China
Study abroad in China, famous for its ancient history, stunning architecture, martial arts, and pandas.
Why study in China?
Today, China is famous for its huge population (1.3 billion) and its impressive cities. But there’s so much more to China than people and skyscrapers! This beautiful country has a fascinating history and a diverse natural landscape. Learn Chinese martial arts, eat delicious Chinese food, and see pandas up close. Studying in China is an amazing opportunity to experience Chinese culture first-hand.
China fascinated me – I was very keen to experience something new and see what China was really like. It was so different learning from a textbook compared to actually immersing myself in the language, culture and way of life.
Samantha, Auckland
Placements
You can choose to study in China on a short placement (9-14 weeks) or for one semester or for one academic year. Our short placements are flexible and are available throughout most of the year. Gap year students are welcome to apply but must be no older than 18.5 years on departure.
All placements are in Zheng Zhou, the capital of the Hei Nan province. Students will live on-campus on weekdays and with a host family on the weekends. All of our host families are carefully vetted for safety and suitability. We conduct home interviews, inspections, and police checks to ensure our students are placed in a secure and supportive living environment.
We aren’t currently offering exchange programmes to China. Please check back again later.
Duration
Departs
Returns
Application deadline
Price
Covered expenses
Included in the fee:
- School and family documents for your student visa application
- Placement in a suitable host family and school
- Full board and lodging on-campus during weekdays and with a host family on the weekends
- Supervision at school
- Pre-departure orientation in NZ and arrival orientation in China
- Meet and greet at the airport in NZ and at the airport in China
- Transfer to your host community from Zheng Zhou airport (and back again)
- Monthly progress reports to your parents
- Ongoing monitoring by the host organisation
- 24/7 emergency assistance in China and NZ
- Certificate of completion upon return
Other costs
Not included in the fee:
Flights
You are responsible for paying all domestic and international airfares between your home and Shanghai.
Insurance
You will be required to purchase comprehensive travel and medical insurance prior to your departure.
Visas
All visa fees and translation fees are payable to the Chinese Embassy in Wellington.
School setup
You will be required to pay for school expenses such as a uniform, basic school fees, books, and extra-curricular activities.
Spending money
We recommend allocating approximately $200 NZD spending money per month to cover things like transport and weekend activities.
Optional trips
It’s a good idea to save some money for optional trips organised by your host family or your host organisation in China.
Eligibility
Students must be:
- Aged between 15 and 18.5 years prior to the programme start date
- A New Zealand Citizen or hold Permanent Residency
- Enrolled in a high school
- Willing to learn Mandarin prior to and during the exchange
- Fit, well, and have a suitable personality profile
- Academically motivated
Visas
All students need to apply for a visa regardless of their length of stay. Please note, there is an extra visa fee for students doing the 10-month programme as they need to obtain a special visa called JW202. You will receive supporting documents from our Chinese affiliate before lodging your Chinese visa application. The application process itself is fairly straightforward and has a quick turnover.
Language
Students are required to study Mandarin prior to departure and speak the language throughout the programme. Mandarin lessons are available on request (please note these incur additional fees).
Financing and scholarships
We know that financing your exchange might be a bit of a challenge, but don’t let that hold you back from pursuing the experience of a lifetime! NZIIU offers a select number of scholarships each year to exceptional students who require some financial assistance, as well as fundraising kits.
Explore now »NZIIU fundraising kit »
Meet our past students
Meet our NZIIU Student Ambassadors at one of our information day events! These students who have recently been on exchange have done it all, and are here to share their knowledge, experiences, and stories from exchange.
Learn More »