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Studying in New Zealand
Students who wish to study in New Zealand are typically interested in improving their English Language ability. Two options available to students who wish to improve their English are outlined below. Which one is suitable for you depends on your own circumstances
Studying in New Zealand and improving English Language
ESOL / ESL Courses
These courses are sepcifically for those who want to learn english as a second language
ESL (English as a second language), ESOL (English for speakers of other languages), and EFL (English as a foreign language) all refer to the use or study of English by speakers with a different native language. The precise usage, including the different use of the terms ESL and ESOL in different countries typically depends on the country where the course is offerred. In New Zealand the term ESOL is used as the standard to describe English language Courses.
Learners of English are often keen to get accreditation and a number of exams are known internationally. The most common qualifications is based on the Cambridge ESOL General English exams.
General English
These exams are suitable for students wishing to improve their english for general purposes and for students who wish to study at high school in an English speaking country.
Cambridge ESOL General English exams, a suite of five including:
- Key English Test (KET) Level: Beginner/elemenatry
- Preliminary English Test (PET) Level: Beginner/elemenatry
- First Certificate in English (FCE): Level:Upper Intermediate
- Certificate in Advanced English (CAE) Level: Advanced
- Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) Level: Very Advanced
The General English Exams enable students to gain work experience in English Speaking countries as well as a requiremnet for studying at high schools in English Speaking countries
IELTS (International English Testing System)
This is suitable for students who wish to use English for Academic purposes such as studying at higher education in University. The test is 2.45 hours and examines reading, writing, listening and speaking ability
For information about ESOL related courses visit our esol section and browse the courses available. This will provide you with a lsit of schools and colleges offering these English language courses
Student Exchange Programs
These courses suit students who are currently studying in their home country and wish to spend a period of time continuing their "normal" studies in a foreign country with the generally accepted idea of improving their english ability whilst studying.
International Students who study in New Zealand at schools on exchange programs can choose which subjects they wish to study. For example students interested in Science can choose to study science as an option during their stay, or students interested in Art can study art as an optional module. The options available vary slightly between schools so students who have a specific interest in one subject should research whether this subject is available at that school and secondly what facilities are available at any given school to provide students with all necessary educational aids and support.