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Study abroad in
New Zealand
A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to immerse yourself in New Zealand's culture and lifestyle, living with a kiwi host family and attending a local secondary school.
Going with WEP is best
Since 1988, a wide choice of destinations and comprehensive assistance before, during and after your overseas programme. WEP is the ideal partner for your big overseas adventure.
Like you, we also get to choose who we travel with: our schools, host families and overseas partner organisations are carefully selected.
We offer a custom-made insurance policy, specifically designed for our participants, and we have a solid network behind us.
Emergency assistance, overseas and in the UK, is available 7 days out of 7, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Allowing all our participants to live their desired overseas experience is a mission, a challenge we're thrilled to accept.
Why study in New Zealand?
A study abroad experience in New Zealand will see you flying to the other side of the world to discover a new way of life and a new education system, surrounded by incredible nature and a fascinating culture ready to be explored.
In the South Island, you'll soak in the beauty of gorgeous golden beaches and crystal-clear waters, as well as the wild forests where The Lord of the Rings was filmed. You may even get a chance to meet the famous kiwis, the small flightless birds emblematic of New Zealand.
You will learn more about the Maori people and culture, getting close to New Zealand's indigenous population's history, traditions and values and learning what integration really looks like. Cultural integration is also evident in the local cuisine, a surprising mix of British, European and Polynesian influences.
Last but not least, you'll experience a unique sense of work-like balance, which incorporates outdoor activities and sports in daily life: hiking, fishing, surfing, sailing, and of course rugby - New Zealand's national sport! You may get the chance to go to an All Blacks' game and join in the electrifying athmosphere of a kiwi rugby stadium.
Study in New Zealand with WEP
Studying in New Zealand as an exchange student allows you to fully immerse yourself in the local culture and way of life, stepping into the shoes of a local teenager.
On a high school exchange programme, you will discover the most authentic side of New Zealand, attend a local high school and live with a host family, making new friendships and connections for life.
The New Zealand education system
New Zealand's education system is known for its excellence. It consists of two mandatory cycles: primary school for 7 years, starting at 5 or 6 years old, and secondary school for another 5 years. Students graduate around the age of 18 after completing Year 13, the last year of high school.
As far as higher education is concerned, New Zealand has 8 universityies distributed all over the country, in addition to polytechnics for professional education and training. Many of New Zealand's universities are internationally accredited and ranked, offering bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees.
FAQ
To participante in a high school exchange programme to Germany, you need to be between 15 and 18 years old on departure, have a C grade average, be a non-smoker, and have positive personal traits - such as being motivated, curious, tolerant, open and adaptable. You also need to be physically and emotionally healthy - please discuss any specific conditions or requirements with WEP in advance.
Our high school exchange programmes can be of different durations: 5, 9 or 11 months. The exact duration depends on the departure period - please contact WEP for more information.
To decide which duration is best for you, you should reflect on what you would like to achieve through the programme, and discuss your preferences both with your family (they need to be on board!) and with your school. In particular, make sure you discuss with a school representative what their policies are, regarding coming back from an exchange programme and re-integrating into school in the UK.
It's always best to check our website and/or obtain an online quote to see updated programme prices.
We know a high school exchange programme overseas is a significant financial investment. We do our best to offer competitive prices, which vary depending on the destination and chosen programme, and provide discounts and special promotions to help towards the cost.
You will live with a New Zealand host family, who may be located anywhere in the country (on a Classic programme) or in your chosen location (on a Flex programme).