The New Zealand Experience
More than studying overseas. A chance to live, learn and belong.
Studying at St Andrew’s College is an opportunity to experience much more than school in another country. It is a chance to become part of a New Zealand community, build lifelong friendships, grow in confidence and independence, and enjoy everything Christchurch and the South Island have to offer. Our deliberately small international programme helps students become part of everyday College life, rather than part of a separate international community.
A genuinely Kiwi experience
We believe the best international experience comes from being immersed in the life and culture of your host country.
That is why we deliberately limit the number of international students at St Andrew’s College to no more than 30 at any one time, with a diverse mix of nationalities.
With a small international community, students have every opportunity to form genuine friendships with Kiwi students, speak English every day and become fully involved in College life.
They are known as individuals, supported to settle in, and encouraged to make the most of every opportunity their New Zealand experience offers.
Become part of the community
From the classroom to the sports field, stage and wider College community, international students learn and participate alongside New Zealand students.
Being involved is one of the best ways to make friends, improve conversational English and feel at home in a new country.
International students are encouraged to take part in the wider life of the College and try new experiences during their time in New Zealand. Whether joining a sports team, becoming involved in music or the performing arts, taking part in service, or attending College events, there are many ways for students to find their place.
Experience New Zealand from Christchurch
Christchurch is a welcoming and easy-to-navigate city with all the opportunities of modern city life and the outdoors close at hand.
Located in the South Island of New Zealand, Christchurch is surrounded by beaches, mountains and spectacular landscapes, giving international students the opportunity to experience a lifestyle quite different from many larger cities around the world.
For students studying away from home, Christchurch offers the opportunity to experience New Zealand life in a city that is large enough to offer plenty to see and do, while still feeling accessible and welcoming.
Learning beyond the classroom
Some of the most memorable learning experiences happen outside the classroom.
St Andrew’s College has its own outdoor education facility at Castle Hill in the Canterbury high country, providing opportunities for students to experience New Zealand’s natural environment as part of College life.
School trips, camps and outdoor experiences give students another way to build friendships, develop confidence and independence, and discover the landscapes and outdoor lifestyle for which New Zealand is known.
Find your place at St Andrew’s
A New Zealand education is about much more than what happens in the classroom.
International students can choose from an extensive range of sports, music, performing arts, cultural, service and other co-curricular opportunities.
Students can continue an activity they already love or take the opportunity to try something completely new. Getting involved is also one of the easiest ways to meet other students and feel part of the College community.
Boarding or homestay
Where a student lives plays an important part in their New Zealand experience.
International students can experience the close-knit community of boarding at St Andrew’s College or, where appropriate, live with an approved New Zealand homestay family.
Boarding provides a strong sense of community and easy access to College activities, while homestay provides another opportunity to experience everyday New Zealand family life.
The best of both worlds
Choosing an authentic New Zealand experience does not mean compromising on education.
At St Andrew’s College, students learn in a high-quality academic environment with extensive subject choice, experienced teachers, modern learning facilities and individual support.
International students can enjoy everything that makes studying in New Zealand special while continuing to work towards their academic goals and future study.
