FAQs- English Programme

. Q: How long does it take to increase IELTS score by 1 point?
  A: Usually it takes about 8-12 weeks. Students have different capabilities to learn English, that's why no one can say for sure how long will it take for you.

2. Q: Which costs are usually included into the invoice for international students?
  A:- Tuition fees
     - Registration fee
     - Student protection fee (Public Trust)
     - Insurance
     - Living expenses (NZIS requires international student to have $1,000 NZD for their living cost per month)
     - Homestay Placement
     - Airport Pickup (optional)

3. Q: Do I have a work permit if I go to study English?
  A: .INZ allows language students to work for up to 20 hours per week (as long as they have IELTS 5.0, and they are enrolled for at least 6 months in an English course in NZ)  They don't have to have a work permit/visa for this.

4. Q: What are the opportunities for accommodation?
  A: - Homestay
The best option to be in the heart of Kiwi life. It is efficient support of language knowledge students get during their studies as well as learning of NZ lifestyle. Students are provided with own bedroom, furniture, everyday breakfast and lunches on weekends.

    - Hostel
Tertiary students often perfer to stay in a hostel. The great mixture of cultures will be an unforgettable experience. Hostels are situated in the City close to St George and all the amenities. 

    - Flatting
This option is for an independent students who prefer to live on their own and be responsible for themselves. Students usually rent the apartment / house with their fellows.

    - Backpackers
One of the cheapest options of accommodation. Travellers from all over the world usually stay there.

5. Q: What is the nationality of the teachers and what is their age range?
  A: Our teachers are all highly qualified and are from English background countries.
Some are kiwis and some are from Britain. We have young and active teachers who can get close to students easily as well as some senior teachers who always look after their students like real parents. They are all enthusiastic about their teaching and love to mix with their students.

6. Q: What if I don't like my host family?
  A: When you first arrive in Auckland, one of St George's native-speaking counsellors will call you and welcome you to New Zealand. You can mention any concerns to them. It is normal for you to feel a little nervous when you first live with a family in another country. We can usually solve any concerns you have with your homestay family. And we can find you another homestay if you really with to move.

7. Q: Is parking available at St George?
  A: There is no parking available at St George and the nearest all day parking is at the Wilson Carpark on the site of the Old Oriental Markets, on the corner of Quay Street and Tangihua Street with costs $8 a day. Street parking around St George is on a Pay and Display basis.

8. Q: Do I need to apply for a student visa if I am only staying for a couple of weeks?
   A: It depends on your citizenships. Students with a EU passport don't need to apply for a visa if they are staying only up to three months. All they need is a valid passport. To see the list of visa free countries, please click here.

9. Q: How does public transportation work in Auckland?
   A: Public transportation in Auckland and New Zealand is not as developed as in Europe. Though Auckland has a good working bus system, ferry connections and a few train lines. The best way to learn about public transportation is calling RIDELINE on the free phone number 0800 10 30 80 or checking their website www.rideline.co.nz.

Intercity and Newman's busses provide a good connection network between cities. Although for longer distances it might be cheaper to fly. There is also a train operating between Auckland and Wellington.

10. Q: How can I describe my level of English now?
   A: Many people agree in recognising 7 levels of ability in English:
Starter; Beginner; Elementary; Low (or Pre-) Intermediate; Intermediate; Upper Intermediate; Advanced; Proficient.

But of course different countries, examination centers, schools and theachers have different views on how many levels there are, and also disagree about how you can describe each level.

11. Q: How long will it take me to learn English?
   A: Of course, this question can only be answered with a lot of "it depends". In particular, it depends on:
    - the level you start from
    - the level you wan to finish at
    - how skilled you are at learning a lanauge
    - how good and how motivated a student you are
    - your first language
    - how intensive you are studying
    - how much of your non-studing time you spend using (reading, talking, studying, etc.) English

All we can do here is to give you a example:
    - It is quite common for an average learner / student studying with us to go from Pre-Intermediate level to Intermediate, or even Upper Intermediate, in about three months.

12. Q: Is it necessary to go to an English-speaking country?
   A: Not 100% necessary, but a very good idea. The reason is clear. If, for example you are doing an intensive course you are in school for perhaps seven hours a day. At all other times - evening, weekends, and even breaks in school - you are with people who will probably be speaking your own first language, and not English. So you use English for maybe 25% of your waking life. But in an English-speaking country you might say just a few words in your own language to a friend sometimes, but apart from that you would use (not only speak, but hear or read) English for 100% of your waking time.

13. Q: Which English-speaking country is the best to learn English in?
A: It doesn't matter too much. If you are going for a long course and you are a quick learner, then the country you choose may affect your English accent - but probably only a little. Much more important are:
    - the country you want to live in while you do your course;
    - finding a good school - so it's very important to choose an English-speaking country where there is a long and good tradition of teaching English as a foreign language. In a country with a strong tradition, you will find alot of language schools to choose from;
    - being able to find a place which doesn't have too many people from your own country in it.

14. Q: What kind of place is it best to study in - city or countryside?
   A: It is better to look at this from a different point of view - first start to choose your school, then use the kind of place where it is as one of the factors that helps your decision. Some people want to do a language course in a place that is as similar as possible to where they usually live. Others want a complete contrast. Some good questions to ask yourself about the place you think you want to choose are:
    - If I am doing a long course, is a contrast from where I live a good idea?
    - Do I want a place where there are many foreign students like myself, or somewhere more typical of the country?
    - Is this place in a good location for visiting other places of interest?
    - Am I going to need a car?
    - Has the place got the kinds of things that interest me (nightlife, history, good shops, cinemas, etc.)?
    - Can I find a good compromise - a place which has a bit of everything?

15. Q: Where do the other students come from?
   A: From all over the world! We have student from Europe, Middle East and Asia depending on the time of year.

16. Q: Can I study anything extra besides English language?
   A: Yes! As well as language programmes, St George also provides Business, Computing courses from Certificate to Diploma level. This means you can choose from a range of further study options. Click on Courses & Costs for more information.