Code of practice for the pastoral care of international students
Buller High School has agreed to observe and be bound by the Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of International Students published by the Minister of Education. Copies of the Code are available on request from this institution or from the New Zealand Ministry of Education website at http://www.minedu.govt.nz/goto/international
Immigration
Full details of visa and permit requirements, advice on rights to employment in New Zealand while studying, and reporting requirements are available through the New Zealand - Immigration Service, and can be viewed on their website at http://www.immigration.govt.nz
Eligibility for Health Services
Most international students are not entitled to publicly funded health services while in New Zealand. If you receive medical treatment during your visit, you may be liable for the full costs of that treatment. Full details on entitlements to publicly-funded health services are available through the Ministry of Health and can be viewed on their website at http://www.moh.govt.nz.
Accident Insurance
The Accident Compensation Corporation provides accident insurance for all New Zealand citizens, residents and temporary visitors to New Zealand, but you may still be liable for all other medical and related costs. Further information can be viewed on the ACC website at http://acc.co.nz.
Medical and Travel Insurance
International students must have appropriate and current medical and travel insurance while studying in New Zealand.
N.B. Students must provide evidence of medical and travel insurance on enrolment. The insurance mustcover the full length of time spent in New Zealand. New Zealand Insurance cover will be accepted only. The school will keep a record of the Insurance Policy number and the type of cover provided.
Student Exchange Programmes
Buller High School is situated in Westport at the mouth of the Buller River on the West Coast of the Southern Alps of the South Island. With its unique access to a wide range of magnificent natural landscapes, from the coastal landforms of the Charleston/Punakaiki areas, the subtropical microclimate of Karamea, the valleys of the Buller and its tributaries, and the alpine playgrounds of Murchison, the Nelson lakes, and Lewis Pass regions, it is not surprising that outdoor education has been a strong feature of the School’s programme for many, many years.
As a small rural school with a mission to prepare its students for the outside world, the School endeavours to produce young men and women who are independently learning and ready for the challenges of life. Buller High School students are able to succeed in local, national, and international arenas and with modern information and communications technologies evolving so rapidly they are aware that these boundaries are shrinking.
The addition of an organized International Student programme with direct ties to institutions throughout the world will increase the international flavour at Buller High School and change the School for the better.
The positive effect of International Exchange Students on the School has been significant. While global students are receiving the obvious benefits that come with study in the South Island’s West Coast, local students experience a taste of international cultures and lifestyles. By interacting with international students on a daily basis, the rest of the student body experiences a form of education you can’t get from a book. Our students will be living an international experience unlike anything they’ve had in the past.
The partnerships developed through the International Student programme work both ways. In addition to hosting foreign students at Buller High School, we open the eyes of our student to the opportunities to study abroad.
Like the School, the community benefits in many ways. In addition to the obvious financial benefit to host families, for local businesses looking at the bottom line, international students represent a unique market-the student/tourist. In a community that is increasingly depending a great deal on the tourist market, the addition of more international students can have a significant impact.
A key element in attracting International Students to the Buller/ West Coast region is the regions abundant opportunities for adventure and outdoor pursuits.
