New Zealand’s Trusted Education Experience Partner
Since 2012, the New Zealand Student Experience Centre (NZSEC) has been dedicated to creating meaningful learning journeys for young people. What began as a small initiative on the West Coast has grown into a trusted organisation offering carefully curated programmes that allow students to experience New Zealand’s culture, education, and landscapes first-hand.
Our focus is on designing one-of-a-kind student experiences that foster personal growth, cultural understanding, and a global outlook. While our core programmes bring international students to New Zealand, we also support occasional outbound opportunities for New Zealand schools, broadening horizons in both directions.
Our Objectives
At NZSEC, we’re more than just inbound travel programmes. Our work is guided by three key objectives that shape everything we do – from designing meaningful student experiences to supporting teachers and schools in delivering global learning opportunities. These objectives reflect our belief that international education should be enriching, inclusive, and future-focused.
Read below to discover the three pillars that drive our mission.
01
Short-Term Student Experiences (Inbound)
Our inbound programmes give international students the chance to truly see and feel New Zealand. Each experience blends cultural immersion, classroom learning, and plenty of fun – from trying local foods and sports to exploring our unique landscapes. Students return home with a deeper understanding of Kiwi life, lasting friendships, and memories that reflect the warmth and spirit of New Zealand.
02
Short-Term Student Experiences (Outbound)
Our outbound programmes give New Zealand students the chance to step outside the classroom and experience life in another country, such as Fiji, China, or beyond. Typically lasting one week, each experience combines cultural immersion, school visits, and hands-on activities that help students build confidence, independence, and global awareness. These programmes are designed to be safe, affordable, and highly impactful, offering all the benefits of international learning without the long-term commitment of a year abroad.
03
Sister School Connections
While our primary focus is on student experiences, some schools appreciate the opportunity to connect with international counterparts. These optional school connections allow for occasional collaboration, shared projects, and cultural learning, giving students a chance to interact with peers from other countries. Teachers may also benefit from insights into different classroom approaches. For schools, these connections can broaden horizons and provide a global perspective — without the formal commitment of a long-term partnership.
Rising Interest in International School Connections
Since the COVID-19 lockdowns, schools and educators are increasingly looking for ways to reconnect with the wider world. Many are seeking opportunities for cultural learning, collaborative projects, and global experiences for their students. While NZSEC’s primary focus remains on curated student experiences, some schools are exploring optional connections with international peers to broaden horizons and enrich learning. These opportunities offer a fresh sense of connection, collaboration, and inspiration for students and teachers alike.
NZSEC By Numbers
650+
Student Participants
Over 650 students have participated in our programmes, gaining meaningful cultural and educational experiences. Our busiest year to date was 2018.
20+
Countries Involved
Our programmes connect schools in over 20 countries, with Qatar being the furthest partner from New Zealand. A 17-hour direct flight connects Doha with Auckland!
25+
Teacher Exchanges
Over 25 teachers have participated in professional learning experiences abroad, with China being the most popular destination. These programmes allow educators to gain new ideas and approaches to bring back to their classrooms.
150+
Schools Involved
We now have over 150 school partners, with Xian University of Arts and Science High School being the first to visit New Zealand, earning the OG tag.
70+
Languages Spoken
Our participants have spoken over 70 languages, including Nihali, a rare language spoken by approximately 2,500 people in Maharashtra, India, with no known relation to any other language family.
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