ELA Home > About ELA > Facilities & Services

Facilities & Services

Student Lounge

There are three large student lounges where students can have lunch, take a break or utilise the Internet facilities. The lounges are equipped with sofas, chairs and tables, microwaves and tea and coffee facilities. We also hold our graduation ceremonies in the student lounges. Computers with access to Internet and email are available in the main student lounge. There is no additional charge for the use of these computers.

ELA Study Centre

At the English Language Academy language learning does not stop at the classroom door. After class and even on weekends the ELA Study Centre is open for self-study. It is a great resource with hundreds of language-learning materials, books, DVDs, computer programmes and more. Qualified teachers are available to help you at all times. You can participate in ELA Study Centre language-learning activities such as the Conversation Club and Discussion Groups. Best of all, the ELA Study Centre is free for ELA students.

The ELA Study Centre system also lists out more than 200 recommended websites for users to improve the examination skills and academic English.

ELA Study Centre Timetable

The ELA study centre is free for students of ELA, or those who are enrolled in IELTS preparation courses at ELA, for the duration of their course and for 2 weeks after the end of their course. For those who have not enrolled in courses at ELA but are candidates for the IELTS test at ELA, the study centre resources are accessible for a $10 charge per week, or the option of $30 a month.

Monday	11.00-6.00pm (close at 7.00pm in summer)
Tuesday	11.00-6.00pm (close at 7.00pm in summer)
Wednesday	11.00-6.00pm (close at 7.00pm in summer)
Thursday	11.00-6.00pm (close at 7.00pm in summer)
Friday	11.00-6.00pm (close at 7.00pm in summer)
Saturday	12.00-6.00pm
Sunday	12.00-6.00pm

Note: ELA Study Centre may not be available during some class time.

Teacher will also be available in ELA Study Centre from 1.00pm to 5.15pm, Monday to Friday to provide help to students.

Counselling

The ELA provides professional and experienced advisors to assist you with both academic and personal concerns. They aim to ensure that you are enjoying your time at the ELA and studying to your full potential.

Students have access to the native-language counsellors, homestay and pastoral-care coordinators and the academic counsellor throughout their study programme at the ELA. Academic counselling is available on a regular basis to ensure your study programme is meeting your goals and needs.

Activities

For a small additional cost, students can participate in the wide range of activities organised by the ELA. Activities range from a quiet evening at the movies or shopping in Auckland City to the more adventurous activities such as skydiving, bungee jumping, sailing, indoor rock climbing, scuba diving and horse riding. To find out what’s on, please refer to the student notice boards or inquire at reception.

Medical and Travel Insurance

International students must have appropriate current medical and travel insurance while studying in New Zealand. The ELA can arrange this for our students. Our insurance provider is Studentsafe University Insurance. If you need more information about them, please download the Studentsafe Brochure or visit the website - Studentsafe University Insurance. Here's the Studentsafe Insurance FAQ for more detail. All claims will be looked at once the students fill in the Studentsafe Insurance Claim Form.

Student Visa Renewal

If you are an international student you are required by law to hold a student visa for the duration of your academic study at the ELA.

Please submit your student visa application as soon as possible to avoid any delays in your study plans at the ELA. We do not give extensions to start your studies late due to delays in processing visa applications.

The ELA is only able to assist with the renewal of student visas provided the student is extending the course duration here at the ELA but not first time entry student visas.

Are you an international student?

You are an international student if you are:

not a citizen or permanent resident of New Zealand, or
not a citizen or permanent resident of Australia, or
not a citizen of the Cook Islands, Niue or Tokelau

Student visa details

Should show the correct programme and institute of study details (i.e. Academic English at English Language Academy) and is needed for you to complete your enrolment.

It is your responsibility to ensure that your student visa and permit is valid throughout the duration of your study.

Working in New Zealand

Working while you study

If you are studying in a programme that is diploma level or higher, you qualify to work part time while you are a full-time student. If you are studying in a certificate level programme, please contact ISSS for information about whether you qualify.

Authority to work part time

Many international students are eligible to work part time in NZ for up to 20 hours a week depending on their programme of study. You can enquire if you are eligible for this condition on your student visa when you apply at your nearest Immigration New Zealand branch.

You are not permitted to work full time during the academic year including mid or inter-semester breaks. You are not allowed to work 10 hours one week and 30 the next in order to average out to 20 hours per week. You are only permitted to work only 20 hours per week part time (maximum).

Authority to work during summer holidays

You may be able to work during summer holidays because it is a condition of your student visa and permit. If you have any questions, you should direct them to the Immigration NZ branch processing your student visa application

Full time working visas and permanent residency

If you have long terms plans that involve applying for permanent residency or a full-time work visa/permit because you have obtained a job offer, you can get forms and advice directly from Immigration New Zealand.

If you’re thinking of employing an immigration consultant to assist you with your full-time working and/or permanent residency visa applications here are some useful tips

Use a licensed adviser - ask questions about their credentials
Immigration applications are not necessarily expensive - you may not need the services of an agent
Read all documentation before signing and always obtain a receipt for any money paid
Do not sign a blank application form - ever
Be honest - providing false or misleading information may lead to an application being declined and is an offence under the Immigration Act (which could lead to serious consequences to your future in New Zealand)

Immigration New Zealand

Immigration New Zealand can help you with all aspects of your visa application, especially before you leave your home country. They will be able to help you with many aspects of obtaining a visa, such as: