Frequently Asked Questions
Student Life
Are lectures compulsory?
Yes - Attendance at lectures is compulsory with the only reason for absence being sickness or an outreach commitment. Lectures are scheduled for mornings and evenings, leaving afternoons free to study and complete assignments. Lecturers include our resident faculty and visiting speakers from a variety of churches and Christian agencies from New Zealand and overseas.
Are meals compulsory?
Yes - All meals are compulsory.
Are special diets catered for?
While we will endeavor to accommodate special diets as much as we can, it does cost more to do so and there may not be the same food options available in New Zealand as other countries may have. Below are some points to consider when coming to study with us with a special dietary requirement.
Our kitchen and dining facilities are such that we do not have buffet style meals where students can choose from a selection of food what they would like to eat. Specific food is cooked for each meal so there is usually only one option
We will only provide for a special diet that was identified during the application process, once a student has arrived at school we will be under no obligation to provide separate meals for that student
When we accept a student with identified dietary requirements, while we will provide healthy, substantial meals there may not be the same options or variety provided as for the rest of the school. This takes into consideration the extra cost and time for preparation of such meals
We may request a medical certificate or letter from your doctor confirming an identified food allergy
ABS: we provide a diet that meets the high energy demands of such a course. This means it is very important that students eat what they are provided with to ensure they have enough energy to complete the activities, otherwise it can become a health and safety issue. On ABS we are not able to provide for a gluten free, vegan, lactose free or severe nut allergy diet. Students who are lactose intolerant will need to bring lactase enzyme tablets with them. We are usually able to provide for a pre-identified vegetarian diet on the condition the student may be required to assist in the preparation of their meals.
Monavale: we are not able to provide for a vegan diet and while we can accommodate allergies such as nuts, we are not a nut free campus (this include peanuts).
Can I bring a musical instrument?
Yes! - If you play a musical instrument please feel free to bring it along. We would love to share this gift and talent with you at school.
Can I use my own laptop?
Yes - you can use your laptop onsite to connect to the school computer network and / or the internet hot-spot. You will need to ensure that your laptop has a current wireless network card to allow connection to the internet.
Can we access the internet on site?
Monavale - Yes: provides broadband internet hot-spot access for student laptops. Students will need to purchase a coupon from the school office to acquire internet access. Internet is relatively expensive in New Zealand, but the speed is improving and the cost is coming down!
Hot-spot usage costs are - $5 for 2Gb; $8 for 4Gb
The hot-spot can be accessed throughout the campus, but limited during lectures and overnight around the student accommodation block.
ABS - No: The isolated location of the Adventure Lodge means that we don't have capacity to provide internet access for students. Wifi access can only be gained during town trips and visits to the Monavale campus.
Can we receive calls?
Monavale: Students may receive calls before 8:00am and after 1:00pm, but not during the evening lecture period between 7:00pm and 9:00pm, and not on Wednesday work afternoons between 1:00pm and 5:00pm.
ABS: Yes, but there will be occasions when you are away from the Lodge on trips.
Please remind your friends and family of time differences if you are an overseas student.
How do I wash my clothes? -
A laundry room allows you to wash for $3 and dry a load for $3. Wash price includes laundry powder. Students may find laundry costs higher in NZ e.g. the local laundromat cost is $8 for a wash and dry, $10 includes folding.
How much money should I bring?
It is recommended to budget for approximately NZD$70-100 per month for personal needs and spending money for laundry, social trips, internet etc. You will likely find that food, personal and cosmetic items may cost more than overseas.
Monavale: When travelling during the two week break students have advised to allow for approximately NZD$1000-$2000 for travel, food and accommodation and up to NZD$500 for sightseeing activities. The funds for travel, food and accommodation varies depending on how many students travel together, their means of transport and accommodation.
What are the temperature like?
Winter months are June, July and August. Overnight lows can reach 1-2 degrees Celsius (32-34 Fahrenheit) with daytime highs about 10-13 degrees Celsius (54-59 degrees Fahrenheit) so please bring warm clothing with you, including a warm jacket. Overseas students may find facilities less well insulated than you are used to at home. Summer is temperate (not tropical!) Daytime highs during November, December, January and February may reach 30 degrees Celsius (87 degrees Fahrenheit), cooling to 12-14 degrees Celsius (54-47 degrees Fahrenheit) at night. Burn time is about 10 minutes so sunblock is essential during summer months.
What is the address to send mail?
Standard letters: student name, Capernwray Bible School, P.O. Box 702, Cambridge 3450. NEW ZEALAND
Parcels: student name, Capernwray Bible School, 3553 Cambridge Road, RD3, Cambridge 3495. NEW ZEALAND
What is the student phone number?
With the good availability of low-cost mobile phone plan's we no longer provide land-line service for students.
Can I stay at the campus before school starts?
No - Accommodation is not available at the school prior to the official start date. You will need to make your own arrangements for accommodation if you arrive in NZ before that date.
Do we get to travel during the ABS course?
Given the nature of the ABS course, there is limited time to travel. There will be one free weekend, which dates will be confirmed at the start of the course.
How do I get from Auckland International Airport to the ABS Lodge?
All ABS students need to travel to our Monavale campus in Cambridge to await departure to the ABS Lodge.
The international airport is approximately 2 hours drive from the Cambridge campus.
We recommend that you arrive in New Zealand at least a day before the course starts to get over jetlag. We are unable to provide accommodation here prior to the start of school, most students will stay in Auckland for sightseeing then travel down to Cambridge the day school begins. It is important to book your accommodation before you leave home as bed availability cannot be guaranteed if you just arrive. To travel to Cambridge you will either need to book yourself on a bus www.intercity.co.nz to the Cambridge bus stop and let us know when you arrive and we will arrange for someone to pick you up and bring you to school, or a shuttle van www.supershuttle.co.nz, which will bring you directly to Monavale, 3553 Cambridge Road, Cambridge.
If you require additional information regarding your travel arrangements from the Auckland international airport, please contact registrar@capernwray.org.nz
What time do I have to be at the Monavale campus before departing on ABS?
Students must be at the Monavale campus between 2:00pm and 4:00pm on the day that the ABS course starts. Departure to the ABS Lodge will be at 4:30pm.
What voltage do you have in NZ?
New Zealand's electrical system operates at 240 volts and so will require a plug adaptor and a transformer if you bring an electric shaver or hair drier. You can buy these things very cheaply to use while you are here.
Where can I stay if I arrive early?
If you are arriving a few days before school starts, there are youth hostels and backpackers in central Auckland, Hamilton or Cambridge.Some places our students have stayed in the past...
Auckland
http://stayatbase.com/hostels/new-zealand-hostels/base-backpackers-auckland-central
http://www.jucyhotel.com
http://ymca-hostel-auckland.h-rez.com
http://www.atticbackpackers.co.nz/
http://www.kiwihotel.co.nz/
Cambridge
http://www.no1motels.co.nz/
"I love those who love me, and those who seek me diligently will find me."
(Proverbs 8:17)
Packing
Do we need to bring our own sheets etc.?
Sheets, pillows, pillowcases and quilts are provided by the school but you will need to bring your own towels (face-cloths, hand-towel, bath and beach / pool towels).
ABS: sleeping bags and a liner is recommended to keep your sleeping bag clean.
Do I need work clothes?
Monavale: Yes, each Wednesday is workday around the property.
ABS: Yes, we do some projects around the property. So please bring appropriate clothing with you.
Is there a list of items to bring to with me on ABS?
There is a full equipment list of items that you need to bring with you on the ABS course.
This is sent to you on acceptance, or you can view by clicking on the download button below.
What do you suggest that I bring with me to school?
There is a list of suggested items to bring with you when you come to school. This will be sent to you on acceptance, or you can view by clicking on the download button below.
What do we wear?
Casual dress is allowed for lectures but it is important to bring at least one set of good clothes for Church & special occasions. All students are expected to maintain a clean, neat and tidy appearance. Students should show moderation and modesty at all times, no matter what the prevailing fashions may be elsewhere. This especially applies to swim wear.
What Bible and other books do I need?
A Bible (NASV, NKJV, NASB, NIV, ESV preferred). Costs for any other books are included in the 'Student Equipment Fee'. Some of these will be yours to take with you when you leave. General stationary is the students responsibility to provide.
How much money should I bring?
It is recommended to budget for approximately NZD$70-100 per month for personal needs and spending money for laundry, social trips, internet etc. You will likely find that food, personal and cosmetic items may cost more than overseas. When travelling during the two week break students have advised to allow for approximately NZD$1000-$2000 for travel, food and accommodation and up to NZD$500 for sightseeing activities. The funds for travel, food and accommodation varies depending on how many students travel together, their means of transport and accommodation.
Medical & Travel Insurance
Do I have to have medical / travel insurance?
Travel / Medical insurance is compulsory for all students entering New Zealand to study. The New Zealand Ministry of Education has provided minimum requirements as to appropriate levels of insurance cover and these requirements form part of the Ministry’s Code of Practice, which Capernwray has elected to follow.
What if I get sick - who pays?
Most international students are not entitled to publicly funded heath services in New Zealand. If you receive medical treatment during your visit, you may be liable for the cost of that treatment.
What if I have an accident?
The Accident Compensation Corporation provides accident insurance for all New Zealand citizens, residents and temporary visitors to New Zealand. However, you may still be liable for all other medical and related costs. Further information can be viewed at http://www.acc.co.nz. Full details on entitlements to publicly funded heath services are available through the Ministry of Heath.
Click here to view the Minstry's website.
Which medical insurance do I get?
To ensure all our students have the appropriate insurance coverage we have selected two insurance companies - Orbit Protect and Uni-Care, who offer excellent student plans which comply with the Ministry of Education’s requirements.These plans provide cover for trips outside New Zealand for up to 31 days as long as you are in Australia or the South Pacific and you return to New Zealand. Both policies will cover you for any manual work carried out within New Zealand, but only the Uni-Care policy covers manual labour outside of NZ (e.g. the Fiji missions trip*).
For students selecting the "Downunder" package with studying in both New Zealand and Australia, we recommend that you consider the Uni-Care Australasian policy, which covers you in both countries. This special policy can also be upgraded to cover any other country if you are planning a stop-over in other places. Contact our insurance broker for individual quotes for pricing based on dates of stay in each country.
Your cover must commence on the day you begin your travel and we recommend it concludes when you arrive back home. We require all our students to take out a policy with one of these two companies and we must receive a copy of your insurance certificate before or on arrival at school. If we do not have a copy of your insurance certificate at the time you register on the first day of school, we will require you to immediately take out a policy with either OrbitProtect or Uni-Care.
To get a quote and make application for medical insurance with either of these companies, click on the links below that will take you to their respective websites.
Note:
*If considering participating in one of the optional 2-week Pacific Island mission outreaches (e.g. Fiji), the Uni-care policy covers you automatically for this. The OrbitProtect policy will incur an additional extension costing $50 when you register for the outreach trip.
Will my parents travel / medical insurance be OK?
Unfortunately, most parents travel / medical insurance will not be acceptable, but below are the minimum cover requirements that we will accept (The "sums insured" must be very high so that they will not be exceeded in any possible claim)...
• NZ$600,000 for hospitalisation, general practitioners, and prescriptions
• NZ$600,000 for medical rescue/repatriation should you become seriously ill or injured and need to be accompanied home with a medical professional
• NZ$15,000 for funeral expenses and repatriation of the body back home
• NZ$30,000 for accompanying relative cover. If you becomes seriously ill or die, cover is required to support a relative to accompany and support you. This should include the relative's day-to-day accommodation, reasonable living costs and the cost of airfares
• NZ$20,000 to fly you home should a member of your immediate family become critically ill or die
• NZ$20,000 for death or disability benefit
• NZ$1,000,000 for personal liability
• NZ$5,000 Loss or damage to baggage and other personal effects
• NZ$5,000 for travel delay and missed transport connection
In addition, the following requirements must also be met:
• The insurance commences on the day the student begins their travel
• The insurance applies whilst the student is in transit
• The insurance applies 24 hours a day for the total period of travel overseas
• The insurer must provide emergency 24-hour, 7 day per week cover
• Any excess or co-insurance must not exceed NZ$1000
• The broker or agent promoting the policy is a reputable and established company with substantial experience in the travel and medical insurance business
• The insurer (or re-insurer) is a reputable and established company with substantial experience in the travel insurance business. The credit rating must be no lower than BBB from Standard and poors, or B+ from A M Best
Finances
How do I get financial support to attend school?
Attending Bible School is a life investment, and many students have friends and family who show their support through financial assistance.A cost effective way is by making arrangements for the student or donors Church to collect gifts and forward these onto the school. Donors can then receive tax deductable receipts from the Church and the accumulated gifts can be given to the student directly, or sent through to Capernwray NZ in one transaction, reducing the international transaction fees.Contact the Business Manager bursar@capernwray.org.nz for options to send gifts internationally
How do I pay my deposit & fees?
There are two methods of payment:
1) The quickest method from overseas is by credit card. When your enrollment is accepted, the Registrar will e-mail you a secure link that will allow you pay your deposit, all your fees, and or payments that you can spread over a period of time. We accept Visa & Mastercard (preferred method but their is a 2% charge for this option to cover bank fees). Note that we recommend that you contact your card issuer in advance to pre-authorise your transaction as anti-fraud security protection is often used to restrict overseas payments by credit card.
2) The second way is a Direct Telegraphic (wire) Transfer to our bank account. Your bank can assist you with this, but there are also a number of lower cost foreign exchange services. See the Course Payments page for more details.
Note that NZ banks no longer accept cheque deposits.
How do I pay my registration fee?
The quickest method for international applicants is by credit card. You can make a secure online payment at the end of your online application. If you are going to send a written application you need to use your credit card on the application for or send a bank draft in NZ dollars ($NZD) for $75.00 We accept Visa & Mastercard.
What refund will I get if I withdraw from the course after it has started?
Non-completion of Course:
Once the course has started, Capernwray NZ is under no obligation to reimburse students for fees in the event of withdrawal or dismissal from the course, and will not ordinarily do so. However in exceptional circumstances (eg health, family bereavement), Capernwray NZ will at its discretion reimburse a proportion of the fees. This will be to a maximum of one half (50%) of unused proportion of the fees paid, which reflects the variable cost savings (essentially food and utilities) from the largely fixed costs associated with running the school.
What if I cancel my registration before the course starts?
Cancellation Prior to Commencement of Course:
In the event of cancellation, notice must be received in writing
- In all cases, the Registration Fee is non-refundable
- A cancellation received more than three (3) months prior to the commencement of the enrolled course will receive a refund of 50% of deposit
- A cancellation received less than three (3) months prior to the commencement of the enrolled course the deposit will be deemed non-refundable
- In the event that full fees have been paid and a cancellation is received more than one (1) month prior to the commencement of the enrolled course, a refund of full fees minus deposit will be made
- In the event that full fees have been paid and a cancellation is received less than one (1) month prior to commencement of the enrolled course, a refund will be provided subject to the Capernwray NZ Director’s discretion, based on the ability to fill the vacated place on the course by another student and actual costs incurred
- In the unusual circumstance of visa to study is declined, an international student will receive a full refund of any deposit or balance of fees paid
When do I need to pay my fees?
The cut off point to pay your fees is 2 months prior to the start of the course. (we recommend payment a lot sooner to insure a smooth process of your visa application).
When do I pay my deposit?
You need to pay your deposit as soon as possible after you are accepted into the course. We cannot guarantee your place in any of the courses that you have applied for until this is done. The Registrar will send you a link to pay online, after you have been accepted.
Immigration
Do I need a Visa for Bible School?
Yes!- Overseas students studying at a Capernwray Centre for more than three months require a Student and Trainee Work Visa. Failure to obtain one may result in Immigration refusing entry into New Zealand at time of arrival.
Do I need a Visa if I am coming on ABS?
Generally you can stay in New Zealand for up to three months as a visitor, but you will need to obtain a NZeTA (NZ Electronic Travel Authority) before travel. Students who stay for ABS plus balance of term (10 weeks) do not need a Student and Trainee Work Visa.
What happens if I don't get a Visa?
Capernwray cannot permit you to study here if you do not have a the correct visa. If you make it through Immigration at the airport then we are obligated not to allow you to start the course until you obtain a valid visa.
When can I apply for my Student & Trainee Work Visa?
Once you have paid your deposit, then a letter confirming this will be sent to you to include with your Visa application.
When should I apply for my Visa once I have been accepted into school?
You need to apply at least 6 weeks before your intended date of travel. Failure to do so may hinder your chance to come to school on time. However, late applying students may enter on a visitors visa and apply for a valid Student and Trainee Visa Work Visa after arrival.
Where do I send my completed Visa form to?
Refer to Immigration New Zealand website https://www.immigration.govt.nz/new-zealand-visas/apply-for-a-visa/about-visa/student-and-trainee-work-visa
Where should I pay my fees?
You need to pay your fees at least 2 months prior to the school commencement. This allows for communications and mail etc.
