Language school Queenstown, Southern Lakes English College

If you are in possession of a Working Holiday Visa (for the WOOFING programme, you just need a tourist visa), this programme is perfect for you. Queenstown is the fastest-growing city in New Zealand. This well-known resort attracts several million visitors each year, creating many job opportunities. Favourable regulations for the temporary employment of foreign workers means this destination is particularly interesting, especially for anyone wishing to extend their stay to discover the region whilst having a paid job.

One of the main assets of the "Gap Year in Queenstown” programme is the guarantee that SLEC, our partner school, makes every effort to efficiently guide and advise you in your job search: practical information, administrative procedures, getting a work permit. You will be given all the help you need!

Many doors will then be open to you: hospitality, catering, sales, administration, marketing, transport, travel agencies, bakeries, bars and clubs, casinos, fruit picking, grape harvesting and many more. If you intend to work in a specific location in New Zealand, then you will need a work permit. To obtain it, you will need to be employed for a minimum of 30 hours per week (6 to 8 hours per day). For those who wish to combine travel and work, ask for a seasonal work permit: mostly for the summer months, this permit will enable you to work for various employers whilst visiting different places in the country. You will mostly find fruit picking or grape harvesting jobs, but you can also find work in other sectors. With both types of permit, you will earn an average hourly wage of 11 to 20 NZD, depending on your level of English and type of work. You may also choose to work in a farm which includes full board accommodation. You can travel throughout the country at a low cost with a straightforward tourist visa.

The winter season from June to September means that all the ski resorts are open and the summer lasting from November to March includes all the activities you can imagine. Christmas time is also a great time as there are lots of job opportunities available.
 
Intensive course
Lessons: 25 of 55 minutes
Duration: 12 to 48 weeks
Level: beginners to advanced
Student/class: 9-12 people
Minimum age : 15 years old
Schedule: 09:00-12:00 + 13:00-15:00

Cambridge exams preparation course (FCE, CAE)
Lessons: 25 of 55 minutes
Duration: 9/10/12 or 12* weeks
*+1 extra week of accommodation (exams)
Level: intermediate to advanced
Details: cf. intensive course
Please note: In March, exams take place in Dunedin. The school will organise your transfer and your accommodation on-site.

WOOFING
Woofing is an ideal option if you want to make the most of your stay on these faraway islands. Woofing means Willing Worker on Organic Farms. You will share the life of a family or a community living in a farm, learn how to garden, harvest, cut wood and do a thousand and one little chores. Close to nature, you will learn English with the farmers. 
Woofing contributes to promoting sustainable development by teaching participants organic farming practices.
You will also visit the region and integrate into local life. Besides, you will have the possibility to stay in several farms in different areas. This is a perfect choice for those who wish to discover New Zealand through gardening!
 
Working schedule
4 to 7 hours a day - 25 to 30 hours a week
 
Conditions :
- Being at least 18
- Being available and willing to work in a farm
- Being fit
 
 
Other programmes available :
- seasonal work : it is an opportunity to work in the packaging or fruit picking industry. An on-site organisation will take care of finding you a work placement as well as a temporary work permit.
- Work in the hotel industry : This option requires the obtention of a regular work permit on-site, which itself requires the support of a local company. Students are responsible for finding a sponsor company. Working for a period of several months (6 months at least) is beneficial. The school will assist you in taking all the steps on-site.