In New Zealand they speak "Kiwi English", which is very much like the classic British English, and the school also follows the British forerunner. In addition to English and Mathematics, which are obligatory subjects, you study four or five subjects selected to corresond to your direction of studies in the home country.
High School in New Zealand begins in third grade and ends in seventh grade. STS's exchange students are often placed in sixth or seventh grade depending on age and school. The school follows a four-term system, but as an STS student you will be able to adapt your high school studies to your regular school year.
The schedule varies from day to day, but you always go to school between nine in the morning and about four in the afternoon.
The principal of your school will place you in a grade that suits the level of your previous knowledge. This way you will find yourself in the right environment for your studies, which makes it easier for you to adjust to the country, both in regard to the language and new classmates.
One afternoon a week is devoted to sports, which means that you choose a sport that you will practise every week. You may even be able to play on the school team in the sport you exert. Being a member of one of the school's various clubs is an excellent way of meeting new friends and making ties of friendship for life.
In most schools a school uniform is obligatory, and in almost all schools you buy lunch in school, unless you bring your own lunch package from home.
Semester start: January (or September if you want to follow the regular European school year).