FAQ

International Students

If I am still learning online, do I need to attend all of my classes?

Yes. You are required to attend and participate in all the online activities as per your class schedule. Your attendance will be marked daily. If you are sick or cannot make it to class, please contact your tutor or student support at your earliest convenience. Low attendance rate can trigger the withdrawal process.

I need help applying for insurance. Who can help me?

The Student Support team at Seafield can help assist you with applying for insurance or help with any insurance questions you may have. You can contact the Seafield Student Support team here.

I am having issues with my learning, who can I speak to about this?

Your first point of contact is your tutor or the Student Support team. Should your issue be a technical one, you will be directed to NZSEG’s IT support team. If you are experiencing academic issues or learning difficulties, your tutor can assist you or direct you to our academic support team to help.

How can I contact my tutor?

You can contact your tutor through the available communication channels online, such as Microsoft Teams, Emails, WhatsApp, WeChat, Facebook or Kakao Talk.

For any other non-emergency issues, please contact studentsupport@seafield.ac.nz respectively or get in touch with us through any of the social media channels available to you.

What if I am not satisfied with something at the school?

Don't be afraid to reach out to us. Our Student Support team is available 24/7. If you are experiencing any issues during your studies, we have Grievance Procedures in place to help all our students. You can find more information on our website and around campuses.

How can I extend my student visa?

If you meet the application criteria of Provider Direct Student Visa, you are able to apply for an extended visa through Seafield. The criteria is listed as below:
1. 95% Attendance rate or above, and;
2. 75% Passing rate or above

If I am in New Zealand on a visitor or working holiday visa, can I still study General English?

Yes. You can enrol for up to 12 weeks in Seafield’s General English Programme on your temporary visa.

I do not have a laptop. Is it ok for me to use a smart phone or other devices for learning purposes?

No. Seafield has a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) environment and students are expected to own a laptop or computer that meets a specific requirement before they start the programme. It is not recommended to use a phone, or tablet to attend the classes and complete the assessments due to the limitation of the devices. You can find more information here.

My laptop is broken, can I get some support with another one?

Please advise your tutor or student support immediately about your situation. You need to have a functioning device to enable you to study online. We will assess your situation and guide you through the process of exploring your options to procure a device.

I do not have internet, what should I do?

It is necessary to have internet access so that you are able to engage in learning.

There are some low-cost options to consider:
· Skinny Jump is a prepaid internet service that costs only $5 for 30GB over 30 days. Free Modem delivered to your home. No contracts. No Credit Checks. Top up just $5 at a time.
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· Two Degrees : Broadband Plans

Can I withdraw from the programme and re-start at a later date?

Withdrawing from your programme will extend the amount of time it takes to complete your studies, meaning you may need to extend your visa and prepare for more living costs. Withdrawing from study now may also affect your eligibility for student visa or living costs in the future. Staying enrolled is the best way for you to stay on track with your studies and complete your programme or qualification.

What is the emergency contact number for Seafield School of English?

Our emergency contact number is 021 658 220 which is a 24/7 contact number.

For any other non-emergency issues, please contact studentsupport@seafield.ac.nz respectively or get in touch with us through any of the social media channels available to you.

Who will do the online teaching for my class?

Your tutor who was previously teaching you face to face at campus will continue to teach you online. Should your tutor not be able to teach your class for any reasons, a reliever tutor will teach that class instead.

How can students engage with teachers one-on-one?

You can contact your tutor through the available communication channels online, such as Canvas, Emails, Whats app, We chat, Facebook or Kakao Talk.

For any other non-emergency issues, please contact studentsupport@seafield.ac.nz or get in touch with us through any of the social media channels available to you.

Is a healthcare/supermarket essential worker student able to study full time while he/she’s working full time?

Yes. According to Immigration NZ’s recent announcement, any international students who has a current part-time employment in the healthcare/supermarket sector can work more than 20 hours per week for the period of 30 days. However, you will still need to meet the study requirements of your programme.

Who can help me if I am suffering with anxiety, depression during the lock down period?

Keeping yourself free from stress and anxiety is key in helping you get through this difficult period. Please talk to student support and your Tutor on how you are feeling so we can help you through the process. For professional support with anxiety, distress or mental well-being, you can call or text 1737 to talk with a trained counsellor for free, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
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• The Depression Helpline (0800 111 757)
• Healthline (0800 611 116)
• Lifeline (0800 543 354)
• Samaritans (0800 726 666)
• Youthline (0800 376 633)
• Alcohol Drug Helpline (0800 787 797)
• Asian Family Services (AFS) provides professional, confidential, nationwide face-to-face or telephone support to Asians living in New Zealand. They are a not for profit organisation whose qualified counsellors who provide free, professional and confidential support for people who speak Cantonese, Mandarin, Korean, Vietnamese, Japanese, Thai and Hindi languages. Asian Helpline on 0800 862 342*.

For more details you can also go to the NZ Government's Ministry of Health COVID-19: Mental Health and Well Being resources.

Also check out the NZ Government’s dedicated COVID-19 website.
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Asian Family Services (AFS) provides professional, confidential, nationwide face-to-face or telephone support to Asians living in New Zealand. They are a not for profit organisation whose qualified counsellors provide free, professional and confidential support for people who speak Cantonese, Mandarin, Korean, Vietnamese, Japanese, Thai and Hindi languages. Asian Helpline on 0800 862 342*. The helpline is available from Monday to Friday at 9am - 8pm.

‍*Note, this helpline telephone service is for psychological, i.e. counselling support and is different from the dedicated 0800 COVID-19 number for health-related concerns.

What is the emergency number in New Zealand?

The emergency number for New Zealand is 111. You can reach NZ emergency services on this number such as, the Police, Fire Service and the Ambulance. The emergency number is available 24/7 and free to dial anywhere in NZ.

How can I find a job in NZ?

At Seafield School of English, we have a Career Services team dedicated to helping you find employment or a career pathway. Please visit our Careers Services Page for more information.

As a student of Seafield School of English, can I take a break during my study?

Students studying General English can apply for a one-week holiday if they are enrolled more than 16 weeks and two weeks holiday if they are enrolled for more than 24 weeks. Your visa must be valid until the end of the course.

Where do I go to if I have health issues, for example I have a toothache?

Call your General Practitioner. For a list of medical services near you check out www.healthpoint.co.nz. If you need any assistance, please contact Student Support and we can help you explore your best options.

Sometimes I may not be available to attend my online class. What do I need to do? Will this affect my attendance?

Your online learning takes a lot of commitment, dedication and planning from you and your family who is supporting your learning. We recommend you coordinate with your family members and plan your grocery shopping outside of your timetabled online classes. Please be mindful that your attendance is monitored you are required to be online during the normal timetable hours.

Under 18yo International Students

What do I need to do if I am under 18 years of age and wish to study with Seafield?

If you are under 18 years of age your parent/s or legal guardian/s will be required to sign all agreements in relation to your study with us in New Zealand, giving you permission to do so, starting with your application form.

Who can be my legal guardian?

Your parent/s or legal guardian/s OR they can nominate your legal guardian who needs to be a permanent resident or citizen of New Zealand who will be responsible for your wellbeing and the school’s contact for regular updates and to discuss any related matters.

Will Seafield book my accommodation for me?

Should you wish to book accommodation with the school we will undertake to do so and book your accommodation through our authorised homestay provider. We will visit the premises and conduct a due diligence examination to make sure it meets the requirements for your comfort and safety. Your homestay parent will be your designated caregiver.

What happens after I complete my programme?

If you are under 18 years of age at the end of your programme of study or course, your parent/s or legal guardian/s will be required to provide a written confirmation providing details of your handover care.

What happens at orientation on the first day?

Your parent/s or legal guardian/s are welcome to attend orientation with you. Please ensure they sign all related paper work involved in the orientation process.

Can I go out on a field trip with my class?

Your parent/s or legal guardian/s will be required to sign a field trip form granting you permission to attend a school trip or outing.

How can I arrange my accommodation before coming to study in NZ?

You must book your homestay before you arrive to New Zealand. Seafield can help our under 18 students arrange their homestay. Please feel free to ask for the required homestay application form when submitting your student registration/application form. With the consent of your parents/legal guardians, we can process the booking further. Moreover, airport transfer service is also available upon your request.

Can I live by myself?

Seafield does not encourage our under 18 students to live by themselves. For any special consideration cases, please feel free to discuss them with student support staff.

Will there be any extra charge on my accommodation?

Yes, there will be extra caregiver charge for under 18 international students.

Sometimes I may not be available to attend my online class. What do I need to do? Will this affect my attendance?

How will the student support team help me?

You will have an individual meeting with the student support advisor in the first week starting your studies. Our friendly support staff will help you to settle into your new environment and will be available to answer any questions or queries you may have.

Can I go out with my friends after school?

Generally, students are expected to be home in time for the family meal which is usually around 7.00 pm. The host family may give guidelines on what time the student should come home, and the student must follow these regulations.

Can I go out and have an alcoholic beverage with my friends?

It is against New Zealand law for a person under 18 years of age to purchase alcohol or to enter licensed premises.

What happens if I turn 18 during the course of my studies?

If you turn 18 while you are enrolled in the programme, you will continue with your studies as usual. You will not however, be required to abide by some of the regulations and formalities applicable to students under 18 years of age.

Can I drive in New Zealand?

It is recommended that students under 18 years of age should not be allowed to take driving lessons, obtain a driver’s license or own a car.

Can I stay over at a friend’s place over the weekend or during the school break?

You will need to stay with our authorised homestay provider who we have booked for you in consultation with your legal guardian till you turn 18. This requirement applies to weekends, holidays and vacation periods.

Frequently Asked Questions

International Students

Under 18yo International Students

Helpful Links

Seafield Contact Form

Frequently Asked Questions

International Students

Under 18yo International Students

Helpful Links