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Education

Sister schools, study tours and students, both ways.

We help New Zealand schools build relationships with schools in China and Asia that mean something to students and families. Through our training partner, Eastern Bridge Education, we also offer Chinese language courses and practical China training for individuals, businesses and councils.

Jiangxi students joining kapa haka with students at Whakatāne High School

What we do

For NZ schools

Sister-school relationships

We find a good match, help with the first letters and visits, and keep the link going year after year.

Sister schools

China to New Zealand

Study tours to New Zealand

Chinese school groups visit New Zealand through licensed agencies. Eastern Bridge Education delivers the teaching.

Study tours

New Zealand to China

School groups to China

Cultural trips for New Zealand schools to partner schools and cities, planned with care for young people.

School groups

International students

Studying in New Zealand

We introduce families in China to New Zealand schools. Schools may pay us a commission, and we’ll always tell you if they do.

International students

For principals: how a sister-school link starts

A conversation

What your school wants, and what you can give back.

A good match

We suggest a partner school, often in one of your council’s partner cities.

A first exchange

Letters, video calls, then a visit when both sides are ready.

A volunteer leading a lesson in a Chinese classroom in Mianyang

Also in education

China Volunteer Programme

Young New Zealanders teach English in Chinese host schools for three months, after pre-departure TESOL training with Eastern Bridge Education. The programme sits with our council and community work.

Explore the programme

Our training partner

Eastern Bridge Education

Eastern Bridge Education Ltd (EBE) is a separate company and an NZQA-registered private training provider. Eastern Bridge is a major shareholder, and the two work closely together: we build the relationships, and EBE delivers the teaching.

EBE is now a signatory to the Education (Pastoral Care of Tertiary and International Learners) Code of Practice 2021, so it can enrol international students as well as domestic learners.

Its core programmes are the New Zealand Certificate in English Language (NZCEL) Levels 1 to 3, IELTS preparation, and employment skills for migrants. With government funding, these courses are often fees-free for eligible residents, citizens and refugees.

EBE’s NZQA registration belongs to EBE, not to Eastern Bridge Limited. EBE enrols, teaches and supports its own students.

EBE at a glance

Status

NZQA-registered private training provider

Relationship

Separate company. Eastern Bridge Limited is a major shareholder

International learners

Code of Practice signatory, able to enrol international students

Courses

NZCEL Levels 1 to 3, IELTS preparation, employment skills for migrants

Funding

Often fees-free for eligible residents, citizens and refugees, through government funding

Campuses

140 Dalton Street, Napier
201 Southland Road, Hastings

Contact

study@ebe.ac.nz
0800 2 LEARN

Website

ebe.ac.nz

New: Chinese language and China training

Three new offerings, all delivered by Eastern Bridge Education. You can enquire through Simon at Eastern Bridge, and we’ll put you in touch with the right people at EBE.

Language

Chinese Language course

Learn Mandarin Chinese on a course that teaches to the levels of the HSK, the internationally recognised Chinese proficiency test, so you have a clear path and a recognised measure of progress. Ask us which HSK levels are on offer and when the next intake starts.

Moving or doing business

China Readiness programme

For people planning to move to China, and for business people who want to engage better with Chinese partners. It prepares you to understand how things work, communicate with confidence and find your way around China.

For organisations

Customised China training

Training shaped around your organisation, your partners and your plans. This includes day workshops for council staff and elected members, covering the essentials before a delegation leaves or a visit arrives.

Council workshops

Delivered by Eastern Bridge Education Ltd. EBE runs and teaches all three courses. Eastern Bridge can take your enquiry and connect you, or you can contact EBE directly at study@ebe.ac.nz or 0800 2 LEARN.

For councils

China training for council staff and elected members

A practical day workshop that covers the essentials, so your people arrive prepared, whether they are travelling to a partner city or hosting a delegation at home.

Each workshop is shaped around your council, your partner city and the visit ahead. Eastern Bridge Education delivers the training, drawing on our years of work alongside councils and Chinese local governments.

What the day covers

  • Useful phone apps for payments, maps, messaging and translation
  • Basic phrases for greetings, thanks and asking for help
  • Airports and local transport: getting from arrival to your hotel and around the city
  • Staying safe and keeping well while you travel
  • Etiquette: meetings, banquets, toasts, gifts and business cards

A sister school, a study tour or China training?

A short call is the best place to start. Where a course is run by Eastern Bridge Education, we’ll connect you with EBE.