We are delighted to welcome international students to enrich our community
Code of Practice
Our School has agreed to observe and be bound by the Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of International Students. Copies of the Code are available from the New Zealand Ministry of Education.
Here is our CoP Certificate confirming we are an approved signatory.
Our team
The International Learner Director is the Principal. She has extensive experience working with international students in large NZ schools as Head of ESOL and Dean of International Students.
Our school in brief for an International student
See EFIA International Student Prospectus – May 2025
Potential learning outcomes
Bilingual education offers significant cognitive benefits, enhancing problem-solving, critical thinking, and multitasking skills. Switching between two languages promotes mental flexibility, making children more adaptable learners.
Beyond language proficiency, bilingualism fosters cultural awareness and empathy, essential traits in today’s globalized world. Studies also show that bilingual students often outperform monolingual peers in academic assessments due to their enhanced cognitive abilities.
We provide additional language support for students who need help in either language. Our bilingual approach ensures strong literacy development in both French and English.
Most of our students are English speakers with no prior connection to French, and our teachers adapt their strategies to support their learning. Thanks to small class sizes and tailored pedagogy, we have seen remarkable progress.
We also benefit from the Alliance Française’s expertise, with their specialized teachers providing individualized support for students learning French. Similarly, we offer ESOL support for Francophone students who are new to English.
Students follow the French curriculum and assessments. However, we also prepare them for New Zealand assessments, including the e-asTTle system, from Year 3 onward. This allows students to seamlessly transition between the French and New Zealand mainstream curriculums at any point.
Enrolment process
See International Student Enrolment Contract – May 2025.
Refund conditions
Please consult Refund Policy (Schedule Three) of the International Student Enrolment Contract – May 2025.
Rights and Obligations information
- Please refer to the Code.
- The right to instruction from a suitably qualified tutor/teacher/instructor: all our teachers are certified either by the French Ministry of Education or the NZ Ministry of Education.
- Information and advice about relevant school policies: please consult our Policies and Procedures.
- Our Code of conduct is available in the International Student Enrolment Contract – May 2025 and the Behaviour management plan.
School life at EFIA for an international student
Please see the Orientation Handbook, and the International Learner Policy – May 2025.
Agents
EFIA recruits agents to facilitate the enrolment of international students. Please refer to the EFIA Guidelines for Recruitment Agents.
Practical information
Visa and Immigration
Full details of immigration requirements, advice on rights to employment in New Zealand while studying, and reporting requirements are available from the Immigration New Zealand website.
Please read EFIA - Immigration matters.
Study in New Zealand
- Here is the official government site for information on studying and life in New Zealand.
- Available services and support are listed here: Market place.
Insurance
Medical and Travel Insurance
International students (including group students) must have appropriate and current medical and travel insurance while in New Zealand.
Please read EFIA - International Learner Insurance.
Complaint process
Code breaches
If a learner has a concern or complaint about breaches of the Code of Practice, they can contact NZQA for information and to make a complaint.
If NZQA finds a breach of the Code has occurred, the complaint is passed to Study Complaints for resolution.
Financial or contractual disputes
If a learner has a concern or complaint about financial matters (e.g. refund) or contractual matters (e.g. enrolment contract), they can contact Study Complaints for information and to make a complaint.