Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Our teachers hold specific English language teaching qualifications as required by English New Zealand. Our teaching style is engaging and dynamic and teachers are passionate about helping students improve their English inside and outside of the classroom. Here’s what sets them apart:

Experience: Teachers have a wealth of English language teaching experience in New Zealand and overseas.

Expert Advice: Our team includes those with experience as IELTS and Cambridge examiners who offer expert guidance on exam courses, helping you excel in your assessments.

Academic Support: The academic team is dedicated to helping you achieve your study goals, providing personalised assistance every step of the way.

When you start at CCEL, you’ll have a placement test to show us your level of English. You’ll be placed in a class with students at a similar level and receive ongoing assessment, including tests every five weeks, individual tutorials, and progress reports. While everyone progresses differently, here’s a general timeline based on full-time tuition:

Beginner to Elementary (Level 1-2) – Approximately 2 months

Elementary to Pre Intermediate (Level 2-3) – 3 to 4 months

Pre intermediate to Intermediate (Level 3-4) – 3 to 4 months

Intermediate to Upper Intermediate (Level 4-5) – 3 to 4 months

Upper Intermediate to Advanced (Level 6) – 3 to 4 months

Yes! When you complete your course, you’ll receive a Certificate of Studies and a Final Progress Report detailing your performance and attendance rate.

CCEL welcomes students from around the world. The total number of students varies depending on the season and timing of academic courses but usually is between 150 to 200 students per week.

Yes! Many students decide to extend their original study plans at CCEL. If you want to extend your course, our team is here to help you and provide the information you need.

Yes! We understand that your learning goals and needs may change. Speak to a member of our team, and we will assess whether you are ready for a change based on your level, visa status, and the length of your enrolment.

Yes! Our academic English courses EAP 1 & EAP 2 are designed to help you prepare for university studies.  These courses will help you take the next step in your academic pathway.

Our team can advise you on the entry requirements for our pathway partners, the University of Canterbury (UC) and UC International College (UCIC) and put you in direct contact with UC and UCIC staff.

For more information about our pathways and partner institutions, contact us.

Your first day at CCEL will be busy! Here is your timetable:

On your first day, we recommend you bring:

• Lunch, snacks and a water bottle
• A notepad and pen
• A laptop or digital device if you have one

Don’t forget to bring your passport and a copy of your medical and travel insurance (translated into English) for our records.

We are ready to support you at every step of your journey. Here’s how we can help you:

Teachers & Administration Staff: Our dedicated teaching team and administration staff are always available to offer you assistance.

Student Counsellors: Need help in your first language? Our student counsellors, selected for their understanding of New Zealand culture, are available by appointment to provide you with personalised support.

Academic Team: Whether you’re planning to use your English for fun, work or university, our academic team is here to guide you through the process.

Yes, we provide free Wi-Fi access for all students at CCEL.

Enrolling at CCEL is easy. Complete the Enrolment Form, send it to us with a copy of your passport key information page and we’ll contact you very soon. Alternatively, you can visit an education agency in your home country and request to enrol at CCEL.

There’s so much to see and do in and around Christchurch. You can:

• visit the beaches to swim, surf or walk
• enjoy sports facilities
• explore shopping malls
• watch the latest movies or visit a theatre
• relax in parks and gardens
• enjoy a coffee or a meal with friends
• admire art galleries, or
• experience the many tourist activities available.

Yes. We have many activities and trips organised for outside of class hours. Plus, CCEL offers weekend outings to some of New Zealand’s most stunning spots. Visit our Facebook page for more info.

You will have access to all of the University of Canterbury (UC) facilities including the libraries and cafeterias and can also join the university’s clubs. In addition, living in a homestay family is a good way to improve your English and experience the Kiwi lifestyle.

If you want to meet Kiwi birds, head to the local wildlife sanctuary, Willowbank!

The cost of living will vary depending on your accommodation, travel and interests outside of study. Find out about living costs in New Zealand.

Yes, CCEL is an NZQA Category 1 provider. This means student visa holders taking an English language course of 14 weeks or more have the right to work part-time in New Zealand during their stay in New Zealand.

You cannot be self-employed. You must have an employment agreement with a New Zealand based employer and we will give you some helpful information during your orientation on Day 1.

Students can join our Job Club to learn skills and strategies for getting a job in New Zealand. Otherwise, you can look for part-time work yourself on websites such as Seek and Trade Me

If you want to work while you are studying, check Live and Work New Zealand a useful guide to help you with your plans. Please remember that to work in New Zealand, you will need to have a valid visa with work rights as part of the conditions.

You have a few options for accommodation: homestay, student residence, or flatting.

• Homestay family. This is a fantastic way to experience the kiwi lifestyle and use English in real-life situations. If you decide to choose homestay, make sure to send us your CCEL enrolment form at least 4 weeks before your start date.
• Student Residence. This is for students who want to experience campus living while studying at CCEL. You will share a flat with other international students, so have the opportunity to practise your English with other students outside of class time.
• Flatting. If you want an alternative to homestay or the student residence, look on the CCEL noticeboard where flats in Christchurch are advertised.

If you book accommodation through CCEL, and book an airport transfer with us, your homestay family or our airport transfer company will be waiting for you at the arrival area of Christchurch Airport. They will be holding a board with your name on it and showing the CCEL logo. Please email study@ccel.co.nz for information about this.

If you do not book a transfer with us you will need to arrange your own transport to your accommodation. This might be via Uber, taxi or a bus.

At your homestay you will have a single room with a bed, a desk, a wardrobe, and a heater. Your host family will provide you with breakfast and dinner each day, and three meals at the weekends and on public holidays. CCEL’s host families are carefully chosen for their comfortable homes and their caring and welcoming attitude.

CCEL’s location means it has access to good quality homestays very close to the school. Some are within walking distance and some are in the bus zone, so you will be a short bus ride away from school each day. Travelling in Christchurch is easy and convenient. The city bus service is regular and there are lots of new safe cycleways if you like to ride a bike.

CCEL is an NZQA Category 1 school. This means that CCEL has been recognised as having the highest quality rating given by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority. CCEL is also a member of English New Zealand and Quality English.

Yes, CCEL has agreed to observe and be bound by the Education (Pastoral Care of Tertiary and International Learners) Code of Practice 2021. Copies of the Code of Practice (in English and other languages) can be found on the NZQA website. A pamphlet that summarises the Code and provides important information for international students and their families can also be found here.