Embassy English Student Handbook
Contents Courses Our Staff 3 Your Course 4 Description of Course 6 Student Services 7 Internet 7 Social Programme 8 Accommodation New Zealand 11 Your Homestay 13 Residential/Private 15 Practical information Studycare Insurance 17 Code of Practice 17 Cancellations & Refunds 19 Student Complaints 20 Fire Procedure 21 Medical Care 21 Immigration 22 Safety & Law 22 Driving in New Zealand 23 Postal Information 25 Other Information 26 Locations Local Attractions 28 Theatres & Cinemas 29 Eating Out 30 Pubs & Clubs 31 Sport & Leisure 32 New Zealand Your guide to studying and living with Embassy Student Handbook 2015 courses Courses 3 Our Sta Welcome to Embassy Auckland! I hope you will have a wonderful time studying at our spacious well equipped city based campus. Our highly qualified teachers and friendly, ecient student welfare sta are here to help you to achieve your goals and ensure you have an enjoyable and rewarding time in Auckland. All our sta are happy to provide advice and help when needed, just ask. Auckland is a fantastic city – a great climate, relaxed lifestyle and friendly people make it a wonderful place to enjoy your study abroad experience. Lindsay Spedding Campus Director Student Welfare Manager/ Chinese Student Advisor Ms Margaret Chen The Student Welfare Team is available to assist you with accommodation and welfare problems. They will also monitor your attendance to ensure that you are attending class and working to the best of your ability. Accommodation Ocer Elia Fiso / Angela Zhao • Homestay and lodge placement. Attendance Ocer Coco Lu • Embassy and TELP Orientation Coordinator • Attendance/discipline Coordinator. Kiwi Club Activities Coordinator Jamila Ahmed • Activities in Auckland and around New Zealand. The Campus Director is responsible for: • Major school issues • Overall management of the centre • Emergency contact. When you first arrive, you will probably have many questions to ask. Here is a list of key people who work here and what they are responsible for: Centre Academic Manager Alan Cockburn • Course Design • Teacher Supervision • Problems or questions about your course or classes • Opportunities after Embassy, references, applications and university placement. Head of Teaching Prini Wimalachandra • Teacher Supervision • Problems or questions about your course or classes • Opportunities after Embassy, references, applications and university placement. Your Teachers Self study strategies Advice about books and course requirements Questions about your class, level and progress. Courses 4 Orientation An introduction to teaching methods, resources and facilities. You will be given information about your course and advice about studying and learning, as well as a tour of the school and facilities. Additionally you will be introduced to key members of sta and information about the school, the city, accommodation and the social programme. You will meet accommodation sta and/or student services sta, who will give you practical information and advice about your stay. Please note: You will need to bring your passport to the orientation to be copied. You must have a current and valid visa (e.g. Visitor or Student) at all times. Placement test This tests your level of English, so that we can put you in the right class for your level. The test includes: grammar and vocabulary, speaking, and writing. You will have a short interview with the academic sta to discuss your individual needs and wants. You will be placed in class according to the test result, the Academic Manager’s opinion of your level, and your own opinion. Your teachers All of our teachers are professionally trained with specialist qualifications in English language teaching such as the Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults, in additi on to educational qualifications from universities and colleges. Many specialise in particular areas of teaching, or are engaged in research, textbook writing, materials development or the use of IT in ELT. Starting your course You will start classes on Tuesday morning or afternoon. You may find that you are joining a class which already exists. This is perfectly normal and is because students arrive on dierent dates and stay for dierent lengths of time. The important thing is that each week is a separate teaching unit and you will be placed in the class which is most appropriate for you and your level of English. Your teacher will help you integrate into the group. Self-access The self-access facilities give you the opportunity to practise and improve your English more quickly. They are available to all students at fixed times and comprise computer and Internet access, reading, grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation materials and exercises. Students have free wifi and unlimited internet data, although some sites such as Youtube are blocked. Your Course What to expect on your first day Sample Day One 8.30 Arrive at reception. Host families will have directed you to the Embassy centre. 9.00 - 12.00 Welcome to Embassy. Students gather for placement test. Introduction and orientation with Campus Director/ Principal, Centre Academic Manager, Student Welfare Manager, International Student Advisor (Visa and Insurance Check), Attendance Ocer and Accommodation Ocer. You will receive free books, folder and orientation questionnaire. Introduction to the language lab/self-access facility. 1.30 - 4.00 ID Photos & Campus Tour Courses 5 Homework Standard Course 5 hours per week and Intensive Course 10 hours per week. • Homework may be of dierent types: study based homework e.g. grammar and vocabulary practice exercises • communicative homework e.g. asking your host family questions for a class survey • study skills assignments e.g. ways of keeping vocabulary records • specialised English topics e.g. planning and giving a presentation • examination practise and preparation. You will be asked to do at least one piece of extended writing per week which will be collected, marked and returned. Progress You will take progress tests in class and be given a progress report every 4-6 weeks, in addition to tutorials with your teacher and/or the Centre Academic Manager to discuss your course and your progress. Materials You will receive a course book for your level. In addition, your teacher will use a wide variety of supplementary materials and authentic materials, such as BBC radio and TV news. Examinations Even if you have not chosen an Examination course, it may be possible to enter for an international examination. As an organisation, we have many years experience in advising students. Below are some of the examinations which you can prepare for through the Embassy Auckland Centre. Ask us for guidance. • IELTS • TOEIC • Cambridge FCE Problems and advice If you have any kind of problem or worry, please tell us so that we can help. If you are uncertain about your level or your course, please speak first to your teacher or if you would prefer, directly to the Academic Manager. Extending or changing your course If you decide you would like to extend or change your course please speak to the Centre Academic Manager. Pathway opportunities If you are interested in going to university or further education, speak to the Centre Academic Manager who will advise you or make an appointment with someone who can provide academic counselling. In most cases, you will be referred to the Tertiary Counsellor who will provide you with more detailed information. Course planning Your course is planned with clear aims and objectives to meet each week. Courses 6 Certificate of English Standard 20 Intensive 24 and 28 Lessons Standard 20: 20 x 50 minute lessons per week, morning and/or afternoon language development. Aims and objectives • To improve your confidence and ability to speak and understand English • To improve your grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation. Classes may take place in the morning or afternoon. Times may change in summer. Description of Courses Intensive course Lessons • Intensive 24: 24 x 50 minute lessons per week, morning and/or afternoon • Intensive 28: 28 x 50 minute lessons per week, morning and/or afternoon • Two to four lessons per week of your certificate course will be undertaken in dierent formats including guided lesson of Embassy Study Smart, lectures and project work which have all been designed to improve your learning. Aims and objectives • To improve your confidence and ability to speak and understand English • To improve your grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation • To improve your language skills, listening, speaking, reading, writing, according to your study and future needs • To improve your understanding of eective strategies for learning, in particular for use in self-study • To give you the opportunity to study specialised English such as Business and IT, leading to externally validated certificates. Classes run on a morning or afternoon timetable depending on class length. Optional extras • Would you like to continue your English on the internet after you leave? Ask us about the Embassy online learning package • Would you like to add some one-to-one lessons to your course? Ask us for details • Would you like to go to a New Zealand university? We oer a free advice. Courses 7 Student Services Phonecards A range of phone cards can be purchased through the reception desk on the Ground Floor. Please be sure to ask about which phone card suits your needs best as some oer larger discounts to certain countries. Incoming mail Students are welcome to have mail sent directly to the Centre. Student mail can be collected at the Reception Desk. Messages The Student Welfare department will take important telephone messages for you and will send messages to you in class. Please give your friends and family the telephone number of your host family or residence. Public Transport The Embassy Centre is conveniently located near major bus stops, and not far from the train station. Most people in Auckland use the bus in order to travel to and from work or study. Train passes Train passes are purchased on the train directly. Discounted fares are available to passengers that travel frequently. Bus passes A local monthly bus pass can be bought in registered bus outlets throughout the city and on any bus and entitles you to one month’s unlimited travel in the city of Auckland. Weekly passes are also available. If you are in a full time course of 10 weeks or more you will be eligible for a “Tertiary Student Pass”. This will save you 40% on a normal bus pass. Faxes You can send and receive faxes via the Student Welfare Team. Campus Rules • Always speak English on campus, and try to speak it everywhere else • Dress appropriately for class • Show respect for fellow students and their property • Respect all students’ right to study and learn in the classroom • Turn o mobile phones when entering class • Smoke only outside in designated smoking areas • No chewing gum in class • No food or drink in classrooms or the computer room • Education providers must monitor student progress and attendance. Embassy will notify New Zealand Immigration should students cease to attend the course or programme they are enrolled in • Attend class on time. If you are more than 15 minutes late for class, you will have to miss the lesson and you will be marked absent. Please remember: If you do not follow these rules or behaviour is generally unsatisfactory, you may be asked to leave the college. Internet Where? The Internet and email facilities are available in the computer laboratories. You will have access to the computers during the normal centre hours and will be shown where it is as part of your orientation on the first day. Wireless internet access is also available. You will be shown how to connect to the free wifi network on your first day. Courses 8 Events Every Friday Embassy oers a trip to places of interest around the city. These may include: • Auckland City Museum • Auckland Maritime Museum • Auckland City Art Gallery and New Gallery • Laserstrike • Indoor Rock Climbing • Indoor Ice-skating • Ten-Pin Bowling • Ice-cream Factory Tour • Brewery Tour • Indoor Aquatic Centre – Takapuna. If you have any ideas about sports/events you would like to see organised please suggest them to the Kiwi Club Coordinator. Social Programme Kiwi Club During the year there are regular excursions organised by Embassy Auckland. These excursions leave from outside the Centre. Please note that some students may need to check their visa before travelling. Students under 18 should also check with the Centre before travelling. The Kiwi Club Coordinator will also help you plan any trips which are not organised by the school. Sample Leisure Activities in Auckland • Waitakere Bushwalks & Beach Visits • Ice-skating/Rollerblading • Boat Cruises & Sailing • Bars/Cafes/Nightclubs/Restaurants • Yoga/Pilates/Fitness Studios • Opera/Theatre/Ballet/Cultural Festivals/ • Live Comedy Shows • Bowling • Brewery Tours • Bungy jumping/Para-gliding/Kite surfing / Hang-gliding/Mountain Biking Sample Indoor Trips: • Kelly Tarltons Underwater World (penguins, sharks, tropical fish and octopi) We walk to the main bus terminal downtown (10 mins away) and catch a bus along the beautiful waterfront to Kelly Tarltons Underwater World. We enter the underground complex and take the revolving standing platform, which enables you to view sharks, sting-rays, tropical fish, octopi, and many other amazing sea-life creatures. We then jump in a viewing jeep, which takes us through the penguin habitat – it’s exactly like in Antarctica! We eat at the café for lunch and then head back to school after going for a stroll along the waterfront. Courses 9 Sample Outdoor Trips: • Cruises to Waiheke/Devonport and other nearby Islands • Kayaking • Beach visits for swimming, lunch and ball games on the sand • Outdoor Sports Lessons. eg, surfing at Muriwai, horse riding • Rollerblading on the waterfront at Mission Bay • Minigolf and fish and chips on the beach at Mission Bay • Aotea Centre Craft Markets • Mountain Biking Woodhill Forest, Muriwai • Walk up to visit the volcanic crater and 360˚ view of Auckland in Mt. Eden Full-day and Weekend Excursions: Bay of Islands: • Swimming with the dolphins Rotorua: • Maori Culture, food and dance/natural hot pools/massages/mud wraps Coromandel Peninsula: • East Coast Beaches, Hot Water Beach, Whitianga, Cathedral Cove etc Taupo: • North Island’s biggest lake/ bungy jumping/sky diving North Island National Park: • Skiing/Snowboarding/Trekking South Island, Queenstown: • River Rafting/Skiing/Snowboarding/ Para-gliding/Hang-gliding Milford Sound: • Charter Aeroplanes/Native Forest Walks Glaciers: • Walking expeditions. Accommodation 10 Accommodation [...]... Cancellation and Refund Policy 1 Embassy Auckland will refund within 30 days and without deduction, all fees paid where the student s application for enrolment is refused by Embassy Auckland 2 Embassy Auckland agrees to refund within 30 days and without deduction, all fees paid where the student produces certified evidence that the application made by the student for a student visa has been rejected... be no refund of any monies paid 4 Embassy may cancel the student s enrolment should the student breach any of the school’s rules of if their behaviour is deemed unacceptable by Embassy: a If the student s enrolment is cancelled by the 10th day of the course, Embassy will be entitled to retain up to 25% of total fees paid based on actual expenses incurred b If the student s enrolment is cancelled later... for issuing permits and visas to enter New Zealand Students are advised to contact the nearest New Zealand Embassy or High Commission to obtain information on visa regulations Part-time work rights for English Language students As a student visa holder, you may apply to INZ for part time work subject to the following conditions: • All English language students who are studying at a University or a Category... amount of New Zealand dollars received from the student upon payment If the bank receiving the payment does not accept New Zealand dollars, Embassy will convert to a currency the bank will accept at the best rate possible 19 Practical information Student Complaints Student Grievance/Complaints Policy In the event of a dispute between an individual student and Embassy, procedures are in place to facilitate... 5 Embassy has an arrangement with the Public Trust, an independent Trustee who acts on behalf of students for our fee protection scheme 6 The Public Trust holds in Trust on behalf of students a bank guarantee and a cash deposit to ensure that student fees are at all times protected in accordance with NZQA Student Fee Protection requirements 7 In the event of the voluntary or regulatory closure of Embassy. .. reimburse students for course and other fees paid but not used at the date of course closure Student Refunds and Exchange Rates Embassy will invoice students in New Zealand dollars (or US dollars if the home country does not accept New Zealand currency) The market exchange rate is checked every Monday by Study Group Central and a decision is made as to whether the invoicing rate should be changed or not Embassy. .. manner • information supplied to international students is comprehensive, accurate, and up-to-date • students are provided with information prior to entering into any commitments • contractual dealings with international students are conducted in an ethical and responsible manner the particular needs of international students are recognised • international students under the age of 18 are in safe... attendance and discipline Students are expected to abide by the terms and conditions of enrolment and the published rules and code of conduct of Embassy Disciplinary procedures will be applied in the event of a breach of these rules All staff are expected to apply Embassy policy and rules fairly and without favour, but if a student considers that this has not occurred, the student may refer the matter... authorities 3 Embassy agrees to refund within 30 days of the receipt of written notice of cancellation by the student (or parent or guardian if the student is less than 18 years of age) fees paid on or behalf of the student less the amounts to be retained as detailed below: a For courses exceeding 3 months duration: If written notice of cancellation is received by the 10th day of the course, Embassy will... covered Code of Practice Please ensure that you have read and understood the terms and conditions of studying at Embassy Auckland You can collect a copy from the Embassy Auckland Prospectus, our website or by contacting the International Admissions Centre New Zealand Qualifications Authority Students may contact the New Zealand Qualifications Authority if they experience difficulty with the above procedures . & Refunds 4. Embassy may cancel the student s enrolment should the student breach any of the school’s rules of if their behaviour is deemed unacceptable by Embassy: a. If the student s enrolment. to the Embassy centre. 9.00 - 12.00 Welcome to Embassy. Students gather for placement test. Introduction and orientation with Campus Director/ Principal, Centre Academic Manager, Student. Refund Policy 1. Embassy Auckland will refund within 30 days and without deduction, all fees paid where the student s application for enrolment is refused by Embassy Auckland. 2. Embassy Auckland