MINISTRY OF EDUCATION
Bethlehem College has agreed to observe and be bound by the Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of International Students published by the Ministry of Education. Copies of the Code are available on request from this institution or from the New Zealand Ministry of Education website at http://www.minedu.govt.nz.
Summary Code
When students from other countries come to study in New Zealand, it is important that those students are well informed, safe, and properly cared for. New Zealand educational providers have an important responsibility for international students' welfare.
What is the Code?
The Code is a document that provides a framework for service delivery by educational providers and their agents to international students. The Code sets out the minimum standards of advice and care that are expected of educational providers with respect to international students. The Code applies to pastoral care and provision of information only, and not to academic standards.
Who does the Code apply to?
The Code applies to all education providers in New Zealand with international students enrolled. The Code is mandatory to these providers and must be signed by them.
What do I do if something goes wrong?
If you have concerns about your treatment by your education provider or by an agent of the provider, the first thing you must do is contact the principal, the international student director, or another person who has been identified to you as someone that you can approach about complaints at your institution. The Code requires all institutions to have fair and equitable internal grievance procedures for students and you need to go through these internal processes before you can take the complaint any further.
If your concerns are not resolved by the internal grievance procedures, you can contact the International Education Appeal Authority (IEAA).
What is the International Education Appeal Authority (IEAA)?
The IEAA is an independent body established to deal with complaints from international students about pastoral care aspects of advice and services received from their education provider or the provider's agents. The IEAA enforces the standards in the Code of Practice.
How can I contact the IEAA?
You can write to the IEAA at:
International Education Appeal Authority
PO Box 32 001
Wellington 6146
Phone: (04) 462 6660
Fax: (04) 462 6686
Email: ieaa@justice.govt.nz
The Code also establishes the IEAA and the Review Panel to receive and adjudicate on student complaints.
|
The Code sets standards for education providers to ensure that: |
|
- |
high professional standards are maintained |
|
- |
the recruitment of international students is undertaken in an ethical and responsible manner |
|
- |
information supplied to international students is comprehensive, accurate, and up-to-date |
|
- |
students are provided with information prior to entering into any commitments |
|
- |
contractual dealings with international students are conducted in an ethical and responsible manner |
|
- |
the particular needs of international students are recognised |
|
- |
international students are in safe accommodation |
|
- |
all providers have fair and equitable internal procedures for the resolution of international student grievances |
|
| Full details of what is covered can be found in the Code itself.
Guidelines and Criteria
The Ministry of Education requires that schools will protect the fees of all students. Course fees and homestay fees will be paid into the Bethlehem College Investment Account for Foreign Fees.
For all other money, the International Department arranges for all overseas students to place their personal spending money in a Bank of New Zealand Account in their own name. This account belongs to the student. The funds in this 'holding' account can only be withdrawn through automatic payments arranged by the student and the International Office, or by a withdrawal signed by the student and a designated International staff member. Homestay fees will be paid from this account by automatic payment fortnightly in advance directly to the homestay's account.
The school operates a 'cash management system', thereby reducing bank fees for the students when withdrawals are made from their accounts.
An amount of no more than $50.00 is transferred weekly to a second account in the student's name. This is the 'pocket money account' and is operated solely by the student. The student is issued with an ATM money card and can make withdrawals at most shops, supermarkets or ATM machines throughout New Zealand.
Bank statements are issued from the Bank of New Zealand every month. A copy of the statement is sent to parents and a copy goes to the student.
The 'holding' account must be kept in credit at all times.
Agents or families are advised of the expected requirements on enrolment and/or in June and December. These include homestay fees, pocket money, bus fees, uniform costs, and a contingency fee to cover items such as doctor's accounts, books, travel, clothing, telephone accounts etc.
Any money remaining in the student's accounts at the end of the student's time at school is returned to the student's family.
Bethlehem College believes this system is beneficial to the student, teaching them stewardship and budgeting. The banking system allows parents to see exactly how their money is being spent. Should a student wish money for a large item, eg: computer, radio, bicycle, etc, contact is made with the parent, and their permission sought and a request made for further funds before the money is withdrawn from the bank.
Accidents and Emergencies
Bethlehem College is responsible for all emergency procedures during school hours and all emergency procedures outside school hours while the student is in homestay accommodation.
In the event of an accident or emergency, the Homestay Co-ordinator or the Director will be contacted immediately. The appropriate action will be taken and where it is necessary to contact the parents, this will be undertaken by the Director of International or the College Principal on the emergency contact number provided on the Application for Enrolment form.
If your child has an accident the Director of International or the College Principal may need to consent to urgent medical procedures on your behalf. |
