The Awards are funded by the Ministry of Education through the New Zealand Government’s Growth and Innovation Framework and support the development of language skills considered necessary for New Zealand to move toward a globally-connected economy. They also support the Government’s economic, social and cultural goals.
AFS New Zealand is managing the Ministry of Education Language Immersion Awards for students who were selected in 2017 to undertake an Award in 2018 to study in a country that speaks a language they are studying.
Costs of the programme, including travel, insurance and visas are covered by the Award, You must participate in all orientation processes offered. You must provide written reports for the Ministry of Education during the experience and upon return as required. After the programme is over, you will complete a series of evaluation reports and continue the experience by sharing your knowledge and skills within your school in New Zealand.
The Ministry of Education is reviewing the LIA funding and, as a result, there is currently no funding available to cover Language Immersion Awards for departures in 2019.