Orientation & Induction Information

Pre Departure Information for new students before leaving your home country.

Once you arrive at OSC, the International Student Manager will spend the first day with you going through a full induction and orientation programme. A copy of the orientation booklet will be issued to each student as a reference guide to refer to throughout the enrolment.

You are probably feeling a little nervous about starting at a new school. The pre-arrival information for new students will assist you in preparation for studying in New Zealand. We have listed below suggestions of some essential items that you may wish to bring with you.

• Return airline ticket
• Passport and current visa to study in New Zealand
• Travel/medical insurance policy
• Any medication you take regularly
• Laptop, mobile phone and device chargers
• Adapter plug(s) for electrical items
• Pocket money
• Personal items and clothes

• Book your flight so that you arrive a few days before the start of school. This will allow you to recover from jetlag and to get ready to start school.
• Visit Immigration New Zealand's First-time Student Visa Application Checklist which is a guide to help you with preparing your application.
• Ensure you obtain an NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) before departing your home country. This should be done through Immigration New Zealand’s website www.immigration.govt.nz/nzeta or via the official app.
• Complete a New Zealand Traveller Declaration. There is a checklist which guides you through information you will need to provide, i.e. proof of a pre-departure Covid test (the factsheet is available in several different languages).
• Ensure you pack your own bags and do not carry anything for other people.
• Do not carry large amounts of cash.
• Do not bring fresh food with you, even if it is in packaging. You are not allowed to bring fresh food into New Zealand.
• Make sure you let us know your flight and arrival details at least a week before you travel. This will enable us to organise for you to be met at the airport. We will email you to confirm who will be collecting you from the airport.

• When you arrive at Auckland airport you should have completed a Passenger Arrival Card. Please ensure that you declare everything. If you are not sure, then ask for help.
• You will go through Passport Control, Baggage Claim and Customs.
• In the public arrivals lounge, you will see either a member of our staff or your host family waiting for you with a sign with your name on it.
• You will be taken to your new home to unpack, settle in, get to know your new family and recover from your journey.
• Ensure you put your passport somewhere safe, or ask your host family to look after it.

Visit the NauMaiNZ website. 'Nau mai' is a Māori phrase of invitation and welcome. The website has information and suggestions on life as an international student in New Zealand. It will help you find your way, connect with and explore your new home.

• On the first day of school, we will go through an Orientation Programme with you.
• You will be required to attend school wearing full school uniform.
• You will sit an ESOL test to determine your English level and to enable us to know which classes will suit you best.
• We will prepare a personal timetable for you.
• We will introduce you to your ‘buddy’ for the next week or two – your buddy is another student who will look after you, introduce you to new friends and show you around the school.
• You are required to be at school by 8.45am on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday. On Thursday school starts at 10.00am.
• If you are late, you must provide a valid reason for the lateness and must sign in at reception.
• If you are absent from school, your caregiver must contact the school.