ARA - International-Pre-Departure-Guide-2019

International
Pre Departure Guide

Kia ora, welcome

It’s my great pleasure to welcome you to Ara - a community of students and teaching and
support colleagues from more than 50 countries around the world.

We’re very proud of our diversity at Ara. Everyone who studies or works here brings a
wealth of ideas, perspectives and experiences that enhance and enrich the learning journey
for us all. So I encourage you to share your thoughts, knowledge, skills and stories while you
are here; if you do, it will make your learning experience at Ara all the richer.

One of the great benefits of studying with us is the variety of backgrounds and cultures
of the people you meet – not only at the institute but around the city, the region and the
country. The person you sit next to in class on your first day could become a life-long
friend, and the connections you make with other students, tutors, industry representatives
and New Zealanders during your time here could open doors to all sorts of exciting
opportunities.

If you need any assistance, either before you travel here or once you’ve arrived, please get
in touch with my student support colleagues – I know they will be keen to help you, both in
assisting you to make decisions and as you settle in to life at Ara.

I recognise that your decision to study with us is a very important one. You can be sure that
my colleagues and I will do all we can to support you while you’re at Ara. I wish you all the
very best for your studies and for your time in New Zealand.

Tony Gray
Chief Executive of Ara Institute of Canterbury

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Contents

Welcome from CEO.............................................. 2
About Canterbury................................................ 4
Weather...................................................................... 4
Code of Practice.................................................... 5
Medical & Travel Insurance............................. 5
Acceptance Documents....................................6
Conditional Offer...................................................6
English Language Requirement...................6
Terms of Enrolment.............................................6
Fees Payment.......................................................... 7
Additional Costs.................................................... 7
Getting a Student Visa........................................8
Visa Conditions......................................................8
Homestay Accommodation............................9
Students under 18 years of age.....................9
Living in shared accommodation
– Ōtautahi House.................................................10
– Flatting..................................................................10
Enrolment Process.............................................. 11
International Student Advisors....................12
Student Testimonial............................................13
Pre Departure Checklist.................................. 14
Campus Maps........................................................15

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Canterbury

Canterbury is one of New Zealand’s most dynamic Christchurch
regions. Encompassing prosperous cities and
towns dotted between the Southern Alps and the Ashburton
east coast, it hums with activity and opportunity. Timaru
Canterbury’s largest city is Christchurch, home to
around 400,000 people. Christchurch’s vitality is
reflected throughout Canterbury in small cities and
towns such as Timaru, Ashburton and Kaikoura
which are thriving on the back of tourism and
primary industries.

When you come to Canterbury to study at Ara, your opportunities to explore and
experience this beautiful region are endless. To find out more about Christchurch and
Canterbury, please visit the following websites:

www.christchurchnz.net www.christchurch.org.nz www.bethere.org.nz

Weather

Canterbury has a mild climate. Summer (December - February) is usually warm and dry.
Winter (June - August) is cooler. At night the temperature can be below 0° Celsius but the days
are often sunny. Autumn and Spring have mild days but the nights are cool.

The weather can vary a lot, even in one day and the wind can take a cold turn. You need to be
prepared for these changes. You need some warm clothes even in summer. Many houses in
New Zealand do not have central heating or air conditioning.

Seasons

Spring: September — November
Summer: December — February
Autumn: March — May
Winter: June — August

These figures on temperature, sun and rain are a guide
to normal conditions.

February: Average during the day 23.9 °C
Average at night 8.2 °C
Sun (hours/month) 188.6
Rain (days/month) 5.1

August: Average during the day 14.4 °C
Average at night 0.2 °C
Sun (hours/month 147.9
Rain (days/month) 8.2

Source: NIWA, all temperatures and hours of sun and rain are average figures. Image © Christchurch Canterbury Tourism
For information on Canterbury weather see Metservice www.metservice.co.nz

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The Education (Pastoral Care of International Students)
Code of Practice 2016

Ara is a signatory to the Education (Pastoral Care of International Students) Code of
Practice 2016 administered by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA). We
are committed to the quality and care of international students.
The Code makes sure that educational providers ensure:
• high professional standards are maintained
• international students are recruited in an ethical and responsible way
• information supplied to international students is clear, accurate and up-to-date
• students are provided with information before taking on any commitments
• contractual dealings with international students are done in an ethical and

responsible way
• the particular needs of international students are recognised
• international students under the age of 18 are in safe accommodation
• all providers have fair and equitable internal procedures for the resolution of

international student grievances.
All schools and institutions who wish to have international students studying on their
programmes must comply with the Code.
Copies of the Code are available on the NZQA website:

www.nzqa.govt.nz/providers-partners/education-code-of-practice

Travel and medical insurance for studying in New Zealand

As an Ara student, you are required to have comprehensive travel and medical insurance. This
is a legal requirement under the NZQA for the Pastoral Care of International Students. Our
insurance provider is Allianz StudentSafe, which has specifically tailored its StudentSafe policy
to meet the needs of our students.

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Acceptance Documents English Language Requirements

The Offer of Place officially accepts We use the International English Language
you into your chosen path of study Testing System (IELTS). This will show us
(providing you pay your fees by the that international students have the level of
due date). It also explains the terms English required to achieve their study goals.
and conditions that you need to follow Ara provides IELTS courses and is an official
if you accept your path of study. IELTS testing centre. For more information
The Statement of Fees explains what about IELTS and where you can sit the test,
you need to pay to study at Ara. please visit the website at:
After you have paid your fees, you
can use the Offer of Place (with your www.ielts.org
receipt) to apply to Immigration
New Zealand for a Student Visa. We may also accept other International
English Testing results, like Pearson’s English
Conditional Offer Test and TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign
Language).
If you don’t quite meet all of the entry
requirements for the programme you It is important for you to double check
applied for, we may still accept you the required English level as the English
conditionally. requirement may vary between
programmes. Please refer to your chosen
Visiting Driver Training programme for requirements. If you are
Programme unsure, check with us.

If you are new to driving in New Zealand, Terms & Conditions of Enrolment
we encourage you to complete the
Visiting Driver Training Programme Please make sure that you understand all of
which can be found here: https://www. the things you need to do before you start
aa.co.nz/travel/visitors-to-new-zealand/ your study.
visiting-driver-training-programme/
Full details are available at:

www.ara.ac.nz/terms-and-conditions

Please make your travel arrangements early,
because we will be unable to accept you for
study if you arrive more than one week after
the course commences.

Travel to Timaru

Please note that if you are studying at the
Timaru campus you will need to organise
your transport from Christchurch Airport to
Timaru (approx. 2 hour drive).

http://www.ara.ac.nz/explore-ara/
international/student-life/living-
in-canterbury/bus-transport-from-
christchurch-to-timaru

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Fee Payment

Preferred payment method
• Bank Transfer (telegraphic transfer) to Ara Institute of Canterbury’s bank account

using the details below. Please include your name and Student ID number in payment
information. Payments will incur a $30 bank charge.
Bank Account: 02-0800-0911670-000
Bank: Bank of New Zealand
Branch Address: 114 Fitzgerald Avenue
Linwood
Christchurch 8011
New Zealand
Swift Code: BKNZNZ22800

• Credit Card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express)

• Bank cheque (made out in New Zealand dollars)

• EFTPOS or cash if you are in New Zealand. Please note that for safety reasons we advise
that students do not carry large amounts of cash.

All bank charges are to be met by the student.

Additional Costs

As well as the tuition fees and general living expenses, please budget for
NZD$1,000 for additional costs for other items. Examples are: textbooks,
equipment, miscellaneous items, exam fees, field trips, uniforms, stationery.

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Getting a Student Visa

A Student Visa allows you to travel to and You will need the following
study in New Zealand. You will need to apply documents to apply for your
for one through Immigration New Zealand. Student Visa:

Go to Immigration New Zealand’s website, • receipt of tuition fees paid
www.immigration.govt.nz to find • a recent New Zealand Bank statement
everything you need to apply for a Student
Visa. If you have any problems, don’t hesitate showing balance of approximately
to talk to us. $15,000 for a one year visa or $7,500
for a six-month visa. Your bank
If your visa application is declined, you need statement must state your name
to let us know as soon as possible, as many and your current address, show
of our programmes have limited spaces three months of your most recent
available. transactions and be less than three
days old
Please check your Student Visa conditions • Ara Student Visa application form
before you leave your country. • Student Visa checklist
• $220 visa application fee
If you have a current visa and wish to obtain • your passport
or renew a Student Visa, please see Ara staff • medical and x-ray certificate
at Admissions & Enrolments in Christchurch (if applicable)
or Student Central in Timaru. Your visa will • two passport-sized photos .
need to stipulate the city/town you will be
studying in. For more information on visa renewal
visit:
www.ara.ac.nz/immigration-and-visa

Visa Conditions

As part of the visa conditions, you need to make sure that you attend all classes and make
satisfactory progress. If you don’t do this it can become very difficult to keep your visa.

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Homestay Accommodation

Finding accommodation can be a difficult Homestay Service
process, and you need to find the type of
accommodation that’s right for you. If you NZEAS offers the following services if you
are visiting New Zealand for the first time, are in homestay accommodation:
we strongly recommend you apply for • police vetting of all home host families
homestay accommodation. • full inspection of all homes and

Homestay is an option that allows you to interviews with homehost families
concentrate on your studies while also • airport pick-up and delivery to
allowing you to join in with a family lifestyle
if you wish. You have your own room and homehost family on your arrival
meals are provided. It is a great way to • a full “Welcome Pack” upon arrival
practise English and experience the “Kiwi” • greeting on your first day at Ara
lifestyle. For more information on our • banking assistance on your first day
homestay services please visit our website
http://www.ara.ac.nz/services-and- at Ara
support/accommodation/homestays • language translators
or contact International Admissions. • 24 hour contact number to be used in

Local phone calls are free but toll calls the case of an emergency
should be made using an international • follow up meetings with you to
calling card.  Wireless Broadband Internet
is included in the homestay fees, maximum ensure you are happy in your home
usage of 25GB per month, additional data is environment
extra and paid to the hosts.
Students under 18 years of age
Homestay Christchurch Timaru
Students under the age of 18 years must
Placement Fee $300 $300 have a designated caregiver or guardian
includes pick up from while in New Zealand. Ara will forward
Christchurch airport and the relevant indemnity documents for
transfer to homestay in completion as required if you are under
Christchurch or Timaru 18 years of age. If you are coming directly
to Ara, and not living with your parents,
Homestay Fee $260 – you must stay with one of our approved
includes two meals* on homestay families.
weekdays and three
meals on the weekend 9

Homestay Fee $285 $260
includes three meals*
a day

*An extra NZD$20 per week may be charged for a
Halal diet.

Living in Shared Accommodation

Ōtautahi House

Ōtautahi House is a modern apartment complex opposite the City campus. It has
36 apartments accommodating 192 Ara students. As a resident at Ōtautahi House you’ll
enjoy the friendship of fellow residents from a range of backgrounds, places and
programmes of study. You’ll share experiences together, like flatting for the first time
and exploring a new city. You and your flatmates have the flexibility to organise your
own shopping and cooking rosters. Some cleaning services are provided, and pastoral
care from designated Ara staff is always available.

Ōtautahi House International fees

50-week contract $9,500

25-week contract $4,750

Bond $780

Activities fee $172.50

Administration fee $230

Bedding pack (optional) $130

Flatting

Many Ara students live in shared rental accommodation while studying. While there are
many flats to rent, a good one may be hard to find, especially at the beginning of the
academic year. It is easier to find a flat once you’ve arrived.

The most important thing you must do is book temporary accommodation so that you
have somewhere to stay when you arrive.

If you intend to go flatting you will need independant living skills such as cooking,
cleaning and budgeting your money. Get to know the people that you intend to flat with
before you move in to share a flat.

The following are examples of the
average flatting costs per person per
week (based upon a three person
share flat in New Zealand):

Rent­ $120–$150

Electricity $30

Food $80–$100

If you are considering flatting, we suggest
you to look at the following websites:

www.tenancy.govt.nz
www.flathunt.co.nz
www.flatmatesnz.com

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Enrolment Process

Shortly after your arrival, please report to the Admissions & Enrolments counter on campus
with your passport, to complete the enrolment process if in Christchurch. If studying in
Timaru, please report to Student Central.
It is important that you do this before starting your classes.

Our International Admissions Team Opening hours
will be the first point of contact for any
questions you may have. This team is Admissions & Enrolments
also responsible for looking after your at our City campus, Christchurch
admission and enrolment process. Our Monday–Thursday, 8am–5pm
contact details in Christchurch are: Friday, 9am–4.30pm
During peak enrolment periods:
International Admissions Team Monday–Thursday, 8am–6pm
Ara Institute of Canterbury Friday, 9am–4.30pm
City Campus Madras Street Student Central, Timaru Campus
PO Box 540 Monday-Friday, 8.30am-4.30pm
Christchurch 8140 Feel free to talk to us if you have any
New Zealand questions and we look forward to
welcoming you to Ara.
Tel: +64 3 940 8000
Fax: +64 3 940 8642 Ara website
Email: [email protected]
www.ara.ac.nz

Online International Study Guide

http://www.ara.ac.nz/explore-ara/
international/useful-documents

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International Student Advisors

Ara has a team of international advisors who International Student Advisors - Christchurch
offer advice and support to international
students during their enrolment. This advice
is confidential and will not be shared with
anyone else without your permission.

The team are there to support you and offer
advice on many things, such as:
• cultural adjustment
• homesickness
• general health and wellbeing
• academic issues
• accommodation

Advisors can refer you to other services as
required.

International Student Orientation

The Education (Pastoral Care of International Students)
Code of Practice 2016 requires you to attend an
international orientation presentation.

You will learn about study in New Zealand – how it is

different to study in your home country and how to

maximise your chance of success. English tutors and staff
You will be provided with important information

specific only to international students. The orientation will help prepare you personally

and academically while studying at Ara.

This is an opportunity to meet the staff and other international students who are also
beginning their journey of study in New Zealand.

International Student Advisors

Locations: Timaru campus
Student Central
City campus, Christchurch Arthur Street
Student Central
Madras Street

Tel: +64 3 940 8728 or +64 3 940 8704 Tel: +64 3 687 1835

Mobile: +64 27 303 3114 or +64 21 280 8704 Mobile: +64 21 275 2835

Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]

Monday–Friday, 8am–4.30pm Monday–Friday, 8.30am–4.30pm

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There’s a cultural diversity here
that brings energy and vivacity
to the campus.

RAQUEL MAGLIARI – Brazil

13

Pre Departure Checklist

r Travel documents r Essential clothing
r Air tickets r Medical records and personal
r Passport
r Medical and travel insurance documents medication
r Money r Extra passport photos
r Credit card r Your favourite music
r Drivers licence r Contact details of your friends and

families

What to Bring 4 An electrical adapter; in NZ the electrical
supply is 230/240 volts at 50 cycles and
Do bring: uses ac 20 current (you can purchase
this in New Zealand)
4 Plenty of warm clothing; even when
arriving in summer, Canterbury has been 4 Personal medication prescribed by your
known to have “four seasons in one day”! doctor

4 Casual clothing to wear on campus; for 4 Originals and copies of:
example, jeans and tee-shirt are fine
- Passport
4 Your national costume! It’s very likely
that you will have an opportunity to show - Travel insurance documents
off your national costume during your
stay in NZ. Other students love to learn - International Drivers licence
more about different cultures
- Academic records (if necessary)
4 Photos of family and friends to help you
stop feeling homesick

Don’t bring:
6 Fresh food
6 Wildlife
6 Fish, shellfish, or shells
6 Uncured wood products
6 Plants or vegetation of any sort
6 Illicit drugs – other than prescription medication

We wish you all the best for your travel to study in New Zealand. We will be here to
help and support you along the way. Remember - we are here to help if you are not
sure about anything. See you soon.

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City campus, Christchurch WHARE
TR
Barbadoes StTC Coventry St E Admissions & Enrolments,
TG M3M1 Information Desk
Q M2 Accessible Carpark/Building
Ferry Rd W Student Carpark
HS FM
St Asaph St Staff Carpark
Williams St TM CH Commercial Carpark
TG Moorhouse Ave
K  Covered Secure
LA E Cycle Compound
RAKAIA  Health Centre
CENTRE Bus Stop - please check with
OH OH U X C Metroinfo for the latest bus
information
Tuam St Resident E S N E C DW Petrol Station
parking Main Post Office
only St Asaph St P OArt Entrance D Restaurant/Bar
Southwark StBox DL
OH Madras St Supermarket

JZ Supermarket Café
High St Allen St parking only
TV Pharmacy
ST ML Evacuation Points


PX

Eaton Pl
Mortimer Pl

Central Bus Exchange (2 Blocks away) Manchester St

Timaru campus City CamNortph Sut s

130 Madras Street KEY Admissions & Enrolments,
Information Desk
TX Admissions & Enrolments, Accessible Carpark
Information Desk Carpark
Departments Services & Facilities Administration & Support Accessible Carpark/Building Café
Student Carpark Evacuation Points
Art and Design D Academic Records N Divisions S Staff Carpark Restaurant
Beauty JZ X Academic Division FM Commercial Carpark
Business 01 AAdramIDissCioaTnrdsM/aSnedcuErnitryolmTeJnt X Custodians G Night Entrance
Creative Industries D C Executive  Covered Secure
Computing N Bennetts Bookshop X Facilities Management FM Cycle Compound Traffic Lights
Computing for Free O Health Centre 1 State Highway One
Early Childhood TC Career Centre Finance G Bus Stop*
Engineering and Architectural Studies K Health & Safety Manager FM
ESOL Centre A Centre of Assessment for S Petrol Station
Fashion PX Prior Learning (CAPL) Post Office
Hospitality and Service Industries U TI Restaurant/Bar
Bank St PX
HairdTreBssing Theodosia St, State highway oneA Supermarket
M1 Café
Humanities Grey RoadJZ Pharmacy
Media E Childcare Facilities CH People & Development (HR) G Evacuation Points
Music Arts (Jazz School) HS International G
NASDA (National Academy of Singing W Citizens ATdvGice Bureau TK
and Dramatic Arts) TV, P L Inwards Goods FM
Next Step Centre for Women N Disability Services *Please check with Metroinfo
New Zealand Broadcasting School HS W Marketing G for the latest bus information.
Nursing, Midwifery and Allied Health D Gym
Outdoor Education S W Research S ara.ac.nz
Photography M2 Health Centre
Sciences and Primary Industries TM
Workforce Development International Student Advisors A
Te Puna Wānaka W
(Māori and Pasifika Studies) ICT Helpdesk T Venues D
Workskills L D Block Lecture Theatre A
Learning Self AccessTCeHntre (LSAC) L Imagitech Theatre P
L Plains FM X
Learning Services X Rakaia Centre C
T Students Atrium U
LibTraFry X Visions on Campus
OH Restaurant W
Lost & Found (Security) Whareora
X
Printery OTfEfice
Scholarships

Student Accommodation

(Ōtautahi House)

Student Central W TC

The Zone

Vehicle Garage TG TL
Visions on Campus Restaurant U

Ph 03 940 8000 | 0800 24 24 76TD BLUE
TA STONE
HOUSE

Arthur St Main Entrance

Timaru Campus 15

32 Arthur Street

Ara is proud to be a smokefree institute

PO Box 540, Christchurch 8140, New Zealand
Telephone +64 3 940 8389 ı Facsimile +64 3 366 6544

www.ara.ac.nz

04338 February 2019