English Language Matters: Frequently Asked Questions

Hello, my name is Karina.

Below are answers to some frequently asked questions about English Language Matters Ltd, New Zealand, visas and further studies.

Please send me if there is anything specific you would like to know.

Also see our useful links page for links to further information.
 

Can I attend this school?

• Yes, if you are at least 14 years old, and want to learn English.

What is the school's location like?

• Our school's location is exceptional. We are in the centre of the city beside the Octagon.
• Shops, cafes and restaurants.
• It is about 5 minutes walk from all the main places of interest.
• See the location maps page.

What is the nationality mix at the school?

• We regularly have students from over 15 countries and no more than 20% from any one nationality over a year.

How can I meet New Zealanders?

• At our school you will learn to speak confidently and become friends with native English conversation assistants who visit weekly.
• We can help you join one of the local clubs or sports groups.
• Living in a homestay family is a good way to improve your English and experience the Kiwi lifestyle.

How good is the teaching?

• 2006 Education New Zealand "Excellence in Teaching" Award finalist: our teaching staff is highly qualified and very experienced.
• Meetings for staff professional development and for materials development are held regularly.
• Teachers have access to a very large selection of resource material for classroom use.
• Each learner matters.

How big is the school?

• Typically, depending on the time of year, the student roll is between 30 and 50 students. The average class size is 7-8 students, with a maximum of 14 students in one class.

How many levels are there?

• We have 5 levels, ranging from beginners to post-advanced, and exam preparation classes are also held regularly throughout the year. 
• You will be given an interview and written test on your first day to find out your level.

How many students are there per class?

• A maximum of 12 students and an average of 7- 8 students per class.

When can I start?

• You can start each week, preferably on a Monday and study for as long as you wish.
• You can study full time or part time and we can structure a course to suit your lifestyle.
• Our English for Business course has specific starting dates.  

What extra costs are there?

• Bus fares.
• Lunches during the week.
• Optional trips at weekends and certain activities on weekdays.

The following are free:

• fresh tea and coffee
• e-mail access
• hugs from Sharron
• friendly helpful support from all of our staff
• help with your visa applications

A guide to approximate living costs is listed on our living costs page.

Where can I stay?

• Nearly all our students stay with a New Zealand family at first - this form of accommodation is called a 'homestay'. We offer the opportunity for students to experience New Zealand culture with typical Kiwi host families.
• The families are carefully selected by our accommodation staff. All our families are friendly and welcoming, and live in pleasant homes within easy reach of the city centre.
• New Zealand houses are generally quite big, with comfortable bedrooms and large gardens.
• Usually there are one or two students in each home. When there is more than one student, they are never of the same nationality, unless this is requested. We can place you as the only student in the family if you request this.
• Alternatively, we can arrange self-catering student accommodation for more independent students.

What sort of family will I have?

• Please tell us what sort of family you would like, and our staff will try to find a family that fits. We have a lot of families to choose from, including:
  • families with young children
  • families with older children
  • families with older adults, children left home
  • families with or without a dog or cat

Will I have to travel far to school?

• Most students catch the bus to school. The majority of our homestay families live between 10 and 30 minutes by bus from the school. All of the buses come to our school.

Can I sit exams while at English Language Matters?  

The following English language tests are available in Dunedin:

• the IELTS test every month
• the TOEIC test
• the TOEFL test 

Do I get a Certificate at the end of my course?

• Yes. You can also request a detailed report on your ability in different areas of language use.

Can I re-enrol in the school and get a new student permit?

• Yes, if you have good attendance.

Can I move on to a high school, polytechnic or university?

• If you join our English for Academic Studies or IELTS courses, we will help you enrol at a polytechnic or university.
• To begin studying at a polytechnic or university in New Zealand, you will need a score of between 5.5 and 7 in IELTS, depending on the course you want to take. The equivalent TOEFL scores are between 500 and 600.
• It is usually possible to extend your student permit for further study at another institution.

What happens when I first arrive in New Zealand?

• If you request an airport transfer, your host family and/or a school representative will be waiting at the airport with your name on a English Language Matters sign as you come into the arrival hall. They will take you directly to your new home.
• Your homestay family will bring you to school on the first day and show you how to catch the bus to and from school.

Can I get help in my own language?

• We have foreign language counsellors available to help ensure you can explain your needs.

How expensive is it to live in New Zealand?

• New Zealand is cheaper than many other countries where they speak English as their first language. Bus tickets generally cost about NZ$20 per week. Lunch is $5 to $10. A cinema visit is around $12.50. Please see our living costs page.

Does the school organise any activities?

• Most weeks we have free activities and trips within school hours.

What will I do at weekends?

• We organise weekend trips on a regular basis with a tour operator. We also arrange a school camp in the spring and a winter ski trip if there are enough students interested.
• There is plenty to do in New Zealand. Many students go sightseeing with friends they have made at school or join one of our organised tours. It is easy to hire a car if you want to travel further.
• Join a sports club or learn a new sport - lessons are also available in surfing, swimming, sailing, windsurfing, tennis, golf etc.

What can you tell me about Dunedin ?

Dunedin is...

• green and  spacious,  with 120,000 people living in a scenic, historic city spread 20 kilometres from east to west, and 15 kilometres from north to south (see photos)
• the home of the University of Otago and other tertiary institutions attracting students from all over New Zealand and around the world.
• one of the top fashion and design centres of New Zealand.
• the oldest and richest city, with the Pacific Ocean to one side and Central Otago, followed by the Southern Alps, to the other.
• within 2-3 hours drive of the main tourist spots in the Catlins, Central Otago, Queenstown and Fiordland.  
• scenically attractive.
• on the Otago peninsula which is rich in wildlife.

Dunedin has...

• good swimming and surfing beaches only minutes from the city centre.
• great shopping, restaurants and places of entertainment.
• plenty of cheap sports facilities.
• forest walks and exciting surf beaches within 20 minutes of the centre.
• clean air.
• four distinct seasons.
• a lively shopping and cultural centre.
• the best University in New Zealand.
• great opportunities for indoor or outdoor sports and activities.
• beaches and hill walks just half an hour's bus ride from the city centre.
• less than three hours' drive from some of the best skiing in the Southern Hemisphere.
• a great centre from which to explore the South Island.

What about a visa for New Zealand?

• See the New Zealand Immigration site for more details concerning your country. Generally, if you are studying more than 3 months, you will require a student visa.

How do I enrol?

• To get help from one of many authorised language travel consultants worldwide, e-mail us at for contacts in your country.
  OR
• Apply using our application form. Payment by credit card is accepted into our Public Trust account.
  OR
• E-mail us > for a copy of our brochure and application form. Complete and return by post or fax to:
  
  English Language Matters Limited
  P O Box 800
  Level 2 Evan Parry House
  43 Princes Street
  DUNEDIN
  NEW ZEALAND
  
  Email: