FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

MBA

Q. How long does it take to get the MBA?
A. Approximately 18 months.
Q. Is this full-time study?
A. Yes, it is. However the modules are taught mostly on the weekends on a fortnightly basis.
Q. Do most lecturers have a practical business background?
A. Yes, most of the lecturers have both a practical and an academic background.

Language and Culture

Q. How many compulsory courses do we have to take?
A. There are two compulsory courses - English: Study Writing and Linguistics. However, depending on the qualification that you are working towards, there are a minimum number of language courses that you must also study.
Q. Am I only going to study language courses?
A. No. Besides studying the minimum number of language courses stipulated for your qualification, you will be required to take culture courses as well. These do not add up to the number of courses you need to study for your qualification. You may also choose to study other elective courses, or up to six courses from the International Business or Tourism Management Programmes.

International Business

Q. How many courses do I have to do for my Bachelor of International Business degree?
A. You must do 21 courses, including the 11 compulsory courses specified in the prospectus. These must include at least four at Stage 3 level and a maximum of nine at Stage& 1 level. As well as international business, you can choose up to six courses from the Tourism Management or Language and Culture Programmes.
Q. How long does it take to complete the degree?
A. The degree is a three year degree but because we have an extra full semester running every year (i.e. three semesters, not two) you don't need to waste long periods of vacation time. A full load is three courses per semester or seven courses per year. However if three courses are taken every semester this makes nine courses in a year and completion of your degree in two years and three months is possible if you pass everything first time.
Q. Can I work as well as study?
A. Yes, you may work up to 20 hours a week with a Variation of Conditions on your student permit. However because our programme is accelerated, the classes progress very quickly. A full-time student will not have much time to work because there are assignments, readings and tests to be completed. A student is expected to spend at least the same amount of classroom time in private study and it may be unrealistic to think they can work and pass well.
Q. Can I start late or take a vacation in the middle?
A. It is unrealistic to think you can start late or take a holiday in the middle of a semester. With the exception of public holidays and term breaks, students need to be in class to maintain understanding and have a good chance of passing. If you need a break, you will probably need to apply for a postponement of one semester.
Q. Can I get cross credits for study at other institutions?
A. Yes, if the course content is largely the same and at the same level of difficulty and you have a passing grade. You will need to provide detailed course outlines to prove this. Credits may also be possible for relevant studies which are not taught at AIS St Helens. Applications are made after consultation with the programme head and can take some weeks because information must be verified.
Q. Is it possible to study foreign languages as part of my International Business degree?
A. Yes, up to six elective courses in Language and Culture can be added because AIS St Helens recognises that language and communication skills can greatly enhance success in international business. In addition, because we have such a wide range of international students studying at AIS St Helens, there are many informal opportunities to practice your language skills with native speakers. For more information on language teaching at AIS St Helens refer to the Bachelor of Language and Culture programme.

Travel and Tourism

Q. I want to be a flight attendant. What should I do?
A. Find out from the airline that you would like to work for, their requirements to be a flight attendant. You will need to be able to swim and have a current first aid certificate. There may be certain height and age restrictions - check this with the airline concerned as it does differ worldwide. Your first choice of airline's restrictions may exclude you but that doesn't mean you can't work for another. Once you have met the minimum requirements, apply. In addition to the minimum requirements, things that could possibly help you are an indication of your commitment to the travel and tourism industry - completing a Travel and Tourism qualification at AIS St Helens is the first step. We have courses that include fundamental elements you will need as a flight attendant - first aid, Sale of Liquor Act, personal presentation and communication.
Q. What is the difference between TRAVEL and TOURISM?
A. For example when you book your flights and accommodation. The arrangements are done through a travel agent and sometimes a wholesaler. Picking up your tickets and checking in at the airport are functions of Travel. The flight attendants, transfers on arrival, hotel staff and tours that you take are all part of Tourism. This is the simplest way to differentiate between the two.
Q. I don't know if I want to work in Travel or Tourism so what qualification should I go for?
A. If you are undecided, then complete a Certificate in Travel and Tourism (Level 3). By training in travel and tourism you will get the opportunity to see both sides of the industry and get the opportunity to gain work experience in both sectors. It is also very important to compliment your travel and tourism skills with general business skills. It will help you in the future when you manage your own travel or tourism business.
NB. Work experience is subject to the availability of placements and the student meeting work experience criteria.
Q. Are my qualifications recognised worldwide?
A. Yes, all AIS St Helens Travel and Tourism programmes are NZQA approved. The Certificate in Travel (Level 4) includes the International IATA subjects, Mileage and Special Fares. Subject to a fee paid to IATA, these can be cross-credited to UFTAA.

English Programmes

Q. What and where is my class?
A. See the class rolls posted outside the cafeteria.
Q. How can I be promoted?
A. After the six-weekly test the teacher decides who moves if a teacher thinks a student deserves to be moved in between tests if the head of the ELC asks teachers to promote students if teachers think a class is too easy or too difficult for a new student.
Q. Can I take an IELTS class?
A. Yes, if you score highly enough in the entrance test.
Q. I want to do more study. What can I do?
A. Your teacher should give you homework regularly but if you want to do even more, you can buy a pack of specially prepared materials from the Accounts Department. The self-study packs come in a variety of levels, include a book and a cassette and cost $20.

The ELC has introduced its own textbooks. You might have some questions about the books. Here is some information you should find useful. If you have other questions, you can ask your teacher to pass these on to Student Services or visit them directly yourself.

Q. How much do the textbooks cost?
A. Each textbook covers five weeks (week Six is test week) and costs $10.
Q. How much do I pay?
A. The textbook fee is calculated at $10 for every six weeks of study or part thereof. You will be given a receipt. If you change level before six weeks you do not have to pay for another book.
Q. How do I pay for my book?
A. Most students will pay for their textbooks when they pay their fees. Some students who pay their tuition fee to agents will pay for their textbooks on their first day at AIS. Students will get a receipt which shows how many weeks they will study and how much their textbook fee is.
Q. How do I get my book?
A. New students get their books on the Monday they start at AIS St Helens. Other students can get their book from A120 in the Round building (Anita's office) if they change level before the test. If you are changing level after the test you can get a new book from Room 324. Always bring your receipt to show.
Q. When can I get my book?
A. When you start in the ELC, or every time you change level.
Q. Will my class only study the AIS St Helens textbook?
A. No. Your teacher will continue to use a wide variety of extra materials.
Q. Why are we using a textbook?
A. The ELC textbook will give you a clear picture of the study you need to do to quickly improve your English ability. The materials that are used have all been designed and taught by many ELC teachers over several years. These materials are now put into books so that they are easier to study and keep together than photocopy sheets.

Foundation Studies

Q. Will the Certificate in Business Studies qualify me to enter AIS St Helens degree courses?
A. Yes, it qualifies you for entry into the BIB, BLC and BTM programmes at AIS St Helens.
Q. Will it qualify me to enter tertiary courses at other institutions?
A. It is a NZQA Level 3 registered course but it does not automatically guarantee entry into other tertiary institutions. Many do accept it but they all have individual entry criteria that you must investigate.
Q. Why is ITAS (Introduction to Academic Studies) compulsory?
A. This course teaches academic skills in communication and helps prepare students for degree level programmes. Report writing, research and presentation skills are developed that are vital at Degree level.
Q. Why do I need to pass all the courses before moving into the degree programme?
A. The certificate programme introduces you to key business concepts and language that are needed at Stage 1. Students who complete the course demonstrate their ability to handle a Stage 1 workload and understand the key concepts. Students who miss one course may be considered for limited degree enrollment but must finish the course missed before progressing further.

University of Otago Foundation Year

Q. Do I have to go to Otago University after I finish this programme?
A. No, but Otago and the University of New South Wales will guarantee you a place, provided you get the required grades for the degree you have chosen. All New Zealand and Australian universities recognise the programme, but they may have other requirements such as an IELTS score of 6.0. Many universities in the UK, USA and Canada also recognise UOFY.
Q. Can I study Computer Science at Otago University if I do the UOFY Arts Commerce Stream?
A. Yes, you can do a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Computer Science or Information Science after completing Arts/Commerce Foundation. You can also do a Bachelor of Commerce majoring in Information Science.

FAQ