Student Support
Comprehensive pastoral care and academic support for international students
At Macleans College, student wellbeing is central to the international student experience. A structured and responsive support network ensures every student feels safe, supported and connected throughout their time at Macleans College.
From arrival through to graduation, international students have access to personalised guidance, counselling and academic support. The school’s approach ensures students build confidence, succeed academically and feel a strong sense of belonging.
'I felt really welcomed in the Macleans College family thanks to the international department. They helped us a lot. We felt secure and confident all the time thanks to them.'
Dedicated support for international students
Macleans College provides a comprehensive pastoral care system tailored to international students. Experienced staff work closely with students to support their wellbeing, academic progress and transition to life at school and in New Zealand.
International students are encouraged to seek support whenever they need it.
Support includes:
- A dedicated International Students team
- Regular check-ins and ongoing guidance
- Support with settling into school and homestay arrangements
- Academic and subject guidance
- Access to health and wellbeing services
- Clear, timely communication with families and education agents
- A welcoming and accessible International Department
Macleans College operates in accordance with the Education (Pastoral Care of Tertiary and International Learners) Code of Practice, ensuring high standards of care and safety for all international students.
Meet the International Team
The International Department is made up of experienced staff who support students and coordinate the international programme. They work closely with students, families and education agents throughout the student journey.
Ms Bessie Tuialii
Deputy Principal and Director of International Students
Academic pathways (NCEA/CIE), subject selection and course options
Mr Patrick Lau
International Student Manager and Finance Manager
Telephone: 64-9-535 2620 ext 695
New enrolments, school fees, visa queries, financial matters
Mrs Megan Rawlings
International Student Department Manager
Overall management and coordination of the International Department
24 hour emergency support
Macleans College provides 24 hour emergency support to help ensure the safety and wellbeing of international students, regardless of the time or situation.
Macleans College emergency contact (24/7)
+64 27 4203 917
If you urgently need to speak to someone from Macleans College outside school hours, you can call this number at any time.
Emergency services in New Zealand
Dial 111 for Police, Fire or Ambulance.
Police services are available nationwide and respond to all emergency calls. If assistance is needed while out and about, local community members or businesses can help direct international students to the nearest police station.
Wellbeing and pastoral care
International students have access to a dedicated full-time Guidance Counsellor who supports their personal, social and emotional wellbeing throughout their time at Macleans College. Having a dedicated counsellor for international students is a unique feature of the Macleans College experience.
Students are encouraged to seek help whenever needed.
The wider pastoral care network includes:
- Form teachers and Whānau house leaders who provide day-to-day connection and support
- A wider school support network accessible to all students
- Communication with families where appropriate
This approach ensures international students are known, supported and cared for throughout their time at Macleans College.
Some links on this page, marked with an arrow ↗, will take you to other areas of the Macleans College website for more detailed information.
Academic and English language support
Qualified ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) teachers provide structured English language support ↗ for long-term international students*. Programmes are designed to build confidence in reading, writing, listening and speaking within the New Zealand curriculum context.
All international students are assessed on arrival and placed in classes suited to their individual English language needs and academic background.
Additional academic support includes:
- Guidance from the Director of International Students
- Career counselling and pathway planning
- Ongoing academic monitoring and progress support through the school year
*Please note: ESOL support is available to long-term international students only. Students on short-term stays are not eligible for this programme.
Practical support
The International Department can also assist with the practical aspects of student life, including:
- Subject selection and academic pathways
- University entrance requirements and career planning
- Homestay and accommodation support
- Travel, insurance and general administrative enquires
- Extra-curricular activities and opportunities to connect with the school community
International students are never expected to manage challenges alone. Support is available whenever they need guidance or assistance.
Orientation programme for new international students
All international students take part in a comprehensive orientation programme before beginning classes at Macleans College.
The programme is designed to ease the transition to life in New Zealand and give students a confident start to their high school experience.
Topics covered during orientation include:
- Homestay expectations and daily routines
- Health services and counselling support available at the school
- School routines, expectations and culture
- Connecting with the wider school community
- Safety in New Zealand
International student prefects play a key role in the orientation programme, helping new students settle in through group activities, ice-breakers and shared experiences. Orientation helps students build friendships and feel part of the Macleans College community from day one.
'All the teachers and students have been friendly and polite, and they never hesitated to help me.'
'As soon as I arrived in my Whānau House I was warmly welcomed into a very close, family-like community that I have not seen at any other school before.'
Enquire about studying at Macleans College
Families, students and agents interested in international secondary school study in New Zealand are welcome to contact the Macleans College International Department directly. The team can answer questions about enrolment, academic pathways, fees, homestay accommodation and life at Macleans College.
General international enquiries:
International Student Manager: [email protected]
International Marketing Manager: [email protected]