CIC student support systems are based on best practice as reflected in the New Zealand Ministry of Education Code of Practice for the recruitment, welfare and support of International students. These systems are regularly reviewed, based on feedback from students themselves.

Orientation

International students face many challenges when they arrive in a foreign country. As such CIC provides our new students with a structured welcome and orientation programme, the features of which include the following:

• Students are met by a trained CIC employee upon arrival at Christchurch Airport and transported to the student’s homestay family and accommodation.
• Students are welcomed to CIC by the Principal and/or Director of Studies, informed about relevant CIC rules and given a tour around Christchurch.
• Arrangements are made for banking and other personal needs; in addition students are given information about New Zealand laws, study requirements and the various support people available to assist them with any problems.
• Students are given an initial English language test to assess their language level and this is then used for placement into appropriate classes.

International Student Welfare Committee

The International Student Welfare Committee consists of the Principal, Administration Manager and Director of Studies. The role of the Welfare Committee is to monitor students’ physical and emotional well-being through frequent liaison between students, teachers and CIC management. There is, for example, regular communication with teachers to check on the academic progress of students. Further, the Administration Manager and Director of Studies regularly talk with the Principal to advise him of any significant personal or family issues that individual students may have. One-to-one counselling sessions are also available for students, interpretation or translation services can be provided when needed, as can advice on cultural issues.

Careers Counselling

Students are also able to access the Careers Room where information and advice can be found for pathways into higher tertiary education, both in New Zealand and overseas. Appointments can be made for individual careers/education advice on the most appropriate polytechnic or university courses to take. If they wish, students can be assisted with applications to universities in New Zealand, Australia, Canada and Japan. CIC is also able to help students obtain conditional offers of place for universities and assist with student visa applications to other countries.

Recognition of Prior Learning

In placing students into appropriate courses, CIC is committed to adhering to the five principles identified by NZQA in their publication The Recognition of Prior Learning (1993). Recognition of Prior Learning is available to students for all courses offered at CIC. However, to be given credit for a particular unit standard or subject students will need to produce appropriate and legitimate proof  that they do indeed process the necessary knowledge and skills. A university transcript would be a good example of appropriate and legitimate proof.In determining whether recognition of prior learning shall be given, the place where the student achieved the unit standard or passed the subject will be taken into consideration. Thus, students who have attended educational institutions in New Zealand are more likely to be given credit than those who have attended foreign institutions. In addition, the Principal/ Director of Studies reserve the right to test the subject knowledge of students who have obtained qualifications overseas.