Ara International Student Orientation

Kia ora and a warm welcome to Ara Institute of Canterbury

We’re very pleased you’ll be joining us soon. Our International Student Orientation is designed to help you settle in, meet key support staff, and understand the services available to help you succeed at Ara.

International Student Orientation is compulsory for all new Christchurch Campus international students.

Please note that English Language Training students will have a separate orientation and are not required to attend this International Student Orientation.

You are also required to attend a separate department orientation. Information on this will be provided to you separately by intladmissions@ara.ac.nz

Orientation details

For students starting in Semester 1, 2026:

 We are holding two International Orientation sessions in February this year.

Please attend only the session closest to your programme start date.

Option 1

• Date: Friday, 13 February 2026
• Time: 10:00am – 4:30pm
• Location: TM118 (Te Puna Wānaka)
• A light lunch will be provided

Option 2

• Date: Friday, 20 February 2026
• Time: 10:00am – 4:30pm
• Location: TM118 (Te Puna Wānaka)
• A light lunch will be provided

For students starting in Semester 2, 2026:

• Date: Friday, 17 July 2026
• Time: 10:00am – 4:30pm
• Location: TM118 (Te Puna Wānaka)
• Lunch will be provided

What’s Included in the Orientation

• Your welcome pack with information about Ara and Christchurch
• An introduction to our Student Advisors and other international students
• Information about studying in New Zealand and how it may differ from home
• Tips on how to make the most of your studies
• An overview of your responsibilities as an international student visa holder
• Guidance on where to find help and support when you need it

For International Student Orientation-related inquiries, please email intadvisors@ara.ac.nz

We look forward to meeting you soon and supporting you as you begin your studies at Ara.

Grievance procedures

The following links contain details of our grievance procedures relating to:

• CPP208 Resolving staff performance or conduct issues (PDF: 0.1MB)
• CPP209 Harassment prevention (PDF: 0.2MB)
• APP506 Probation (PDF: 0.2MB)