Frequently Asked Questions
Please contact ETC by e-mail or using our Online enquiry. We will answer all your questions.
Fill out our Application Form. Contact us if you need assistance with this form. Please answer ALL the questions on the form as it is very important for us to have your full details including name, address, start date and duration of your study so we can make sure you have no problems.
If you are already in New Zealand, yes, you can. We encourage prospective students to have a trial lesson before enrolling so you know what we teach and how we teach at ETC.
We are able to accept enrolments for one week or more. However, if you have an IELTS score of 5.5 and want to achieve IELTS 6.0, we advise that you should study for at least 3 months.
You can pay the fees any time after you have received an invoice from ETC and before you start your course at ETC. You will have to pay the fees in full before applying for a student visa.
If you could not get a visa, or if your circumstances have changed and you are unable to come to New Zealand, we will give you a refund (less the enrolment fee). The process is detailed in our refund policy.
ETC classes are small with on average 12 students. Each class has a qualified teacher and a wide range of resources available. One-to-one tutoring can be arranged if required (at an additional cost)
ETC schools are open Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 5pm. Students may use the classrooms, library, computer and recreational spaces within these hours at no extra charge. You can also join our Speaking Clubs for no extra charge.
Yes we can. We have a range of options; staying with a family, a couple, an older person etc. We can also arrange a lifestyle block or farm stay. All ETC homestays are Police checked and visited by ETC support staff regularly. Please contact us for information and a Homestay Placement application form. An accommodation placement fee will apply.
Activities which take place during class time are usually free (Monday to Friday, 9am to 3pm). We try to keep weekly and monthly activities free, however should an entrance or hiring fee be charged at the venue, students may have to cover the cost. If activities are taking place out of CBD boundaries and require transport costs students may be ask to pay a transportation fee. Posters containing information regarding the activity, including estimated cost are put on the activity board weekly. Should a student decide to sign up for an activity, it is their responsibility to check if a cost is involved.
New Zealand is a well-developed country with vibrant cities and amazing natural beauty. There is great shopping and many indoor and outdoor activities to do. New Zealand offers a wide range of landscapes, from lovely beaches to mountains and active volcanoes, green farmlands to native forests. The photo opportunities are amazing.
New Zealand is famous for the quality and diversity of its food, including fresh fish, dairy products, meat, fruit and vegetables. There are many quality restaurants catering for all tastes and dietary requirements (e.g. vegetarian, Halal, gluten free etc.) and you can buy a wide range of local New Zealand and authentic ethnic foods from other countries from supermarkets and speciality ethnic stores. If you are staying in an ETC homestay your family will make sure you get the food you like to eat.
There is useful information regarding cost of living in New Zealand. Please check the links from Useful Link (Living in NZ section) page.
Temperatures are mild both winter and summer: the average temperature range is 15 C – 25 C. (59 F – 77 F). The New Zealand summer is warm and dry requiring light clothing and shoes. In winter it may get wet and a little colder and you should consider bringing a waterproof jacket and shoes. However unless you go skiing or into the mountains you are unlikely to experience very cold temperatures or snow. There are many stores in New Zealand so you can purchase what you need.
