New Zealand –
 “where beauty of nature originated”

In New Zealand you can explore unspoiled nature and leisure time activities such as fishing, walking and hunting are just outside the door, or at the most, a one-hour car drive away. The New Zealanders are relaxed, friendly and enjoy life, but are also dedicated and loyal.
In the cities in the north temperatures of about 20 degrees Celsius during the summer and as low as about 11 degrees during the winter season are measured. The North Island is famous for the excellent conditions for sailing and other water sports, and its fruit farms in the far north. The South Island is famous mostly for its exciting nature and possibilities of adventures for nature lovers. Here the temperatures may fall somewhat.
The capital is called Wellington but Auckland is the city with the largest number of inhabitants. A number of famous people come from New Zealand. You have probably heard of Lord Rutherford who was the first person to succeed in splitting up an atom, not to mention the soprano Kiri Te Kanawa, or the actors Sam Neil and Keanu Reeves.

New Zealand High School

In New Zealand you speak ”Kiwi English” which is very close to classic British English. In addition to English, and Math which are mandatory subjects, you also study another four or five subjects chosen to correspond to the direction of your study-programmme at home.
High School in New Zealand begins in the 3rd grade and finishes in the 7th grade. Our exchange students are usually placed in the 6th or 7th grade, depending on age and school circumstances. The school follows a four-semester system, as an STS-student you will be able to adjust your stay to the Swedish school year.
The schedule varies from day to day but there is always school between 9.00 am and 3.30 pm.
The school you will study at will place you in a grade that will correspond to your previous knowledge. This way, you will find yourself in the right setting for your studies and this will facilitate your adjustment in the country, both in regards to the language and your new class- mates.
One afternoon a week is devoted to sports and you will choose a sport which you will practise every week. You may even start playing on the school team of the sport you are practising. Being a member of one of the different clubs at school is an excellent way of making new friends and forming friendships for life.
In certain schools it is mandatory to wear school uniforms, and in almost every school you buy your lunch there unless you bring food from home.
School start: January (or September if you would like to follow the European school year).

New Zealand Spare Time Activities

A typical spare time activity is sailing; this country is one of the most sailing-loving in the world and sailing is somewhat of a national sport. Skiing and snowboarding are worth trying while you are here. New Zealand’s mountains are on the South Island and the best time for winter sports is between June and October.
Climbing and walking are other popular spare time activities in New Zealand, and the climate and varied nature make it ideal for strolling around in the great outdoors.
Team sports like cricket, rugby and soccer are also very popular. There are leagues for all three variants and the New Zealanders follow their favorite team with great interest.

Family Life in New Zealand

The “kiwis”, as they are known, are a very relaxed people. They like to have fun and enjoy life, they often do things on the “spur of the moment”, which means they can at times be impulsive, but they also feel a strong sense of commitment to whatever they take on. The family has a very important role in a New Zealander´s life and you can be certain that your host family will do everything they can to make you feel at home. You will most likely adjust quickly to your new environment and it won´t be long before you feel like a true family member.
In New Zealand dinner in the evening is in some homes called “tea” and lunch in the middle of the day is called “dinner”, which is somewhat different to other English-speaking countries. Family life in New Zealand is otherwise quite similar to that in Australia.
Parents in New Zealand are quite strict when it comes to what you can and cannot do, but it´s all because they are concerned about your safety and that you won´t expose yourself to any unnecessary risks. They will want you to inform them of where you are going when you leave home and with whom. It is common that the family spend a lot of time together during their free time, together with friends and relatives.

Basic Facts New Zealand

Location: In the Southern Hemisphere, in the southern part of the Pacific Ocean
Area: 270.534 square kilometers
Population: Appr. 3,5 million
Language: English and Maori
National Holiday: February 6th
Celebrity: The sheep

When the Waitang treaty was signed on February 6, 1840, New Zealand became part of the British Commonwealth.
New Zealand is the home of more sheep than people and it is the outdoors country where those who enjoy to lumber round in the countryside will experience their most wonderful time ever. But New Zealand has cities and city life as well.
New Zealand is a long and narrow country, which measures appr. 1600 kilometers from its most northeast point to its southwestern point and is about 450 kilometers at its widest place. The North Island and the South Island are separated by the 30 kilometer wide sound Cook Strait, and together with the smaller islands the country has an area of 268.000 square kilometers, just about the same size as Japan or Great Britain.
The country is located in the southwest corner of the Pacific Ocean between 33 and 55 degrees southern latitude, from 162 degrees eastern to 173 western longitude. The country is so close to the international date line that the mountain Mount Hikurangi on the eastern coast of the North Island is said to be the place in the world where you can actually watch the new day break.
The population is mainly of European and Polynesian origin and amounts to approximately 3,5 million inhabitants. English is spoken everywhere even though Maori is an official language as well. The surrounding ocean gives rise to a mild climate with warm temperatures and regular rains.