How to Apply to become an exchange student

The Application Process

Download your application form or phone or email WYS-NZ to have one posted to you.

REMEMBER to check that your passport is current - or apply for one if you don’t have a passport!

Enlist the support of your International Dean, Principal, Language teacher (or English teacher), or your homeroom teacher. You cannot apply without the support of your school. You will be surprised to know how well your teachers know you.

Complete application forms -include medical and school reports. Remember to write clearly on the cover of your application which programme you have selected.

Post your application formto WYS-NZ with a non-refundable deposit of $50. Remember to include the photo pages that clearly show your family and home. see timetable

Attend orientation & final selection, at Masters Hall, Pahiatua, for an interview with the selection panel and have some fun with other outbound Kiwi students, and possibly some returnees or NZ-bound exchangees.

Once accepted a compulsory $700 non-refundable deposit is required. You MUST bring your passport with you - and it MUST be current until six-months after your scheduled return from your exchange country.

Fees

Fees for 10 months Academic Year Programme (AYP) and A 5 month Semester Programme (SP) are the same due to fixed costs.

**WYS Student Exchange Fees**
NZD*	Exchange Countries
$3,500	Japan
$6,995	Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Argentina
$7,995	Belgium, Germany
$8,995	USA, France, Italy
*Conditions apply: Your family must qualify to host reciprocally for the incoming WYS student for the academic year programme. Costs may vary due to airfares being effected by fuel surges and taxes.

Payment Schedules for all Programmes

First payment - a non-refundable deposit of $50 with your application form.

Second payment - after successful panel interview a further $700 non-refundable installment is required. Please bring the cheque with you.

Third instalment - $1,250 due one month after selection.

Final payment - All remaining WYS fees, airfare and insurance money is due two months after selection confirmed.

ASK ABOUT SCHOLARSHIPS

FEES COVER:

International airfare
Airport supervision
Ticket handling
Travel & medical insurance
Selection in NZ

Orientation in NZ
Orientation in destination country
Host family placement & support
Counselling in destination country
Emergency services

A new and exciting development on the international student exchange programme for Kiwi kids.

It's amazing!

Programme options in Japan: 2.5 months (one term), 5 months (one semester), 10 months (AYP - one academic year). Applications close October & June for departure from NZ in either April or October.

Programme options for Europe and USA: 5 months (one semester), 10 months (AYP - one academic year). Applications close April & August for departure from NZ in either August or January.

Programme options for Argentina: 5 months (one semester), 10 months (AYP - one academic year). Applications close August to depart NZ in February.

Qualification of Applicants: Students are to be aged between 15 and 19 at departure from New Zealand. Applicants must be supported by their own schools and selected by WYS-NZ at Orientation week-end. Preference will be given to students whose families qualify to host an incoming reciprocal student, either prior, concurrent, or retrospective to the Kiwi student going to Japan.

Recruiting a number of WYS students from your school: Schools may nominate several students - so encourage your friends to apply too and have a shared experience.

Programme scholarships for Japan

Scholarship funds supplement costs for the Japane exchange - NZ student students can have ten months in Japan virtually for the cost of their airfare and their compulsory insurance ($3500)* if their family qualify to host an incoming Japanese student in return.

For students who make successful applications and whose families are unable to host a Japanese in-bound exchangee the WYS experience in Japan will cost $8500*up front. Compare this with other exchange programmes.

*note: these prices may be dependent on the cost of airfares being affected by escalating fuel prices Check out the flier.

See more on next tab about student financial responsibilities

Student’s financial responsibility on top of fees

New Zealand travel expenses to WYS-NZ at Masters Hall for pre-departure meetings

Transport to chosen International Airport and any airport taxes

Internal travel from International Airport to host family's community in destination country

General school expenses (travel between host family and school, club meetings, excursions, school uniform, textbooks, stationery, etc),

Private expenses (pocket money, eating out, telephone charges, etc.)

Compulsory travel and medical insurance.

Students must budget for $300-$500 per month spending money for the duration of the exchange. Actual personal costs may depend on student frugality, the exchange rate, and the distance and method of travel to school (train, bus,etc.).

Start preparing for the trip.

WYS-NZ will organise the air-tickets and insurance.

Obtaining your visa for your destination country is the responsibility of your family
Note: WYS or Explorius will help with school and host family placement information.
Visas are available via the embassy or consulate of your chosen destination.
Organise your credit card, travellers cheques, camera, etc?

Once you receive notification of school placement and host family information from WYS or Explorius make contact with your host family. Also REPLY to all emails from your host family and counsellor.

Check for fees and dates. Check that all remaining WYS fees, airfares and insurance money has been paid.

Buy lots of little Kiwiana gifts - for friends and host family.