New Zealand
Student Experience
Centre
Encouraging students to pick up a backpack and discover the world since 2012.
Since 2012, the New Zealand Student Experience Centre (NZSEC) has been committed to transforming how young people engage with the world. What began as a small initiative on the West Coast of New Zealand has grown into a globally connected organisation, working with schools across Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and the United States to deliver meaningful, curriculum-aligned learning experiences.
Our mission is to design educational journeys that build confidence, curiosity, and cultural literacy. Every programme is carefully curated to combine academic enrichment with real-world learning — from school immersion and subject-linked activities to hands-on exploration of New Zealand’s culture, environment, and communities.
New Zealand’s Trusted Education Experience Partner
At NZSEC, we’re more than just an inbound programme provider — we are an education-centred organisation built on three core pillars: welcoming international students to New Zealand, supporting outbound opportunities for New Zealand learners, and fostering meaningful sister-school connections around the world. These pillars guide everything we do and reflect our belief that international education should be enriching, inclusive, and genuinely future-focused.
Together, our inbound, outbound, and school-to-school initiatives create a comprehensive pathway for global learning. Whether students are experiencing New Zealand first-hand, travelling abroad, or engaging in intercultural partnerships from the classroom, each programme is designed to strengthen understanding, build confidence, and prepare young people to thrive in an interconnected world.
Our Objectives
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.
Short-Term Student Experiences (Inbound)
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.
Short-Term Student Experiences (Outbound)
One of our core strengths is building meaningful school-to-school connections. Over the years, we have met with nearly 1,000 schools across the globe in search of the most suitable and enriching matches. These partnerships create genuine opportunities for collaboration, shared projects, and cultural understanding, allowing students to engage with peers from different countries in a purposeful way. Teachers also gain valuable insights into alternative teaching styles and classroom environments. For schools, these connections broaden horizons, enrich learning, and bring a global perspective directly into their community.
Sister School Connections
Since 2012, the New Zealand Student Experience Centre (NZSEC) has facilitated over 50 partnerships and welcomed over 750 student participants. We prioritise student safety and meaningful experiences over online promotion, which is why we do not rely on social media or publish extensive content online. Our focus is on building trusted, long-term relationships with schools. We are happy to provide references and connect schools directly once these relationships have been established, ensuring transparency and confidence in every programme we deliver.
Our Impact and Reach
750+
Student Participants
Over 750 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 "original" 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.
Contact Us
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