Our Promise to International Families

Sending your child to study in another country is a big decision. At Longburn Adventist College (LAC), we want you to feel completely confident that your child is safe, well cared for, and supported every single day.

To give you peace of mind, New Zealand has a strict law called the Education (Pastoral Care of Tertiary and International Learners) Code of Practice. LAC is a proud, official signatory to this Code.

What is the Code of Practice?

The Code of Practice is a government framework that sets clear, high standards for how schools must look after international students. It ensures that every student coming from overseas receives excellent education, fair treatment, and exceptional care.

When your child studies at LAC, the Code guarantees our commitment to their well-being in several key areas:

• High-Quality Care: We provide a welcoming, inclusive environment where your child’s emotional, physical, and cultural needs are fully supported.
• Safe Accommodation: Whether your child stays in our school boarding house (LAC House) or with a designated caregiver, we regularly inspect and monitor their living arrangements to ensure they are safe, comfortable, and happy.
• Clear & Honest Information: We promise to provide you with clear information about school fees, course details, policies, and New Zealand life before your child even leaves home.
• Support Services: Your child will have direct access to our staff for any help they need—including academic guidance, language support, and personal health or counseling services.

Medical and Travel Insurance

To look after your child's physical health, New Zealand law requires all international students to have comprehensive medical and travel insurance for the entire time they are living and studying in the country.

Most international students are not eligible for publicly funded health services in New Zealand. Having the correct insurance ensures that if your child becomes sick or has an accident, their medical care and treatment costs are completely covered. LAC can help you arrange an approved insurance policy before your child arrives.

Your Voice Matters (What to do if you have a concern)

We want your child’s time at LAC to be an amazing experience. If you or your child ever feel that something is wrong, or that the school is not meeting the high standards of the Code, we want to know immediately.

1. Talk to Us First: Please reach out to our International Student Director or school leadership. We will listen openly and work quickly to resolve the issue.
2. If You Need Further Help: If a problem cannot be resolved directly with the school, New Zealand has official, independent organizations to help you. You can contact the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) or iStudent Complaints (the free, independent dispute resolution service for international students). They are there to ensure your rights are protected.

For more details or to read the full document, you can visit the official NZQA Code of Practice Hub.