(FAQ) Frequently Asked Questions

The following are some of the questions prospective students and parents might have about living in New Zealand that are not covered in our About New Zealand page or the Hints on Living in New Zealand page.

Q1: Who takes care of my passport, visas and other travel arrangements ?
A: Of course only you can get your own passport - which must be current for at least three months after the date of your arrival in New Zealand. With regard to visas, if you are going to be in New Zealand for less than three months you do not need a visa, but for longer periods you will need a student visa. We will help you get a student visa as well as an ISIC (International Student Identification Card) card which gets you discounts on air and train fares amongst other things.

Very important ! Also, because we are offering a non-profit service and are not a licenced travel agent , you must reserve and buy your own flight ticket. In this regard it is most important that once you have decided when you are going to New Zealand, you must at least reserve your seat(s) as soon as possible because it can be extremely difficult getting a seat any time near Japan's peak travel periods of O shogatsu, the school spring and summer holidays and Golden Week. You do not have to pay for it at that time, just reserve it.

Q2: Can I drive in New Zealand ?
A: Of course ! In fact driving in New Zealand is a pleasure compared with Japan in that the roads are generally of a good standard, well sign posted and not crowded. Because both Japan and New Zealand drive on the same side of the road and have 99% commonality of road rules (we both copied the UK), you can use a Japanese drivers' licence for three months, but if you are planning to stay longer, it is a good idea to get an international drivers' licence. Another reason driving is easy is that about 80% of the cars and motorcycles are Japanese imports.

Q3: Can I get a drivers' licence in New Zealand that I can use in Japan ?
A: You bet ! And at about only 10% or less of the cost of gettting one at a Japanese drivers' licence school. However, for it to be accepted on your return to Japan, you must have had it for three months prior to returning to Japan where you can exchange it for a Japanese licence under international agreements. In New Zealand you can get a drivers' licence at 18 years old.In fact, you can get a private pilots' licence in New Zealand (licence to fly an aeroplane) for about the same cost as getting a car drivers' licence in Japan.

Q4: What is the age from which one is allowed to smoke and drink alcohol in New Zealand ?
A: Eighteen (18) years old.

Q5: Can I have accommodation other than a homestay ?
A: Of course ! Although for lower level students, it very advisable to do a homestay first to help you learn the language as well as about foreign culture and customs. Later on, when you feel more confident about yourslef, you can get an apartment or share one with friends. This is very common in New Zealand, especially for younger people, and it is a great way to make friends. In any case, your school will help you find a homestay, apartment, backpackers hotel, motel or other form of accommodation. That's their job;that's what they do.

Q6: How do I get to school from my homestay ?
A: If you are in a big city it will probably be by bus, although in the Wellington area , it could also be by train. In smaller cities and beach and mountain locations you will usually be able to walk or cycle to school.If you do use the bus or train, you have to pay. Of course, if you are old enough and have a licence, you can buy and use a bike, motorcycle or car - if you can get parking near your school.

Q7: At my homestay, what do I have to do around the house in terms of housework ?
A: Being in a homestay means that you are part of a New Zealand family where people are expected to help each other around the house. Normally this means that you are expected to make your bed each day and keep your room tidy. You may also be asked or expected to help set the table or do other small things around the house as part of the family. However, if you feel that you are being asked to do too much or do not understand what is going on, as in all cases when you have a question or problem, ask your school for advice and assistance because this is their job; this is what they are there for. Do not be shy, as they want you to be happy and have a good time as well as to learn .

Q8: Do I need to buy a present for my homestay family ?
A: Not really, because gift giving is not so important in many western cultures as it is in Japan where you have to buy omiyage. However, some little present is usually very much appreciated, but don't spend too much. Something like wagashi or hoshigashi is fine.

Q9: How about lunches ? Does my homestay family make my lunch or do I buy my own ?
A: Usually, yes they do, but we will always check for you if you like. Food is very cheap in New Zealand.

Q9: What is the weather like where I am going ?
A: See the About New Zealand page.

Q10: Can I buy /get Japanese food there ?
A: In Auckland and Christchurch you can get almost anything, although you may have to look and ask around when outside the city centre. In tourist resorts such as Queenstown and regional cities there are Japanese restaurants, but not much in the supermarkets, although this is changing fast. However, there are companies from which you can order quite a good range of Japanese food by mail. In this case, ask the staff, especially the Japanese councellor, at your school.

Q11: How can I call home ?
A: Firstly, you can ask our host family if you can use their telephone for an international call. Usually this is OK as they can later ask you for the cost of such calls. However, there are many prepaid telephone cards and other services available for making overseas calls from public telephones, in which case you should ask the staff at your school for advice and information.

Q12: What do I do if I need medical/dental help ?
A: Well, firstly, you must have travel (including medical) insurance before you leave Japan. If you have a medical emergency about anything , your homestay family will call the necessary people such as doctors and hospitals or call the Japanese advisor at your school. If it is not urgent, talk to either your homestay family or the staff of your school.

Q13: Can I see Japanese television in New Zealand ?
A: Yes, you can see NHK's satellite programs in the northern North Island.

Q14: How about entertainment ? Is there anything to do at night besides movies and concerts ?
A: You mean besides your homework ? (Just kidding). Well of course their are pubs everywhere, often with live bands, and they are generally a great place to meet the locals, although it is best to ask your school's student advisor about which are best suited to your tastes. They are generally modeled on the English style pub, that is, a public house where people go to relax, chat, listen to music and/or dance over a drink and a meal. You don't have to drink alcohol.

Cafe society has also boomed over recent years, with even smaller towns having outdoor cafes featuring a wide range of cuisines, and restuarants offering all the world's cuisines are found in most cities in towns reflecting New Zealand's extemely well travelled population and an influx of immigrants from all over the world.

Q15: How about sports and outdoor activities ?
A: Are you kidding ? One of the reasons why the world famous New Zealand All Blacks rugby team are the only international sports team in history to have won 80% of all games ever played and that the worlds premier yachting trophy, The America's Cup, is resident in New Zealand is that sports and recreation are so cheap and easily accessible all over New Zealand. At my sons' primary school in Auckland they teach the children to sail yachts as a water safety measure (among other things) because the school is only one kilometre from the beach (in New Zealand's largest city). Similarly, the cost of an 18 hole round of golf at a golf club overlooking the Pacific Ocean in Auckland city is NZ$12 - or about 600 yen at $1= 50 yen ! Golf is not controlled by business and the yakuza as in Japan.