Frequently Asked Questions
Courses
Q: I am going to study for a longer period. What if I want to take a holiday during my course?
A:
No problem we can incorporate a holiday into your course of study.
Q: When may I start an ESOL course?
A:
Our courses start every Monday.
Q: How long can I study for?
A:
You can study for a couple of days or for 2 years or for as long as your visa allows.
Find a visa - IMMIGRATION NEW ZEALAND
Q: Does Talent International Institute close for holidays?
A:
Yes. We are closed over the Christmas period for about two weeks and for the statutory holidays throughout the year for example Easter. Check with our Office Manager for more information.
Q: Will I get a certificate at the end of the course?
A:
Yes. After the completion of your course.
Q: May I try some classes before I decide to enroll?
A:
Yes. You can sit in on any of our classes for free up to a maximum of 5 hours.
Q: Do I have to buy the course book?
A:
It depends on the course. Please check with the Office Manager for information specific to your course.
Q: How many levels of English courses are there in the school?
A:
We have four English Levels - Elementary, Pre intermediate, Intermediate and Advanced.
Q: How are students allocated to classes?
A:
We have a maximum of 10 students per class for English but student numbers may be higher for other courses. You will be given a test of English prior to enrollment in our English classes and you will have to meet our enrollment criteria for Business courses. Contact our Office Manager if you have further questions.
Q: How many students are there in the schools?
A:
We have between 20 - 35 students enrolled at our school at any one time throughout the year. We pride ourselves on having a personnal approach to education. You won't be just a number at Talent International Institute.
Q: How many teachers are there in the school?
A:
Between 10 and 15. All of our teachers are highly qualified professional in their various fields who have a passion for teaching.
Q: If I need to be absent from the school, what should I do?
A:
You can ring the school or send a Txt to our 24/7 number. If you are on a student visa it is very important that you have attendance as close to 100% as possible. Have a chat with the Office Manager if you need to be absent for any reason. We will try to help you either stay at school or limit the time you need to be absent.
Q: I am worried I cannot speak English very well. Will Talent International Institute accept me?
A:
We will test you prior to enrolment. It is very uncommon for us to decline an English Language application but there are minimum requirements for all of our other courses. Please refer to our Courses page for more information or contact our Office Manager.
Q: What is the ESOL timetable?
A:
Monday to Friday 9am until 3pm. Morning and Afternoon tea break at 10.30 and 2pm. Lunch from 12-1pm. The specific timetable varies according to your course of study. When you enroll we will send you a timetable specific to your course.
Q: What will I study in my General English Course?
A:
Our General English Course covers writing, reading, listening and speaking, pronunciation, vocabulary development and grammar. It will help students improve their levels of fluency, accuracy and confidence in everyday communication.
Q: What kind of facilities do you have?
A:
Full kitchen facilities for students which include tea and coffee, milk and sugar, microwaves, fridge, hot water. Laptops, audio equipment, male and female bathroom, student area, free wireless network. Due to our central locations in both Dunedin and Christchurch you will find everything you will normally need within walking distance.
Q: Does TII teach other courses besides ESOL?
A:
Yes. Currently TII runs a Study Support Center program for children between the ages of 5 - 12, a Skills for Industry Course that trains and prepares people for entering the workforce, and an School Holiday Program during term holidays.
Q: How can I learn more about a mainstream course?
A:
Talk to the admissions department.
Enrolment
Q: How do I pay?
A:
You can pay by direct deposit, Eftpos or by cash/cheque. We do not accept credit cards. Our Office Manager will help you to organise all of your fees.
Q: When do I have to pay full fees?
A:
Full fees are due before your course of study when you are applying for a student visa.
Q: Can I pay ESOL weekly?
A:
Yes. If you are enrolled on a casual basis. Fees are due at the beginning of each week. You can get more information by speaking to or emailing the Office Manager.
Q: What happens if I want to cancel my course?
A:
Often you can depending on when you change your plans. Please refer to our refund policy and The Code of Practice.
Accommodation
Q: Can I choose a host family?
A:
We take into careful consideration your needs and try to make a suitable match with a family that is available at the time. If your homestay is not suitable then it can be changed but it is not a option which should be taken lightly.
Q: May I use the internet in my homestay?
A:
Yes. Most homestays have wireless internet, you are not able to download any movies or songs as this is expensive in New Zealand.
Others
Q: Do I need a Visa to study at your school?
A:
Yes. If you want to study longer than 3 months. Casual study of less than 12 weeks can usually be done on a Visitor's visa.
Q: Do I need insurance?
A:
Yes this is compulsory. You can oraganise your own or we can organise for you.