Orientation Information For New Arrivals

When you arrive in NZ, you will be met by a member of our team and taken to your accommodation.

You will be provided with the following information:

• Map of the local area (and of NZ)
• Ministry of Education Code for International Students pamphlet
• Contact details for the course counsellor (including a 24 hour contact for use in an emergency)
• Student Handbook (includes grievance procedures)
• Driving Safely in New Zealand & LTSA fact sheet
• Public transport timetables, local tourist information and any local sporting or recreational groups relevant to their interests
• Contact details for your Course Co-ordinator, the Student Services Co-ordinator and Praxis National Co-ordinator

A member of our team will be able to help you with the following orientation over the first few days of your arrival (we prefer if you can arrive at least 3 working days before the course starts so we can complete this process):

• Been taken to their accommodation
• Been shown around the local area (main features such as shops etc pointed out)
• Had an interview with your course co-ordinator (and helped to choose any selected options where applicable)
• Been taken to meet your agency (where you will do your practical experience) and introduced to the person who will be responsible for you there.
• Found where you can access the internet
• Worked out transport arrangements to class and to your agency.
• Found a doctor and other medical/heath services
• Info on how to make emergency calls and other ‘keeping safe’ issues
• Been assisted to open a bank account (if you wish)
• Been introduced to the course counsellor (or an approved alternative person if you live in another town).
• Explanation of local driving laws, drivers licensing (include directions to AA), general road safety, and other issues related to keeping yourself safe in NZ.
•  Know who to contact from the Praxis team if they are finding things difficult
• Knows how to initiate a complaint or grievance process

Support Services for International Students

Supervisor Each student is required to find a supervisor for the year, we will help you find one:
Your supervisor is a person who will help you to process what is happening for you on the course. It is important that your supervisor is someone that you trust and feel able to talk with them about any area of your life. They will also help you process your Reflection on Practice hours by getting you to journal the practical work you do. You need to take responsibility for meeting with your supervisor every 2-3 weeks.

Agency Rep

This is the person at the church or organisation where you will do your practical work. They will oversee the practical component of your youthwork in your agency. We will ask you to enter into a formal agreement with your agency during your year of training.

Course Co-ordinator

As well as organising your course timetable, your course co-ordinator is also responsible for keeping an overview of your study year, they will check that your agency and mentoring arrangements are working out. In the second half of the year they will begin to discuss your plans for the following year, and help you to work towards them.

Library

The Praxis library can be accessed at www.praxis.org.nz If you live outside of Wellington, books can be ordered by post. There is no extra charge for using this library
You will also have access to the Whitireia Polytechnic library, which can be accessed by internet at www.whitireia.ac.nz

Counsellor

Upon your arrival you will be given contact details for a counsellor. This person has agreed to be available to students in your area. If you choose to, you can access help from them directly without having to go through your course co-ordinator, your supervisor, or your agency.

Church

The faith community that you are part of is a vital part of your own spiritual growth. We will help you to find a church that you feel comfortable in. You are also strongly encouraged to maintain a close and accountable relationship with your own church back at home, keep them informed about what you are doing, and get them praying for you.