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WHAT TO BRING

• Passport and current visa to study in NZ

• Travel/medical insurance policy

• Return airline ticket

• Prescription for any medications necessary

• Laptop

• Proof of purchase/receipts for any electronics eg mobile phone, laptop

• Adapter plug for electrical goods

• Personal items and clothes

• Spending money
   

ARRIVAL IN NZ

• Make sure you let us know your flight and arrival details. We need these so that we can meet you at the airport.

• Pack your own bags. Do not carry anything for another person.

• When you arrive at Auckland airport you should have completed a Passenger Arrival Card. You must declare all food even if it is packaged. You are not allowed to bring fresh food into NZ.

• You should not carry a large amount of cash.

• You will go through Passport Control, Baggage Claim and Customs.

• After this you will see one of our staff, or your homestay family, waiting for you with a sign with your name on it.

• You will then be taken to your new home.

• If you get lost, or cannot see your name on a sign, ring the Homestay Manager, Mrs Amanda Brophy on 021 417 337
  
   

FIRST DAYS OF SCHOOL

• Please arrive a couple of days before school starts. This will help you recover from jetlag and get ready for school.

• We run an orientation for all new students, to introduce you to our school.

• You will be expected to wear a school uniform

• Your English level will be assessed so that we know which class is best for you.
  
   

YOUR SCHOOL PROGRAMME

• You will choose your subjects and be given a timetable. There are five classes a day, one hour for each subject.

• School begins at 8.50am and finishes at 3.15pm.

• Your homestay family will provide you with lunch, or you can buy it from our school canteen.

• If you are late, you must sign in at the Attendance Station. If you are absent for any reason, your homestay must notify the school by phone.

• If you are sick during the school day, you should see the school nurse.

• There is a huge range of sports and cultural activities offered at school. We recommend you join a club or a team - it is the best way to get to know other students.
  
   

YOUR HOMESTAY FAMILY

• Your family has been specially chosen for you. They will act in place of your parents while you are in NZ. Make sure you have completed our questionnaire so that we understand your needs.

• All families have different habits and customs. It is important to find out what your new family expects of you. You will be given a Student Information Booklet during the orientation week. You should read and discuss this booklet with your host family. It answers most of the main questions you may have about the school, and living in NZ. It also includes all the homestay rules and guidelines, including the curfew times you must follow whilst you are in NZ.

• You will have your own room.

• You should ask them about use of the computer/internet.

• You will need to get a NZ SIM card for your phone and will need to open a NZ bank account. Your homestay family or our Homestay Co-ordinator will help you with these.

• Your family will show you how to get to school. NB You are not allowed to own nor drive a car while you are an international student at Avondale  College.

• Most parents work (mother and father).

• Our Homestay Co-ordinator can be contacted in an emergency 021 417 337 if you need her.
   

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THE LOCAL AVONDALE AREA

• We are around 10 minutes’ drive from Auckland CBD and 25 minutes from Auckland Airport.

• It is a quiet family area with parks and beaches close by. There are good bus and train services to the city centre. You can use your student ID to get reduced bus fares.

• People of many different nationalities live in this area.

• The local libraries are excellent.

• The Westfield St Lukes Shopping Mall is 10 minutes by bus and is very popular.

• The Lynmall Shopping mall is also 10 minutes by bus

• Weather is moderate with few extremes of hot and cold, but it can be very changeable. In summer it can get to 27C (December - March) and in winter (July – August) it can be quite wet, with temperatures around 12C. Some people find our houses cold in winter, so bring warm clothes.
  
   

GENERAL

• In NZ It is illegal to smoke or buy cigarettes under the age of 18 years. You cannot smoke in any enclosed public place.

• In NZ it is illegal to drink alcohol under 18 years.

• In NZ the emergency telephone number for ambulance, police or fire is 111.

• If you need to see a doctor, you must pay. You can claim the cost back on your insurance.
   

If you have any questions, we are here to help you. Our desire is to keep you safe and for you to get the maximum benefit from your time with us!

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