I'm in high school and want to start a new life in New Zealand after graduation?

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Charlie

You would need a student visa in new Zealand, and usually, people on student visas are required to show they have the money to support themselves...as they are allowed to work only a few hours a week. To be perfectly honest...your best bet is to CHANGE your ways NOW. Start getting excellent grades. Attend a community college where you live for your first year...and get EXCELLENT grades there...then perhaps you could qualify for a scholarship to a school in the U.S. with a good film program. Combining both dreams...New Zealand and the degree in directing probably is not going to work due to restrictions of student visas. When you are a senior , or ready for a post-graduate degree...you may be able to do a year in New Zealand.

akpinnz

I'm an American doing a graduate degree in New Zealand at University of Auckland so I have experience in this area. The US govt. will give you Stafford Loans to pay for education in NZ. They will provide up to US$10,500/year for an indepedent (Parents won't help) Undergraduate. Your annual tuition at either U of Auckland or AUT would be about US$14,000 give or take a couple thousand, not including living or food costs. Rent runs about US$450/month and food is 20% more than in the US. Gas costs US$6/gallon. You would be eligible for private loans at a slightly higher interest rate to make up the difference and on a student visa you may be allowed to work up to 20 hours a week. Minimum wage is NZ$11.25/hour (US$9.50).

In summary it is doable but very expensive and you shouldn't count on any scholarships from NZ schools, they reserve them for citizens. It's pretty easy to get into a school here though because International Students pay 4 times what NZ students pay and they want our money. U of Auckland ranked 50th best Univ. in the world and the best in NZ generally requires SAT's above 600 in Verbal and Math. Since any school you go to in the US will probably cost you even more and put you even more in debt, I'd say NZ is a good option. I can also tell you the film industry is big in Auckland and it is an awesome place to live. Good Luck!

Joey M

i thought about studying in new zealand but it would be too expensive. I will be an automotive technician with an associate in applied science in two years. then all i need is two get a job offer in new zealand and that should get me enough points for them to give me a permanent visa. i know i might have to work there for abit before renting, studying,and everything but im allready putting aside money. and college there seems to be less expensive than the u.s (for locals at least). i have to look into what scholarships you can get in new zealand though.

Emily

You could get a job at some place, like a store or restaurant, for the time being. That probably doesn't help, but it will get you more money than you would've had with out one. Maybe take out a student loan, for the college part? And if you become a movie director, and get a lot of money, it'll be easy to pay it off. This probably doesn't help...

travel_stories

You need to read these two links below to know exactly where you stand. I am not sure what the requirements for students re money required to enter the country, but there is a minimum amount depending on how long you are staying and what you are doing. You also would not be covered for free medical care and the fees for international students are quite high, although maybe not by USA standards.

You would certainly need to research this well. Including where you plan to learn to be a movie director? The only two places I know are privately run and expensive.

Good Luck - it is good to have goals.

http://www.nzqa.govt.nz/for-learners/nzstudy/index.html

http://www.newzealandeducated.com/int/en/blog/entry/changes_to_visa_policy_for_international_students_announced/

marcus_rennen@xtra.co.nz

Are you able to perhaps come over on one of those Rotary sponsored programmes? You may want to check out your local Rotary Club and see if they offer this facility in there community involvement programme. What about those American Student Programmes at High School? However I think you might be a bit old for that now.
Tell you what and this is a real long shot but worth a try, why dont you take the bull by the horns and just make a heartfelt plea to our very own Peter Jackson!
Google Weta Productions to get his contact details and maybe be creative and make a DVD about you and why you want to come and study in New Zealand. If you can get an internship with Weta then your home and hose buddy!
(The Hobbit and sequel are all set to roll in August this year so now would be good to get in on the ground level)
Goodluck and mate if its your desire to come here and live and study then make it happen. Follow your dreams and live them to the max! Break a leg dude!

clyde s

New Zealand is the best country in the world :)

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