Like the first swallow there comes a time in the year when I am approached by the first Teacher thinking of migrating to New Zealand. How to do it? How long does it take? In the last couple of weeks that time of year has come around again and I consider how children handle immigrating to New Zealand.
The academic year starts in February in New Zealand after the long summer break although schools are very experienced in making new students feel at home whenever they arrive. Indeed I have read several reports that children adapt well to moving to New Zealand by quickly making friends and integrating into the new way of life.
But more than that networking through school is a brilliant way to start making friends if you are new to New Zealand. Kiwis value action over words so any community project work will help you settle in.