If you are a Filipino, there is a 99% chance that you have a relative working or studying overseas. Filipinos are no stranger to establishing roots in a foreign land. In fact, the Filipino migrant diaspora has earned them a solid reputation in the global market. In more recent years, the diaspora has gone beyond labor and onto education. The Philippines has become one of the fastest growing education markets in NZ. What makes New Zealand so attractive to more than 4,100 Filipino students? Simply put, it’s the work-study-life balance. Want to experience the NZ way of life? Here are a few things that you need to know.

Preliminaries

One of the most important things that you need to obtain if you intend to study in a NZ learning institution is a student visa. You or your representative can lodge your application at the counter of the New Zealand Visa Application in Manila (M-F except public holidays; 7am to 2pm) and in Cebu (M-F except on public holidays; 7am to 1pm). Bring all the documentary requirements and pay an Application Lodgement Fee of Php 785. Only PhP currency is accepted in the Centre. Specific documentary requirements, photo specifications, and processing time details can be found here <http://www.vfsglobal.com/NewZealand/philippines/Student-Visa.html >.

Getting There

Flight time from Manila to Auckland is close to 14 hours. Make sure that you wear comfy clothes and eat food that won’t upset your stomach. Flying to NZ shouldn’t be a problem as non-stop flights from Manila to Auckland are offered by Philippine Airlines. Air New Zealand likewise offers flights from Cebu or Manila to NZ, plus connecting flights to 20 NZ domestic destinations.

Cost of Living

Prior to getting to New Zealand, it is important to note that the cost of living is significantly higher there. Consider a Big Mac Meal. You can get it for Php 169 ($ 4.67) in the Philippines. The same meal can go for as high as $ 11 when you are in a Kiwi McDonald’s. Rent also follows the same trend. When in the PH you can just pay PhP 16,538 ($ 456) for a 45m² furnished studio space, you have to shell out at least $ 1,557 in New Zealand.

Don’t be overwhelmed by the disparity in costs. Learn how to wisely spend while you are in NZ by reading this blog <https://www.studyinnewzealand.govt.nz/blog/5-ways-cut-your-living-costs-while-you-study-new-zealand/> .

Chance at a Living

A recent survey shows that Filipinos are the happiest migrants in New Zealand. The reason? Filipinos earn seven times more in New Zealand compared to the home country. Plenty of work opportunities are available for an individual with a student visa. Work up to 20 hours per week during the term and work full-time during the holidays. What you earn while you work in NZ can help offset your living costs. If you spend your money wisely, you can probably have some savings too.

There is good reason why 90% of Filipino students choose to stay in Kiwi territory after completing their studies. Take advantage of the great working environment and satisfying pay during your stay in NZ.

Filipino Support

It’s easy to feel homesick when you are away from family, friends, and everything familiar. There’s an easy remedy for that. Go out and reach out! Filipinos are the third largest Asian ethnic group in New Zealand, behind the Chinese and Indian Ethnic groups. Majority of Pinoys live in Auckland and Wellington while the minority lives in the Canterbury Region. Most universities like the University of Auckland, Otago University, and Victoria University of Wellington have their own Filipino students’ associations. Wherever you are in NZ, there should be a kababayan within reach.

Filipinos are natural wanderers. If you are up for challenge and adventure, head over to New Zealand. You are sure to gain friends and experiences that’d last a lifetime.