Both Christchurch and Auckland branches of NZCCM welcome international students and we have hosted to students from Australia, China, England, Germany, Japan, Korea, Taiwan and the United States. Our cross-cultural environment is enriched by this diversity of learners from all countries. Students are encouraged to form study groups and some share accommodation in the local area. We hold regular meetings with international students ensuring information sources are identified and communicated clearly.

New Zealand people are relatively friendly and many engage in nature based past times with a variety of outdoor sporting activities available within easy reach. In Christchurch, in summer, you can swim, surf or kite board in the ocean - which is only 5 minutes walk from the old Christchurch campus (and now about 25 minutes by car, from Montreal Street). Christchurch and Auckland branches both have extensive walking tracks nearby, with forests and the coastal areas making daily exercise outdoors easily accessible. Over the term breaks it is easy to go hiking in the forests and mountains for day walks or you can stay overnight in some Department of Conservation huts www.doc.govt.nz During the winter months the Christchurch branch is only one and half hours drive to the nearest ski fields and thermal pools areas or, from Auckland, four hours.

Auckland has a huge range of 'things to do' being the largest city in New Zealand. Waiheki Island is just a short boat ride away which will take you to a tranquil island with beaches, cafes, walks, wineries and local craft & produce markets. The 'Coromandel coast' is a well know travellers destination only two hours by car which it boasts beautiful coastline, sandy beaches and native plantlife. North of Auckland there are the 'Bay of Islands' which offer pristine beaches, native bush walks and fabulous sailing. Visit www.tourism.govt.nz for more ideas for what to do inbetween your studies!

New Zealand is well regarded as an adventurer’s paradise with many, many outdoor activities available with easy year round access to public facilities. Visit www.newzealand.com/travel

Code of Practice for Pastoral Care of International Students

NZCCM is a signatory to the Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of International Students published by the Minister of Education. Copies of the Code are available on request from this institution or from the New Zealand Ministry of Education website at
http://www.minedu.govt.nz/CodeofPractice.

IMMIGRATION: Full details of visa and permit requirements, advice on rights to employment in New Zealand while studying, and reporting requirements are available through the New Zealand Immigration Service, and can be viewed on their website at http://www.immigration.govt.nz

ELIGIBILITY FOR HEALTH SERVICES: Most international students are not entitled to publicly funded health services while in New Zealand. If you receive medical treatment during your visit, you may be liable for the full costs of that treatment. Full details on entitlements to publicly-funded health services are available through the Ministry of Health, and can be viewed on their website at http://www.moh.govt.nz.

ACCIDENT INSURANCE: The Accident Compensation Corporation provides accident insurance for all New Zealand citizens, residents and temporary visitors to New Zealand, but you may still be liable for all other medical and related costs. Further information can be viewed on the ACC website at http://www.acc.co.nz.

MEDICAL AND TRAVEL INSURANCE: International students must have appropriate and current medical and travel insurance while studying in New Zealand.

We can arrange insurance for the period of your enrolment. You must provide evidence that your medical insurance adequately covers you during your enrolment at NZCCM, and we must keep a copy of this on your file for the Ministry of Education.

 Culture Shock

Culture Shock is the term given to the feeling most people feel some time after they arrive in a new country. It is a perfectly normal feeling. Here are some of the feelings you may experience:

·  joy and sadness at the same time. 
·  irritation, particularly at bureaucracy.
·  loneliness.
·  inability to make decisions.
·  desire to return home.
·  frustration.
·  tiredness
·  disorientation.

All these feelings are perfectly normal and they do pass with time. Nobody has them all at once. Most people feel one or two of them in the first few months.  

How can you adjust to your new life? Be prepared! There are things you can do:
·  Know as much as possible about New Zealand.
·  Be aware of the differences.
·  Expect to feel "Culture Shock" but know it does not last long.

New Zealand certainly is a small country on the world scene, nearly 4.5 million people.  This means that one thing people notice when they first arrive is that there are not many people. Sometimes people comment "Its empty", "Where are all the people?" although some people come from even smaller islands and might feel a little intimidated by the size and number of people! It is all a matter of perspective and something people get used to very quickly. It helps to know as much about New Zealand as possible before you come.

If you English is not your first language then you might find difficulties with studying all the time in English. It also is not uncommon for students who have learnt English in another country to struggle with the New Zealand pronunciation and accent to begin with.   Our best advice is to spend as much time as possible learning English before you come to New Zealand.

From all of us at NZCCM - Welcome to New Zealand!!

Testimony: Larkin Summer – Year 2 International Student, Christchurch branch, 2006

"Working as a shiatsu massage therapist in New York State USA, I loved my work but there were times when I knew if I had more skills...

"I looked far and wide for an acupuncture college where I could study Traditional Chinese Medicine in depth, and also learn Five Elements and Japanese Acupuncture.

"I found it, here... and I love it. Just as importantly, we students are addressed as whole, multi-faceted beings, and I feel we are prepared to address our future clients as whole beings as well."