International Pre Departure Guide 2013

Our dedication and commitment to being the best in all that we do has kept CPIT at the forefront of applied, vocational learning globally.

Kia Ora, welcome

It is my pleasure as Chief Executive to welcome international students and visitors to CPIT. At one of the South Islands largest tertiary institutes you will join innovative and enthusiastic learners from all over New Zealand and across the globe. For the past century we have advanced a unique approach to applied education that enriches career opportunities for our graduates. Our city of Christchurch is New Zealands third largest, with a strong reputation for leading technological innovation and is rapidly evolving as New Zealands most inspiring city to live in. We look forward to hearing of your successes and the discovery of lifelong friendships and mentors within our vibrant community. Kay Giles CPIT Chief Executive
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International Pre Departure Guide 2013

Contents
Welcome from CEO................................. 2 About Christchurch................................. 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 Accommodation...................................... 9 Homestay.................................................. 9 Living in shared accommodation Flatting..............10 Temporary Accommodation...............10 Students under 18 years of age........10 Enrolment Process................................11 International Student Advisors..........12 Student Testimonial..............................13 Pre Departure Checklist......................14 CPIT Madras Street Campus Map.....15

International Pre Departure Guide 2013

Christchurch

Christchurch, in the heart of the Canterbury district, is a busy cosmopolitan city with a population of almost 400,000 people. It is the biggest city in the South Island, and is well known as the Garden City of New Zealand. It is also very well-placed, with many outdoor attractions in driving distance. 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
Christchurch has a mild climate. The beautiful New Brighton and Sumner beaches are a very popular way to cool off and relax in summer, while in winter you can head to the hills and enjoy some great ski fields. 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. Most houses in New Zealand do not have central heating or air conditioning. Seasons Spring: Summer: Autumn: Winter: September November December February March May June August

These figures on temperature, sun and rain are a guide to normal conditions. February: August: Average during the day Average at night Sun (hours/month) Rain (days/month) Average during the day Average at night Sun (hours/month Rain (days/month) 23.9 C 8.2 C 188.6 5.1 14.4 C 0.2 C 147.9 8.2

Image Christchurch Canterbury Tourism

Source: NIWA, all temperatures and hours of sun and rain are average figures. For information on Christchurch weather see Metservice www.metservice. co.nz or Christchurch weather online: www.stuff.co.nz

International Pre Departure Guide 2013

Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of International Students

CPIT is a signatory to the Code of Practice of International Students published by the Ministry of Education. 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 Ministry of Educations website: www.minedu.govt.nz/goto/international

Travel and medical insurance for studying in New Zealand

CPIT requires all international students to have comprehensive travel and medical insurance. This is a legal requirement under the NZ Ministry of Education Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of International Students. CPITs preferred insurance provider is Inbroke Limited, who have specifically tailored their Studentcare policy to meet the needs of CPITs students. You can purchase the Studentcare policy at Information and Enrolments or email intladmissions@cpit.ac.nz. Details of this policy can be obtained by visiting: www.studentcareinsurance.com/cpit-students

International Pre Departure Guide 2013

Acceptance Documents
The Statement of Fees is a document that explains what you need to pay so that you can study at CPIT. It also explains the terms and conditions that you need to follow if you accept your Path of Study. Please note that tuition fees are quoted in New Zealand Dollars per year unless otherwise stated. The Offer of Place officially accepts you into your chosen path of study. You just need to make sure you pay the fees by the due date. After you have paid the fees, you can use the Offer of Place, with your receipt, to apply to Immigration NewZealand for a Student Visa.

English Language Requirements

We use the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). This will show us that international students have the level of English needed to achieve their study goals. CPIT provides IELTS courses and is an official IELTS testing centre. For more information about IELTS and where you can sit the test, please visit the website at: www.ielts.org We may also accept other International English Testing results, like TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language). It is important for you to double check the required English level as the English requirement may vary between programmes. Please refer to your chosen programme for requirements. If you are unsure, check with us.

Conditional Offer
If you dont quite meet all of the entry requirements for the programme you applied for, we may still accept you conditionally. Usually, the extra things you need to do can be done at CPIT, like taking an English language test before you start your academic study.

Terms & Conditions of Enrolment

Please make sure that you understand all of the things you need to do before you start your study. Full details are available at: www.cpit.ac.nz/enrolment/terms_ and_conditions These are also published on the Statement of Fees. 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.

International Pre Departure Guide 2013

Fee Payment
Preferred payment method Bank Transfer (telegraphic transfer) to CPITs bank account using the details below. Please include your name and Student ID number in payment information. Payments will incur a $30 bank charge. Christchurch Polytechnic Council Bank of New Zealand Russel Partner Centre Level 1, 5 Sir William Pickering Drive Russley, Christchurch 8053 New Zealand Account No: 02-0800-0911670-00 Attention: International Swift Code: BKNZNZ22800 Credit Card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express) Bank cheque (made out in New Zealand dollars) EFTPOS or cash if you are in NewZealand. 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$1,5002,500 for additional costs for other items. Examples are: textbooks, equipment, miscellaneous items, exam fees, field trips, uniforms, stationery.
International Pre Departure Guide 2013

Getting a Student Visa

A Student Visa allows you to travel to and study in New Zealand. You will need to apply for one through Immigration New Zealand. Go to Immigration New Zealands website, www.immigration.govt.nz to find everything you need to apply for a Student Visa. If you have any problems, dont hesitate to talk to us. If your visa application is declined, you need to let us know as soon as possible, as many of our programmes have limited spaces available. Please check your Student Visa conditions before you leave your country. If you do not have Outward Passage Waived written on your visa, you must have a return air ticket when you come to New Zealand. If you do not have one, you will be asked to buy an air ticket upon your arrival before you go through customs. This can be very expensive. If you have a current visa and wish to obtain or renew a Student Visa, please see CPIT staff at Admissions & Enrolments. Applications will normally take no more than three working days.

You will need the following documents to apply for your Student Visa:
receipt of tuition fees paid a recent New Zealand Bank statement showing balance of approximately $15,000 for a one year visa or $7,500 for a six-month visa. Your bank statement must state your name and your current address, show three months of your most recent transactions and be less than 10 days old. CPIT Student Visa Application form Student Visa checklist $220 visa application fee your passport medical and x-ray certificate (if applicable) two passport-sized photos (new students only).

For more information on visa renewal at CPIT Campus visit: www.cpit.ac.nz/international/ immigration

Visa Conditions
As part of the visa conditions, you need to make sure that you attend all classes and make satisfactory progress. If you dont do this it can become very difficult to keep your visa.

International Pre Departure Guide 2013

Accommodation

Homestay Service Finding accommodation can be a difficult process, and you need to find the type of accommodation thats right for you. If you are visiting New Zealand for the first time, we strongly recommend you apply for homestay accommodation. Homestay is an option that allows you to concentrate on your studies while also allowing you to join in with a family lifestyle if you wish. You have your own room and meals are provided. It is a great way to practise English and experience the Kiwi lifestyle. The cost of homestay is NZD$220 per week (without lunch) and NZD$240 (with lunch) and there is a one-off homestay placement fee of NZD$300. An extra NZD$20 per week may be charged for a Halal diet. For more information on our homestay services please visit our website at: www.cpit.ac.nz/accommodation or contact International Admissions.

Homestay Service NZEAS offers the following services if you are in homestay accommodation: police vetting of all home host families full inspection of all homes and interviews with homehost families airport pick-up and delivery to homehost family on your arrival to Christchurch a full Welcome Pack upon arrival greeting on your first day at CPIT banking assistance on your first day at CPIT language translators 24 hour contact number to be used in the case of an emergency follow up meetings with you to ensure you are happy in your home environment

International Pre Departure Guide 2013

Living in Shared Accomodation

Many CPIT students live in shared rental accommodation while studying. While there are many flats to rent in Christchurch, a good one may be hard to find, especially at the beginning of the academic year. It is easier to find a flat if you are in Christchurch when you are looking. The most important thing you must do is book temporary accommodation so that you have somewhere to stay when you arrive in Christchurch. 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 week (based upon a three person share flat in New Zealand):
Rent $120$150 Electricity $30 Food $80$100 If you are considering flatting in Christchurch, we suggest you to look at the following websites: www.tenancy.govt.nz www.flathunt.co.nz www.flatmatesnz.com

Temporary Accommodation
We recommend you apply for accommodation as soon as possible.

Students under 18 years of age

Students under the age of 18 years must have a designated caregiver or guardian while in New Zealand. CPIT will forward the relevant indemnity documents for completion as required if you are under 18 years of age. If you are coming directly to CPIT, and not living with your parents, you must stay with one of our approved homestay families.

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International Pre Departure Guide 2013

Enrolment Process

Shortly after your arrival in Christchurch, please report to the Enrolments counter in the Rakaia Centre on Madras Street with your passport to complete the enrolment process. It is important that you do this before starting your classes.

Our International Admissions Team will be the first point of contact for any questions you may have. This team is also responsible for looking after your admission and enrolment process. Our contact details are: International Admissions Team Christchurch Polytechnic Institute of Technology (CPIT) City Campus Madras Street PO Box 540 Christchurch 8140 New Zealand Tel: +64 3940 8732/ 8407/8345 Fax: +64 3 940 8642 Email: intladmissions@cpit.ac.nz

Opening Hours MondayThursday, 8am6pm Friday, 9am4.30pm Feel free to talk to us if you have any questions and we look forward to welcoming you to CPIT. Youll find us in the Information & Enrolments building marked X on the map on page 15. CPIT Website www.cpit.ac.nz Online International Study Guide www.cpit.ac.nz/international

International Pre Departure Guide 2013

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International Student Advisors

CPIT has a team of international advisors who offer advice and support to international students during their enrolment. This advice is confidential and cant be shared with anyone else. The team are there to support international students and offer advice on many things, such as: cultural adjustment homesickness general health and wellbeing academic issues accommodation Advisors can refer students to other services as required.

L to R: Su-Young Oh, Denise Hannam, Mohammad Al Jabawe, Lyn Crossan, Hiroshi Komatsu and Kun Li

International Student Orientation

The international student orientation is an important event to attend. The information given is only relevant to international students. The orientation will help prepare you personally and academically for your time studying at CPIT. You will learn about the services and facilities that are available to you. You will also meet other staff and international students. The international orientation dates and times will be advertised on the international Facebook page. If you are unable to attend the orientation, please make an appointment with one of the student advisors to collect your welcome pack and important information.

International Student Advisors Location: A121, A Block, Madras Street Tel: +64 3 940 8728 or +64 3 940 8434 Mobile: +64 27 303 3114 (text only) Email: intadvisors@cpit.ac.nz Office Hours: MondayFriday, 9am4.30pm

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International Pre Departure Guide 2013

I love the beautiful blue skies, the relaxed lifestyle and how everyone is so friendly and nice. They say hello to strangers here.

Pre Departure Checklist

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

What to Bring Do bring: 4 Plenty of warm clothing; even when arriving in summer, Christchurch has been known to have four seasons in one day! 4 Casual clothing to wear on campus; for example, jeans and tee-shirt are fine 4 Your national costume! Its very likely that you will have an opportunity to show off your national costume during your stay in NZ. Other students love to learn more about different cultures 4 4 Photos of family and friends to help you stop feeling homesick An electrical adapter. In NZ the electrical supply is 230/240 volts at 50 cycles and uses ac 20 current (you can purchase this in New Zealand). Personal medication prescribed by your doctor Originals and copies of: - Passport - Travel insurance documents - International Drivers licence - Academic records (if necessary)

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Dont bring: 6 Fresh food 6 Wildlife 6 Fish, shellfish, or shells 6 Uncured wood products 6 Plant life 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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International Pre Departure Guide 2013

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International Pre Departure Guide 2013

Cafe

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Supermarket Food Court Pharmacy PostShop

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CPIT is proud to be a smokefree institute PO BOX 540 Christcurch 8015 New Zealand Phone: +64 3 940 8247 Fax: +64 3 940 8220 Email: intladmissions@cpit.ac.nz www.cpit.ac.nz
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