High School in New Zealand

Go off the beaten path and spend an academic year or semester in New Zealand! You will live with a host family and attend a public high school with your New Zealand peers, giving you the chance to experience life as a New Zealand teen first-hand.  

New Zealand families tend to be active and enjoy outdoor activities and sporting events. Family life is generally relaxed and informal, and dinner is the main meal of the day when families gather to spend time together. Families tend to be small, with one or two children, and often both parents work outside the home.

The academic year in New Zealand begins in February and finishes in early December. The core curriculum centers around English, math and science courses, but many schools also offer non-traditional choices such as arts and recreation. Most New Zealand schools require a uniform. After school, New Zealand teens typically enjoy sports and recreational activities.

Program Options and Dates:

Semester

Spring: February - July

Fall: July - December

Academic Year

Spring start: February - December

Fall start: July - June

Other Programs in New Zealand

High School in other countries

Application (pdf)