Useful Information
Cost of Living
One of the greatest attractions for students to study in New Zealand is the lifestyle that this country has to offer. ‘Kiwis’ seem to enjoy a more relaxed living philosophy. Compared to many international countries, the cost of living with an enjoyable lifestyle, seems to be easy to have.
The cost of living changes depending on where you choose to live in New Zealand. Auckland is a more expensive city in which to live. The further South you travel, the less expensive the cost of living becomes.
This makes Christchurch a great choice of city for study.
The prices below, in NZ$, show what you might expect to pay.
Apples 1kg | 2.87 | Coffee (Instant 100g) | 4.99 |
| Beer Local (12 pack 330ml) | 21.15 | Ground Beef (Prime 1kg) | 12.99 |
| Big Mac Burger | 4.45 | Ice Cream (2 L) | 5.48 |
| Bread (Sliced White 700g) | 3.79 | Milk (1 L) | 2.33 |
| Bus Fare (Adult) | 3.10 | Movie Theatre Pass (Adult) | 15.00 |
| Butter (500g) | 4.99 | Newspaper | 2.20 |
| Carrots 1kg | 1.99 | Pasta (Spaghetti Dry) | 2.18 |
| CD (New Release) | 35.00 | Petrol (1 L Unleaded) | 2.00 |
| Cheese (500g) | 6.99 | Sugar (1.5 kg) | 2.48 |
| Chicken Drumsticks (1kg) | 8.99 | Taxi Fare (per km) | 2.00 |
| Chocolate Block (340g) | 5.00 | Toilet Paper (4 pack) | 2.39 |
| Coca Cola (1.5L) | 2.49 | Toothbrush | 4.99 |
New Zealand Immgration Service
Full details of visa and permit requirements, advice on rights to employment in New Zealand while studying, and reporting requirements are available through the New Zealand Immigration Service, and can be viewed on their website at www.immigration.govt.nz.
Internal Grievance
When a student is unable to resolve a grivance over harassment form another student, upset over a grade, problems with a homestay, money and refunds or a range of other social or personal issues then the College has a set procedure which should be followed to bring about a satisfactory conclusion for all concerned.
When all possible internal avenues for solving a grievance have been exhausted then a student may contact:
International Appeal Authority Ministry of Education Private Bag 47911 Ponsonby Auckland NEW ZEALAND
Phone +64 9 374-5481 | or | New Zealand Qualifications Authority P.O Box 160 Wellington NEW ZEALAND
Phone +64 4802-3000 |
Counsellors
Our friendly, experienced staff are always available to support and assist you, to answer your questions and help with any problems you may have. Homestay support staff and bi-lingual counsellors are available whenever needed.
Code of Practice
Excel English College is a signatory to the New Zealand Ministry of Education Code of Practice, for the Pastoral Care of International Students and has agreed to observe and be bound by the Code. Copies of the Code are available on request from this college or from the New Zealand Ministry of Education website at www.minedu.govt.nz.
Weekends and Public Holidays
The College is closed on weekends and the following holidays:
| 1-4 January 2010 | New Year holiday |
| 2-5 April 2010 | Easter Weekend holiday |
| 25 April 2010 | ANZAC Day holiday |
| 7 June 2010 | Queens Birthday holiday |
| 26 October 2010 | Labour Weekend holiday |
| 12 November 2010 | Canterbury Anniversary holiday |
| 19 December 2009 - 4 January 2010 | Christmas holidays |
EXCEL began 2010 on 5th January.
"Excel English College is more than just a place to study. I came here to study English but I got much more. It's like a little family abroad. I found lots of new friends from all over the world!" BARBARA PETER - GERMANY