Student Information

To Mount Maunganui

You have the following options:
Fly in to Auckland International Airport, go to the Domestic Terminal and fly to Tauranga.

OR

We can collect you from Auckland International Airport and drive you down to Tauranga (either ourselves or via a shuttle service). There is a Fee for this service, it is listed under our Fee Schedule.

Mt Maunganui

There are a variety of Accommodation types available:

• Homestay
• Backpackers
• Cabins
• Motels

Below is information on Homestays. Please enquire about other costs and charges as they vary depending on the season.

Homestays

Homestay is an arrangement where you live with a New Zealand family in their home. If you are studying English we highly recommend this option. It is an easy way to get to know NZ customs and culture. You will have your own bedroom, mostly shared bathroom facilities, and are provided with breakfast and evening meals Monday to Friday. Other meals during the week are by agreement and may cost extra, but on the weekend all three meals are provided. Often, Homestay families include you in their weekend activities.

As in a normal family it is customary to offer help with the dishes, setting the table, or little chores around the house. It is considered polite to ask before using facilities such as the phone, TV etc., and to let homestay parents know if you are planning to be out late.

We can help you find the right ‘family’ for you. We suggest you stay there at least 4 weeks, two weeks’ notice is required for termination of a Homestay situation.

Costs - Homestays usually cost about $350 per week for adults and 370 per week for underage students. Please inquire to confirm the correct rate
Our placement fee of $195 to find the right home and deal with any issues. All Homestays have to pass a detailed evaluation process and are regularly checked.

We will take you to the Homestay and introduce you to your new family.

Many students find they develop long-term relationships with their Homestay family.

Homestay Termination - Students wishing to cancel their Homestay are required to give two weeks’ notice, as the Host contract requires that notice.

Homestay Refunds - There will be an administration charge, equivalent to 3 days homestay fee, in case of a student cancellation, as there is considerable additional administration involved.

For students under 18: for all arrangements we require a formal process with signed approval from the parents. You also may not leave your homestay or change your living arrangements without written permission from the Academy and your parents.

Backpackers

There are several in the area.

International Students are accepted on these Visas:

Student Visa

These can be applied for from 3 months to 2 years. Please follow the link to the Immigration Website at the bottom of this page.

Working Holiday Visa

You can study for 3 months while on a Working Holiday Visa.

Visitor Visa

You can study up to 3 months on a Visitor Visa.

Guardian Visa

You can study for 3 months a year while on a Guardian Visa.

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

Eligibility for Health Services

Most international students are not entitled to publicly funded health services while in New Zealand. If you receive medical treatment during your visit, you may be liable for the full costs of that treatment. Full details on entitlements to publicly-funded health services are available through the Ministry of Health, and can be viewed on their website at www.moh.govt.nz.

Accident Insurance

The Accident Compensation Corporation provides accident insurance for all New Zealand citizens, residents and temporary visitors to New Zealand, but you may still be liable for all other medical and related costs. Further information can be viewed on the ACC website at www.acc.co.nz.

Medical and Travel Insurance

International students must have appropriate and current medical and travel insurance while studying in New Zealand.

Bay Learning Academy Ltd has agreed to observe and be bound by the Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of International Students published by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA). Copies of the Code are available in several languages from the NZQA website.

Please contact us if you require further information.

How many students are in the classes?

We have small classrooms. We aim to limit the number of students per class to 8 in Mt Maunganui.

Do I get a certificate?

When you have completed the work for your level, and passed the tests you will receive a Certificate.
We also offer Attendance certificates.

Are your teachers qualified?

All our teachers are qualified and many have several years experience both in NZ and overseas. We understand what it is to be outside your comfort zone. Our teachers have regular Professional Development courses and care is taken that they teach to the highest level possible.

Do I need IELTS to come to your school?

For General English, no.

Is my money safe?

Yes. You pay your fees into the Public Trust. We will provide you with a student Number and you can deposit them directly. The Public Trust is owned by the government and they then pay us as you are doing your course. If anything happens to this school your fees are safe and can be transferred to another school or refunded from there.

Do you offer flexible re-booking and cancellation arrangements because of COVID?

Yes we do and not just for COVID. Life can be unpredictable and we understand that. Just stay in touch and contact us if there is an issue.