New Zealand.....
A country with heart
--Farmers raising 70 million sheep; cattle and deer
A country with unspoiled land
--Clear blue sky
--Fresh rivers, streams, and lakes
--Snow capped mountains and massive torrents
A country with sport
--Rugby world champions: The New Zealand All Blacks
--Cricket and Netball
New Zealand, a country of today and tomorrow
--Auckland, the largest city per square kilometre
--Wellington, a city of intellectual and architectural stimulation
Come, experience the Kiwi pride!!
It may not seem like it but you will get through some rough spots!!
Make the most of every minute, seems like it will last forever, but time will fly
Don't be shy, meet as many people as possible -- close friendships are the best souvenirs
Be open-minded to new ideas from your family and friends
Bring items from your hometown and country like newspapers, videos, or school yearbook
Research your country
Bring pictures of your family
Don't have expectations before you leave home
Learn about the culture before you come
Be open-minded
Be yourself-- don't try to change for the people in NZ
Make sure you know what your host parents expect of you and your time. If you want to go out, make absolutely sure they haven't made plans already. Always go with your parents first
Don't think just because you can buy and drink alcohol that it's all right to. Sure "everybody" does-- but it still looks very bad. Social drinks are expected (dinner wine)
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You will find that N.Z.-ers will want to know what you think of their country. N.Z.-ers are proud of their country and are forever asking visitors for their impressions of it. You may get tired of hearing this question, but please remember that although you have heard it a hundred times, it is the first time they have asked you.
N.Z. is a very small country-- just over 3 million people. Many students will be going to isolated hosting situations. Many will be on farms.
Get stuck in and give this experience all you've got.
Some schools will only take intensive programme students (some are very small isolated schools-- we need these schools and we need to leave very good impressions so they will host again).
Most schools' students wear school uniforms to N.Z. schools. Usually, long programme AFS students have uniforms but intensive programme just wear tidy clothes, as uniforms are expensive and not necessary for a short period of time.
Some schools are hosting reluctantly because of past bad experiences. Every school should be left feeling they have got something out of this exchange programme and want to have a student next year. DO NOT BE THE ONE TO JEOPARDISE THIS FOR OTHER STUDENTS!! AFS is competing for places in schools with many other exchange programmes. We must protect our name and image.
If you are not prepared to give it 100% effort-- stay here in the USA now!! You are an ambassador for the USA, AFS, your community, your school, your family, and most importantly, the very person you are: YOURSELF. Don't let any of these down.
Some will come across some racial tension in N.Z., especially in some North Island cities (This was quite a suprise to some students last year)
No snakes or dangerous wild animals [are found indigenous to N.Z.]
N.Z. families do not snack from fridges as those in the U.S. do. They have breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Please ask host Mum's permission to help yourself to snacks. It is just courtesy. Families usually have meals together as a family.
Remember N.Z. families appreciate good manners, e.g. "Thank You"
Food is expensive in N.Z. You will be fed 3 times per day.
Long distance phone calls are expensive. It's much cheaper to write letters.
Remember all host families are volunteers and do not get paid for having students.
Many host mums work in the workforce, and help with household chores is greatly appreciated as many cannot afford home help eg., bring in washing, set table, clear table, assist with dishes. Ask host parents if you can help in other ways.
N.Z. does not have weekend shopping hours in many towns and cities.