Studying English in New Zealand

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TOEFL, TOEIC, IELTS, ESOL: What Does it Mean?

There are a huge amount of courses and exams that you can pass when studying English in New Zealand. They present a different level of qualification used all around the world to rate your English fluency. Here is a quick rundown on the major English diplomas for foreign speakers that you will find in New Zealand:

TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)

Valid in over 130 countries the TOEFL is probably the most well-known English test across the globe. It is primarily aimed at foreign speakers looking to enrol at an English-speaking university. The test aims at grading their English proficiency, therefore their aptitude at following a course in English. TOEFL is also widely accepted by employers worldwide and immigration agencies like Immigration NZ also accept them as proof of English proficiency.

Average study time: 6 weeks preparation course is recommended

TOEIC (Test Of English for International Communication)

The TOEIC test is designed for companies to evaluate which candidate is best to hire for an international position. This is a highly business-focused test that is widely respected by companies all around the world for both employee promotions and new hires.

The test comes in two formats: Listening and Reading to evaluate your understanding of the English language and Speaking and Writing to evaluate your aptitude at communicating in English.

Average study time: 10 weeks of training is recommended

IELTS (International English Language Testing System)

This test aims at evaluating a non-native English speakers’ level of English proficiency under one worldwide standard test.

The IELTS test comes in two different tests. The Academic version of the test is perfect for those that are looking to study in an English-speaking country or work in an English-speaking country. Showing a great result will increase your chances to get the job or get enrolled. The General Training is aimed at people that want to immigrate in an English-speaking country and want to prove their proficiency in the English language.

Average study time: 8 weeks preparation course is recommended.

Cambridge English

This test is more of a general test covering both professional and everyday life, encompassing conversational, writing, reading, and listening skills. It is widely used in the UK by migrants but is getting more popular in New Zealand and other Commonwealth countries. It is a great way to standardise results of more generic English courses, as opposed to the intensive test preparations undertaken to get a good score for the other tests mentioned above.

Average study time: 10 weeks of training is recommended

ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages)

ESOL is not a test. It is a generic term that is used by language schools to describe certain types, of course, that may or may not end with one of the tests above. It is also known as ESL (English as a second language), EFL (English as a foreign language) or EAL (English as an additional language).

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How to Pick the Best School to Study English in New Zealand?

There are many factors to take into consideration when picking a school to study English in New Zealand. Since there are so many offers on the market, you are bound to find one that will suit your particular needs. In cities like Auckland, there are over 50 different English schools to choose from!

Aspects to compare when choosing an English course include…

Program Length

Pick a school that offers a program to fit your travel time. There is no need to enrol for 25 weeks – often only 6-8 weeks suffice!

Course Hours

This is a critical consideration, especially if you are planning to study part-time and work on the side. Pick a school that offers hours that will not interfere with your working hours. Employers will not adapt their store hours to your schedule; you have to get free time during general working hours.

Price

Find a school that fits your budget, but keep in mind, if a deal is too good to be true, it probably is. Well-qualified teachers are not cheap and re-taking failed tests are expensive.

Facilities

Every school will be happy to give you a tour of their facilities. We encourage you to show up in-person in English schools before enrolling so you can get a feel of the place.

Reputation

A quick online check should give you a good insight into an English school. Both student ratings and success rates should be taken into consideration.

Exams/Test

Exams and tests are expensive to run by schools so they often come only at selected dates. Smaller schools may only have four test dates throughout the year. It is critical for you to ask when the test dates are to see if they fit your schedule.

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The Single Best Tip to Improve Your English in New Zealand

When travelling through New Zealand you will have the opportunity to interact with people from all across the world. Do it! Go nuts! Talk to everybody! The more you practice your English, the more it will improve. Most travellers see tremendous improvement in their English level within only a few weeks of being in New Zealand.

However, this means that you need to refrain from speaking your native language. If you are travelling with friends, make a plan to speak English together as well. That way, you will practice more and seem friendlier to other travellers, as opposed to talking in a language they don’t understand.

Since practice is king when learning a new language, you may also want to consider studying English part-time and freeing yourself some time for work or activities where you will be able to practice your English instead of sitting in a classroom. Make friends! You will be surprised by the difference that it makes. It is not unusual for part-time students to improve faster than full-time students.