose from. The students start secondary education at age 9 and usually finish it when they are thirteen (13) years old. The students may choose from either state or private schools. Students can choose from more than 400 schools throughout New Zealand so that to study in New Zealand for secondary education is accessible.

For Tertiary studies, one can have many options to choose from. The country has eight government-funded universities that will provide students with undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes. There are also foundation programmes available that are readily accessible to students should they choose to study in New Zealand. The country offers a wide range of degree subjects and each of it has its own course specialization. Study in New Zealand also offers courses from polytechnics and institutes of technology. The country has 25 government-funded polytechnics and institutes of technology that also offer many programmes focusing both on academics and vocational courses.

New Zealand also has private Tertiary training establishments that provide an alternative study option. These are institutions that offer programmes that will include professional certificates, diplomas, computer studies, secretarial studies and others.

Study in New Zealand has endless choices if one is looking for a world class education and training. New Zealand can give you excellent education within the comforts of a safe place. That is why to study in New Zealand is more than just acquiring knowledge and training in schools and universities; it is also a good and fun experience. So come and join us! Choose to study in New Zealand!

Accommodation for Foreign Students in New Zealand

There are a number of accommodation options for international students in New Zealand:

• Home-stay:

  This is one of the most popular ways to have first hand experience of New Zealand’s culture. You will be staying with a Host family who, prior to being assigned to you, are properly screened and must be able to meet the very high standards regulated by the New Zealand Ministry of Education (M.O.E.). This includes a “police background check” for all residents of the family ages 18 years or above to ensure you of safe living conditions.
  You are usually provided a single, clean private room, furnished with a bed, dresser, lamp and a study-desk. Homes are near or directly on transportation routes.

• Dormitory, Apartment or flat

  These are alternative options for students above 18, who prefer to be independent during their stay in NZ. Students could opt for share-accommodation, in which 2 or more students may live in an apartment together and share the space rental. Universities and other educational institutions also have dormitory spaces in which students could opt to stay in.

• Motel, Hotel or Backpacker.

  This option could also be arranged, although in most cases they are more expensive since you will have to consider your laundry and food requirements in these cases.
  Foreign Students under 18 are highly recommended to stay with available relatives in New Zealand, or opt for Home-stay to be in a safer and well-guided environment.

Can I Study in New Zealand?

New Zealand opens its doors to everyone who is interested in being part of its educational system as a bona fide student. However, there are a few requirements that have to be met prior to studying in New Zealand. As a rule, if you are going to stay and study for more than three (3) months, then you are required to get a visa or a permit.

To enroll and study in New Zealand, you don’t need a visa or a permit if:

• You are a citizen of New Zealand or Australia.

• You hold a New Zealand residence permit.

• You are an Australian resident with a current Permanent Residence Visa or a Current Resident Return Visa.

• You are studying a short course of less than three months duration. This course must be approved and exempted by the NZA or The New Zealand Qualifications Authority which is the government agency responsible for quality assurance of qualifications. If you are taking more than one course however, you would need to apply for a student visa or permit.

If you wish to study and stay for a longer period of time, then you need to comply with the following requirements to study in New Zealand. click here