Pre-Arrival Information For New International Students

Before you leave home, you may like to know what to bring with you, and what to expect.

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 Co-ordinator Mrs Adrienne Tate 027 29 44 925.

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.
We will also introduce you to your “buddy” – another student who will show you around in your first few days.
You will be expected to wear a school uniform if you are in Years 9 to 12.
Your English level will be assessed so that we know which class is best for you.

You will choose your subjects and be given a timetable. There are 5 classes a day, one hour for each subject.
School begins at 8.40am and finishes at 3.15pm.
Your homestay family will provide you with lunch, or you can buy it from our school shop.
If you are late, you must sign in. 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 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 booklet called Homestay Information and Guidance for International Students. You should read and discuss this booklet with your family. It includes a list of useful questions you might ask, such as what to call them, when to have a shower and what happens with your washing.
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 Pakuranga College.
Most parents work (mother and father).
Our Homestay Co-ordinator can be contacted in an emergency 027 29 44 925 if you need her.

We are around 30 minutes’ drive from Auckland CBD and 35 minutes from Auckland Airport.
It is a quiet family area with parks and beaches close by. There are good bus and ferry 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.
Lloyd Elsmore Park with sports grounds and indoor pool is 3 minutes’ walk from school.
Highland Park is a small shopping centre close to school. Botany Shopping Mall is 10 minutes by bus and is very popular.
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.

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 maximum benefit from your time with us.

Study hard, make friends and take full advantage of this wonderful opportunity!!

We look forward to welcoming you to our school and community!

Denise Berry
Director

Kay Davies
Dean

Theresa McCrindle
Administration Manager

Adrienne Tate
Homestay Co-ordinator

Debra Payne
Assistant Homestay Co-ordinator

Denise Berry
Director - International Students

Pakuranga College