New Zealand's Leading Exchange Provider
Since 2012, the New Zealand Student Exchange Council (NZSEC) has been dedicated to creating meaningful opportunities for young people to broaden their horizons and engage with the world in new ways. What began as a small initiative on the West Coast has steadily evolved into a respected and trusted national network, connecting students, schools, and communities across New Zealand and internationally, while fostering cross-cultural understanding, educational collaboration, and long-term global partnerships.
Our Objectives
At NZSEC, we’re more than just student exchanges. Our work is guided by six key objectives that shape everything we do – from building strong global partnerships to creating opportunities for students, teachers, and communities. These objectives reflect our belief that international education should be enriching, inclusive, and future-focused. Read below to discover the six pillars that drive our mission.
01
Short Term Exchanges (Inbound)
Our inbound short term exchanges give international students the chance to truly see and feel New Zealand. These programs combine cultural experiences, 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 showcase the warmth and spirit of New Zealand.
02
Short Term Exchanges (Outbound)
Short term exchanges give New Zealand students the chance to step outside the classroom and experience life in another country such as Fiji, China, or beyond. These programs, typically lasting one week, combine cultural immersion, school visits, and hands-on activities that help students build confidence, independence, and global awareness. They’re designed to be affordable, safe, and highly impactful - offering all the benefits of international education without the long term commitment of a year abroad.
03
Long Term Exchanges
In addition to short term programs, NZSEC has a history of supporting long term exchanges where students spend a term or even a full year studying overseas. These opportunities allow for deeper cultural immersion, language learning, and personal growth. However, since the COVID-19 lockdowns, our long term exchanges have not yet restarted. We remain committed to bringing them back in the future when conditions allow, ensuring students once again have access to these transformative experiences.
Did you know?
Sheep in New Zealand out-number residents 5 to 1; with approximately 25 million sheep and only 5 million residents!
04
Sister School Partnerships
Sister school partnerships create lasting connections between New Zealand schools and their international counterparts, opening doors to collaboration, cultural exchange, and shared learning. These partnerships give students the chance to form friendships across borders, while teachers benefit from professional exchanges and global perspectives in the classroom. For schools, a sister school relationship builds pride, broadens horizons, and strengthens their identity as part of a worldwide education community.
05
Teacher Exchanges
Teacher exchanges provide educators with the chance to step into classrooms abroad, sharing their expertise while gaining fresh perspectives and new teaching approaches. These experiences strengthen professional development, build international networks, and bring renewed energy and ideas back to New Zealand schools. By fostering collaboration and understanding between educators worldwide, teacher exchanges enrich not only the teachers themselves but also the students and communities they serve.
06
Giving Back, Our Charitable Arm
Through our charitable arm, NZSEC is committed to making exchange opportunities accessible to all students, not just those who can easily afford them. To date, we’ve awarded nearly $30,000 in scholarships to young people from disadvantaged backgrounds, helping them take part in life-changing international experiences. These scholarships ensure that talent, curiosity, and passion – not financial circumstance – determine who gets the chance to explore the world.
Surging Demand For Sister School Partnerships
Since the COVID-19 lockdowns, we’ve seen a surge in demand for sister school partnerships as educators and students alike look to reconnect with the wider world. Schools are eager to rebuild international links, create new opportunities for cultural exchange, and give their students the global experiences they missed during the pandemic years. These partnerships are now more valued than ever, offering a fresh sense of connection, collaboration, and hope for the future.
NZSEC By Numbers
650+
Student Participants
Over 650 students have taken part in our programs, gaining valuable cultural and educational experiences. 2018 was our busiest year to date!
20+
Countries Involved
Our programs 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
More than 25 teachers have participated in exchanges, with China being the most popular destination for New Zealand educators.
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.
We’d love to hear from you! Whether you’re a school, a parent, or a student curious about our exchange programs, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Our team is based in Westport, a small town on the rugged West Coast of New Zealand. We’re not a big-city outfit in Auckland or Wellington – we’re country folk, and we pride ourselves on being approachable, genuine, and easy to talk to.
The best way to connect with us is by email or WhatsApp, and we’re always happy to arrange a video call – we love those! If you happen to be passing through Westport, you’re more than welcome to stop by and meet us in person. However you choose to get in touch, we look forward to hearing from you and starting a conversation about how we can work together.
NZSEC
10A Lyndhurst Street
Westport, 7825
New Zealand
Phone: +642102957063
Email: info@nzsec.org
Copyright © 2012 - 2025 NZSEC. All rights reserved.