The Maverick School of Languages provides quality language training and education in an environment that enables exceptional learning and achievement combined with a unique holiday experience.

The School has a positive and dynamic approach to learning and our students consistently achieve outstanding results. Teachers and School facilities are the best available and accelerated learning methods maximize students’ individual potential.

The School has extensive management and administrative systems which are documented in its Quality Management System. In April 2008 the school was audited by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority and received an outstanding grade of 96%. This places the School in the top 4% of educational providers in New Zealand.

We are a language school based in the South Island of New Zealand, in the city of Dunedin. Dunedin is one of the best places in the country for study - it is known as a "student city" with thousands of people from around the world choosing to come here every year for long or short-term study.


Maverick School of Languages is a small school

The School has established an impressive reputation in New Zealand by offering high quality tuition in excellent surroundings.  We are located very close to the city centre and were purpose-built for the specific needs of language students.  Facilities include 3 classrooms, computers, a library and a student common area. There are bus stops, restaurants, banks and shops near the School.

The School caters for students at all levels from beginner to advanced and provides a warm and caring environment in which the individual needs and requirements of students are well met.  Classes are small and student-centred. All teachers hold internationally-recognised ESOL qualifications.

Courses may be any length from 2 - 48 weeks. We offer the following courses and study may commence on any Monday.

•     General English
•     IELTS Preparation
•     Business English

High School preparation

• English for Young Learners
• English for Work and Holiday Holders
• Foreign language Courses

Services

• One on One Tuition
• Certificate in Teaching English
• Holiday Programmes & Study Tours

Homestay Accommodation

We arrange high quality homestay accommodation, student guidance and counselling and our pickup service from the airport is free. Weekend and social activities are also organized.  


Further Education Counseling

We have a Further Education Counsellor who liaises with students and tertiary institutions such as universities, polytechnics, privatee providers and high schools to assist students who wish to go on to further studies on completion of their time at the Maverick School of Languages.

Our Further Education Counsellor provides students with one-on-one specialist career advice and guidance.  The Counsellor assists students in making decisions about courses and institutions and helps students to complete applications for submission.

Our staff are selected for their experience and qualifications.  Our teachers are all qualified professionals in English language education with many years teaching in New Zealand and overseas. They use the latest textbooks and other resource material, including audio and video.

Our staff are enthusiastic and have a genuine concern for students' needs.  We also have bilingual student counsellors who can give local advice.  They help make students' time at the School as enjoyable and problem-free as possible.

The size and atmosphere of the School creates an environment that fosters a partnership in staff relations.  The School provides an excellent environment in which to learn.  We have an open door policy and no problem is too small.

The School is equipped with the most up-to-date resource material, which is used in conjunction with audio/audio-visual aids. The emphasis is placed on learning through active student participation and communication rather than an outmoded passive textbook approach.

The School places an emphasis on active student-centered learning techniques and these have proved to be the most successful and rewarding for students.

The School’s teachers have the necessary experience and sensitivity to recognise individual needs and the flexibility to be able to encompass these in the classroom.

At the School cultural diversity is celebrated as an ongoing and integral part of everything we do and a contributor to the ethos of our organization in creating an environment of support, respect and positive development.

The School classrooms and facilities are modern, spacious and comfortable.  The premises are centrally located for ease of transport and parking. Public bus stops are right in front of the school entrance.

Our study and library can be used outside class time by students for writing, reading and listening exercises.  Private space for self-study, a Common Room and toilet facilities are all of an extremely high standard.

The lecture rooms are fitted out to easily configure to any format with tables and chairs.  In addition to this, we have DVD equipment, power point projector, whiteboards, photocopiers and modern computer facilities, the Internet and email.  As a Private Training Establishment we have ensured that our building meets all of the regulatory safety requirements.

The health and welfare of our students is as important as the learning environment. We believe that students will progress their English language skills in a shorter timeframe if they experience living in a New Zealand homestay.


HOMESTAY ACCOMMODATION

Our host families are very carefully chosen.  Their homes are visited and the families interviewed before deciding whether or not they are suitable to host our students.  


The requirements for homestay are:

1. The student has his or her own room.
2. The student's room contains a wardrobe, bed, bedding, chest of drawers, desk, chair and a heater.
3. All meals (breakfast, light lunch and dinner) are provided.
4. Full laundry facilities are provided for the student.
5. The student has use of the telephone for local calls, but is responsible for the payment of any international calls he/she may make.
6. The student can have access to the internet at their homestay.

The student is treated as one of the family and given as much opportunity as possible to share life in a New Zealand home in a positive way. Practising their conversation is also a very important part of their stay.

Our host-families show sensitivity to the needs and customs of the student and contact us immediately should any serious problem arise. We have experienced first language supporters who can assist in this situation.

We ask students to be flexible and take time to settle in with their new homestay family. It is important for students to be willing to learn and accept the New Zealand way of life and culture and we encourage students to eat ‘kiwi’ food and take part in New Zealand activities.

If a small problem arises in a homestay, we prefer to try and find a solution to the problem before moving a student out of a homestay straight away.  From our experience this usually results in a positive outcome for both the student and family.


HOSTEL ACCOMMODATION

For students who would prefer to stay in hostel style accommodation, we are able to assist in providing options and prices.

Dunedin offers all the facilities you would expect within a modern, thriving city, without the traffic jams and parking problems! Daily life is vibrant, positive and upbeat. Cafes, restaurants and bars compete for space with a fabulous mix of shops and entertainment venues.

Dunedin is also known as New Zealand's "student city" because it provides a world-class education to many students from all over New Zealand and around the world.  As well as excellent educational opportunities, it offers a safe environment, and an exciting cultural scene.

The city is renowned for its proximity to incredible wildlife.  Visits to see the world's rarest penguins, the world's only mainland breeding colony of the Royal albatross and rare New Zealand sea lions are all possible within a short drive of the city centre.

The deep south of New Zealand is famous for its natural beauty and spectacular scenery, including the magnificent Fiordland and Mount Aspiring National Parks and the scenic resort of Queenstown, known as New Zealand’s Adventure Capital.

On the first day students are tested for their grammar, vocabulary, listening and written ability and after an interview with our Principal they are put into the appropriate class.  


The School currently offers a range of courses and qualifications:

We are approved and accredited by NZQA (New Zealand Qualifications Authority) to deliver Intensive English course (Level 4) and Lifestyle English course (Level 3).


Intensive English

The aim of the course is to enable students to develop speaking, listening, reading and writing abilities to reach an IELTS grade of 6.5 or equivalent, and be prepared to undertake further academic study. The course length is from 2 to 48 weeks. It includes General English, Academic English and Exam preparation.


General English

Our General English course focuses on the development of spoken and written English language skills. During the course you will use speaking, listening, reading and writing to build sound knowledge of English grammar and vocabulary.
The course is offered at several levels – from Beginner through to Advanced.
The length of the course is 2 to 48 weeks, starts every Monday.


IELTS Preparation course

Our IELTS Preparation course aims to help you achieve a required exam score for entry into a New Zealand or international college or university. The course covers all four exam areas – Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. Regular test practice allows you to prepare for the exam and monitor your progress. Throughout the IELTS course you will receive plenty of individual attention from your tutors.

• Study full-time or part-time (25 hours full-time (9am to 3pm, Monday to Friday); part-time (flexible)
• Length of course: 12 weeks full-time (recommended)
• Level of English required: Intermediate level of English
• Skills and areas covered: Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking, Grammar for IELTS, Academic Vocabulary
• Class size: 5 to 8 students
• Highly qualified and experienced teachers

Lifestyle English

The aim of the course is to enable students to develop speaking, writing, reading, and writing abilities to meet communication needs without an academic focus. The course length is from 2 to 48 weeks. It includes General English, High School Preparation, Business English, Group Tour program, and Working Holiday program.


Business English

Our Business/Employment English course focuses on developing language skills necessary for a workplace in an English-speaking country. You will study different aspects of business/employment English – business letter writing, answering phones, job interview, and more.

• English level of Pre-Intermediate is required for this course.
• The length of the course is 8 to 12 weeks.

High School Preparation

Our High School Preparation course focuses on preparing international students for study in New Zealand schools. In the morning classes you will focus on General English and in the afternoons you will become familiar with the language of high school subjects including:

mathematics, science, geography, history. This course also encourages discussion, independent study, research skills and fostering cultural adjustment and understanding.

• Students are required to have a pre-intermediate level of English for this course.
• The length of the course is 12 to 25 weeks.

English for young learners

Our Course English for young learners focuses on the development of spoken and written English language skills. During the course you will use speaking, listening, reading and writing to build sound knowledge of English grammar and vocabulary.


Work and Holiday Program

We have courses with a flexible schedule that will suit your needs and prepare you for working in New Zealand. Maverick School can also assist you with finding work, internship and volunteer positions.


Foreign Languages

At Maverick School we offer a range of foreign language courses - either in a class or one-on-one tuition. There are Chinese, Thai, Korean, Dutch, Spanish, Romanian, Russian and other languages available.


Group Tour Program

Our Group Tour Program combines English language study and sightseeing and activities. We can tailor a program to fit your wishes and requirements.


One on one Tuition

• Exam Preparation (IELTS, TOEFL, TOEIC and more)
• Academic Writing  (for international university students - undergraduate and postgraduate level)
• High School language support
• Professional English (business, medicine, tourism and more)
• Other types of classes to suit your needs and requirements.

Classes are available to students of various ages and backgrounds - we work with international high school students, foundation year and university students, business people and other professionals who need to improve their English language skills in order to succeed in study, work and their new lives here in New Zealand.

Classes usually last for 1 hour or 1 hour 30 minutes and are available in the mornings, afternoons or evenings. Weekend classes can be arranged on request.

Contact our free student service to apply at Maverick School of Languages or receive free help and information.