Q. Where can I buy a car? A. You can buy a car at the Car Fair, auctions, through the newspaper (especially The Trade and Exchange), and from the "For Sale" section of the AIS student noticeboard.
Q. What kind of licence do I need to be able to drive? A. As a general rule, only a New Zealand (any stage) or an International Driver's Licence. Students from some countries can use their own country's driver's licence for up to one year after passing a NZ Road Code test. For more information contact an AA Center, the NZ Police or a private driving school.
Q. Where can I buy a bicycle? A. From the newspaper (especially The Trade and Exchange), a bike shop, the student noticeboard or from another student who wants to sell one.
Q. Where are students allowed to smoke on campus? A. As a general rule, you cannot smoke inside buildings, outside classrooms or on general walkways. Outside reception, the cafeteria and the library are also non-smoking areas. Please see the map provided for areas you can smoke on campus.
Q. Where can students park while at AIS St Helens? A. Staff and students of AIS St Helens are under an obligation not to use the streets adjacent to the campus for parking. There are carparks for students in front of the main building at the St Helens Campus and also parking for over 100 cars at our second campus in nearby Asquith Ave.
Q. What do I need to bring with me if I want to work in New Zealand? A. If you want to work with children while in New Zealand you will need to have a police clearance from your own country. If you intend to work in a professional workplace (or do work experience) then bring smart professional clothes with you. Jeans are not acceptable unless it is a casual workplace. Females should consider a smart skirt and top and males should bring dress pants and a smart shirt. Suits may be required in some workplaces and some workplaces provide uniforms. To find out what the law says about working while an international student visit www.nzis.govt.nz or read the immigration article in the April 2005 agent newsletter. back to top
Accounts Department
Q. When would I get my refund cheque? A. Friday afternoon, after 4pm.
Q. How much credit do I have left? A. Students first need to contact their Student Service officer to ascertain how much credit they have remaining. If their Student Service officer is unsure about this, the student will then be referred to the accounts department.
Q. What is my printing password? A. Student's printing passwords should be available from reception. If a student's name is not on the list at reception, they will then be referred to the accounts department. back to top
Reception
Q. I am a new student - what should I do? A. Once students have enrolled, they should see Student Service staff, who can assist them and answer any questions they may have.
Q. Where can I find out about catching buses? A. Auckland bus timetables are available from reception on request.
Q. My friend wants to enroll at AIS St Helens. Do you speak Chinese? A. Assistance with course information is available from our Marketing Department where we have staff who can speak both Mandarin and Cantonese as well as a variety of other languages. back to top
Student Services - Administration
Q. How do I apply to enter AIS St Helens? A. Download the application forms from here and fax or post them to us with supporting documents. Contact our Course Information Centre (enquiry@ais.ac.nz) for a Prospectus and other information required. If you are overseas, contact us for our recruitment agents in your country, or contact your nearest New Zealand Embassy/Consulate for information.
Q. What documents do I need to apply? A. All applicants must provide evidence of their date of birth, 2 passport photos, and the Application Processing Fee with their application. For all programmes other than English, you also need to provide certified copies of your academic certificates and transcripts. For the MBA, you also need to provide 2 referee forms and work reference letters confirming your work responsibilities.
Q. How long will it take for my application to be processed? A. You will receive a response from us within 2 weeks of receipt of your application.
Q. Can I get my original documents back after I arrive? A. Yes, please contact the Student Service Admin Office upon arrival.
Q. When do I have to pay for my course? A. After you receive our Offer of Place and Invoice. If you are overseas and applying for Pre-Visa Assessment at Immigration, you should wait until after you have received a pre-visa approval letter from Immigration (for China, Vietnam, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, etc).
Q. Can I pay by instalments? A. An instalment payment option is only available for the MBA programme (international students - 2 instalments; domestic students - 4 instalments).
Q. Are there any scholarships available? A. A limited number of partial fees scholarships are available in the 2nd and 3rd years of Bachelor's Degree study, for students achieving excellent results over the previous 2 semesters (6 courses) of the programme.
Q. Will my qualification be recognised overseas? A. All our qualifications are approved by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA), and accordingly are internationally recognised.
Q. How do I apply for cross-credits? A. After your arrival, complete a Cross-Credit Application Form, providing full course outlines for the courses for which you are seeking recognition.
Q. If I cannot start my course on time, or want to change my start date, what should I do? A. Contact Student Service Admin Office or your Student Service Officer to request a start date change.
Q. What happens if I don't get my visa approved on time? A. You must contact the Student Service Admin Office to re-confirm your start date.
Q. What do I do after my visa is issued? A. You must advise the Student Service Admin office with at least 2 weeks advance notice of your arrival in Auckland, so you should make your flight arrangements appropriately. If you have not already booked your airport pick-up or your accommodation (AIS dormitory or homestay) you need to complete the Accommodation Application 2 weeks in advance of arrival.
Q. What is a normal course of study? A. For undergraduate degree courses, 7 courses in a year is normal. Capable students may take 9 courses a year, or even more with approval of the Head of Programme.
Q. How many semesters are there a year? A. We have 3 semesters a year (in January/February, May and September) and all programmes take new intakes in each semester. A semester is 14 weeks.
Q. Who should I contact when I arrive in Auckland? A. You should contact the Student Service Admin Office . If urgent and outside of work hours, contact the Accommodation Office (Tel 815 3770) or AIS Security (Tel 021-616 282).
Q. When can I start English? A. On the date specified in your Confirmation of Enrolment, or on the date re-confirmed with the Student Service Admin office. We have intakes every Monday except on the 6-weekly test week, but intakes may be closed in advance when full.
Q. How do I get an ID card? A. This will be arranged at Orientation on your first day, and you may collect your ID card from Reception two days after you hand in your photo.
Q. How do I renew my ID card? A. You need to hand in your old student ID card at Reception, with a copy of your new fees receipt for your re-enrolment. You may collect your new ID card 1 day later.
Q. How do I have a break during my English studies? A. You may apply at the Student Service Office for one week break from your English studies at the end of each 12 weeks of study. There is no break allowed during the first 12 weeks of English studies.
Q. What should I do if I am sick? A. Contact your Student Service Officer immediately. If you are sick for 3 days or more you will need to provide your medical certificate.
Q. What should I do if I change my address? A. Complete a Change of Student Details form at Reception or Student Services. You must keep your contact details up to date with us at all times.
Q. What should I do if I have to leave New Zealand suddenly? A. Inform your Student Service Officer, stating reasons and providing a photocopy of your air ticket, and complete a Programme Change form.
Q. How do I select my courses? A. Complete a Course Selection Form at the Registration Day prior to each semester, or at Reception if you miss your Registration Day.
Q. How do I change my courses? A. Complete an Application for Change of Course at reception or the Student Service Admin office. A fee of $20 per course is payable if this is done after the second week of semester.
Q. How can I change my programme? A. Contact your Student Service Officer to complete an Application for Programme Change.
Q. Can I suspend or withdraw from my studies? A. An Application for Programme Withdrawal may be made at any time, however fees are non-refundable after the first week of your programme. The Enrolment Application Form and the Student Handbook contain full information on the enrolment, withdrawal, refund and transfer policies.
Q. How do I get a Student Loan or a Student Allowance? A. Eligible domestic students may receive information from Work and Income New Zealand and apply online at www.winz.govt.nz
Q. How can I get a transcript? A. Complete a Request for Official Transcript form from the Student Service Admin Office. Transcripts may take up to 2 weeks to process.
Q. How can I get my graduation certificate? A. Complete the Request for Official Degree/Diploma Certificate form from the Student Service Admin Office, after you have completed your Clearance Form and Leaving Questionnaire. Certificates will take 2 weeks to process.
Q. How can I register for graduation? A. Complete an Interest in Attending Graduation form from Reception, and then a Graduation Registration Form will be sent to you closer to the date of the ceremony.
Q. Can I work part-time in New Zealand? A. International students who are enrolled in eligible qualifications (our Degree programmes and 2 year Advanced Diploma programmes) may work up to 20 hours per week. Students enrolled in Degree programmes are able to work during the summer holidays, and also after graduation in some cases. (For more information visit www.nzis.govt.nz or read the agent newsletter dated April 2005). back to top
Library
Q. Who can use the Library? A. Students who are currently enrolled and who are attending class at AIS St Helens at the present time may use the Library and borrow items.
Q. How do I borrow? A. To borrow items you need a valid AIS St Helens ID card. These are available from staff at the Reception Desk in the main building.
Q. How many books can I borrow? A. Students may borrow ten items at one time. Books and cassettes are counted as separate items (for example, one book with two cassettes is three times).
Q. How long is the loan period? A. Items from the main collection are issued for two weeks. IELTS material and other items in high demand are issued for one week. Overnight Loans are issued for one night. Magazines and items from the Reference Collection cannot be borrowed.
Q. The book I want is out. Can I reserve it? A. Yes. To reserve an item please ask staff at the Library Issue Desk for a "Reservation Request" form. When the item is returned it will be held at the Issue Desk for you.
Q. What happens if I return something I have borrowed after it is due? A. Borrowers who return items to the Library after they are due are liable to a fine. The fine charged varies according to the type of loan and how overdue the item is. Fines are charged to encourage borrowers to return items on time so that everyone has an opportunity to make use of the Library's resources.
Q. Can I renew an item I have on loan? A. Yes, if no-one else has reserved the item. To renew an item (that is, borrow it for a further loan period) you must bring the item to the Library and ask to renew it. If an item has been reserved by another borrower, you cannot renew it.
Q. When is the Library open? A. During the academic year (from February to early December) the Library is open as follows: Monday to Thursday: 8.10am to 7.50pm* Friday: 8.10am to 5.50pm* Saturday and Sunday: 10.10am to 3.50pm* Public holidays: closed *borrowing stops 20 minutes before the Library closes.
Q. Does the Library have a photocopier? A. Yes. There are two black-and-white copy machines in the Library. To use the copiers you need to buy a copy card from the Cashier at Reception. Copy cards can also be bought in the Library, but only at weekends and after 4.30pm during the week.
Q. Can I use Internet and email in the Library? A. Yes, some of the computers in the Independent Learning Centre are connected to email and the Internet (there is a sign above each computer indicating whether or not it allows access to email and the Internet). To use email and/or the Internet at AIS you need to set up an Internet or email account. An Internet account will give you access to the Internet and to web-based email services such as Hotmail. An AIS email account will only allow you access to an AIS email address (eg. Xxx@ais.ac.nz) , not the Internet. To set up an email or Internet account you need to apply at the Cashier's Office at Reception in the main building. Please note that once you have an email or Internet account, you can access email and the Internet from all computers on campus that have Internet Explorer and Eudora email installed. back to top
Dormitory
Q. Where can I buy soap powder for washing my clothes? A. The nearest shop is located in Asquith Ave, which is five minutes walk from the back entrance of the AIS St Helens campus.
Q. How can I get a taxi? A. The dormitory has a free calling phone for taxis only. The phone is located at the foyer area of the main entrance.
Q. Where can I buy a phone card? A. You can purchase a phone card from the Cashier at reception, cafeteria or from the local shops.
Q. Where is the nearest bank? A. The two nearest places for banks are in Mt Albert village and at the St Lukes/Westfield shopping centre. Both are within walking distance from AIS St Helens. back to top
Security
Q. Do things get stolen from AIS St Helens? A. Sadly yes. But 90% of the thefts could be avoided if people took the following precautions: always take valuables with you (eg. When leaving your classrooms for a break or when leaving the library for something to eat) always lock the room if you're not there (particularly for dormitory residents, even if you're just going for a shower) always check that you've closed the windows and locked the doors of your vehicle. A wheel lock is a cheap and effective deterrent. If buying a bicycle, buy a good lock such as a heavy bulky lock. Avoid cheap "combination" locks. Remember, if you provide an opportunity, a thief will take it. back to top
Jobs and the Future
Q. Can you get me a part-time job? A. Students find part-time jobs themselves however there is plenty of advice available from the Career Officer as to where a student might look for positions. International students at Degree, Post graduate, Masters or two-year Diploma level are entitled to work 20 hours per week in NZ. (Visit www.nzis.govt.nz)
Q. Do you have a job for me when I graduate? A. The Career Officer is happy to assist a student in the following ways: CV preparation, cover letter and interview techniques. The ILO will contact companies identified by the student or graduate if the Head of Department gives their recommendation.
Q. Can I get work experience? A. The ILO will arrange a work experience placement provided the tutor or Head of Department is satisfied that the student has met the following requirements: excellent attendance; all course work is complete and at a very high standard; demonstration of a clear understanding of the responsibility of work experience. For professional workplaces you will need smart professional clothes, jeans are not acceptable.
Q. What can I do to get into the travel industry? Every job advertisement requires experience but how can I get experience if no one will give me a start? A. The ILO advises students and graduates to undertake work experience as often as possible before and after completing studies. This will not only demonstrate a commitment to achieving goals but is obviously an opportunity to accumulate skills. Applying for positions having completed work experience increases the opportunity to get a foot in the door.
