It's important to choose the right school when you invest time and money in learning English as a second language. If you are finding it difficult to decide which English language school to attend, read some of the comments made by our students, both past and present, about learning English as a second language at Wilkinson's English Language School in Christchurch, New Zealand.
Daniela Samulski (Germany):
Now my 6 weeks are over and it seems that the time was running so fast.
I learned a lot of things, not only the English Language. I will miss the discussions about the different countries and the way of living there (like Poland, Korea, Vietnam, Japan or France) and the chocolate support from Dohan or Andrew every day. But also the Friday test!
It was a great experience and I want to say a special "Thank you" to my teachers (Julie & Hal) and to all people which have made my time in school and in NZ so easy.
Thank you for the great time,
Daniela!
Sergey Torgashev (Russia):
Hello everybody!
I arrived in New Zealand in May. Winter just started and I was
surprised with severe cold weather! (+10°C) Just kidding… it was the
most pleasant and warm winter in my life. New Zealand met me with its
warmth and hospitality. Wilkinson`s Language School arranged
accommodation before my arrival. The principal David Wilkinson has
organized a well functioning team of teachers. They are attentive,
friendly and do their best to help students to learn language. There
are a lot of special and comfortable class rooms in this school. The
teachers regularly test the students level of knowledge and give good
feedback. I believe my English is improving every week. I am
happy I chose this school. I appreciate their efforts to teach me.
Thank you!
Mami Yoshino (Japan):
I came to Christchurch for the first time in 2006. People were very kind to me. It has beautiful gardens and nature. I returned to Japan and worked hard so that I could come here again. The reason I chose Wilkinson's Language School is the fees are cheap, and when I took a trial lesson the teachers who taught me were very kind. In addition to that, the classes are small and the students are very international and friendly. So I decided to study at this school. Though I studied at this school for only one week, I was happy. I met professional teachers and very cheerful students.
Eva Maldonado (Spain):
My name is Eva. I come from Spain and I arrived in Christchurch last September. I have just visited some places in Christchurch: the beach, the incredible Mount Hutt and the city centre. I'm really surprised about the city. You can find all the facilities you need - fun bars, cafes or restaurants to go out, nice buildings, different activities, good connections to other cities or countries and, most importantly, friendly New Zealanders or people from many countries in the world living together.
I chose Wilkinson's Language School because it was very well located, not a massive number of people per classroom, and it looked a pleasant place. After 3 weeks, I thought the same. My first impression was true, and I could find quality teachers and a complete method of learning. I really enjoy each day and the time goes quickly!!
Sylvain Taupenas (France):
My name is Sylvain. I am French. I have been in New Zealand for 8 months. I arrived in Auckland with my best friend. We have travelled and worked for 3 months. We have enjoyed New Zealand very much - beautiful landscapes, nice people, amazing wildlife, good beer and wine. During 3 months, we had spoken French and a little bit of English. When we met people we tried to speak English. It was difficult for me.
When my friend left New Zealand, I was worried how to find a job, flat… Staying in New Zealand was a real challenge for me. In France I studied English for almost 8 years. During that time the teaching I received was not good.
I found a job and a flat, I met a person who gave me a few addresses of English Schools, I tried some schools and six weeks ago, I started at Wilkinson's School.
I have met good students and teachers. It's not a school that takes money from students. At Wilkinson's, when I started my Intermediate class, there were just 6 students. In another school there were 15. It was impossible to study. Here, there are small classes and the teachers can find our weak points. I can study, ask questions and improve my English.
I'm really enjoying it.
Tien Chi Cao (Vietnam):
My name is Tien. I am from Vietnam and I've been in New Zealand for over one year. I'm living in Christchurch. I am really enjoying Christchurch so much. There are many beautiful and peaceful places in Christchurch for people to visit, such as the Botanical Gardens, Hagley Park, or beautiful Taylor's Mistake. ….Well they make living here more comfortable and interesting.
The main reason that I decided to come to New Zealand is to study, so I've been learning English at Wilkinson's English Language School for over 1 year. It is a good school for anyone to learn English even if they don't know a word of English. You can also prepare to enter university or get an IELTS certificate or get a job. I can honestly say that my English has improved a lot after a year learning here. I also like the ways that the teachers teach us. All I can say is WOW!
Rudolph Lee (Korea):
I've been in New Zealand for six months. It is a good experience for me. If someone wants to study English New Zealand is a good English speaking country.
Before I came to Christchurch I stayed in Nelson and was a student there. I like a small and friendly school like Wilkinson's English Language School. When I go back to my country I will recommend New Zealand to my friends.
Bernardita Labra Farias (Chile):
I've been in New Zealand for almost 10 months. It has been a really enjoyable time. Christchurch is one of the most beautiful cities.
I'm very happy to have chosen this school for preparing for the IELTS test, because the atmosphere here is very nice. You will feel comfortable. All the staff who work in this school are friendly and helpful people.
The school is small, but has everything I need to succeed in my test. There are a great deal of materials that I can use when I need them. The classes are of a high level. Also my teacher has plenty of knowledge about IELTS. I've been studying for a month and I feel that I have learnt more than ever before.
Khalaf Alharbi (Saudi Arabia):
I am grateful for my time in New Zealand. Wilkinson's English Language School and Christchurch are supreme and flawless for me. I have wonderful teachers and classmates that help me to improve my English. The breathtaking scenery of Christchurch makes me very happy every day. Would you like to go to a dream island? Why don't you come and enjoy yourself in New Zealand? Here, we are waiting for you, in a heaven on earth, Christchurch!!
Chika Kosugi (Japan):
I've been at Wilkinson's English Language School for a year. The teachers are friendly and our school is not so big, therefore I could make a lot of friends. Every Friday there are activities with teachers and students. I think it is a good opportunity to talk to students from another class. Sometimes I went to a zoo, the Museum, the Arts Centre and Cathedral Square to study. Those were enjoyable lessons.
Andrew Bernady (Poland):
Although I'm 41, in the school I lost about 20 years: not only were classmates younger then me, but also the teacher. Studying makes me younger! And renews my brain!
Henry Penkalla (Germany):
My name is Henry. I am from Germany and I have been at Wilkinson's English Language School for about three months.
Looking for an English school I visited a lot of schools in Christchurch. Some of them are located in modern five-storey glass and steel buildings. Others have a state-of-the-art technical environment with modern furnished classrooms.
Nevertheless I enrolled in the Wilkinson's English Language School after an introduction from the receptionist, a pleasant conversation with David and a remarkable trial lesson with Mike in his IELTS class.
I never regret this decision because of the great improvement of my English skills that I have made in the last months. All teachers, even though they are very different, have a thorough command of teaching and are able to create their lessons with spirit, innovation and their pleasure of teaching. They listen out for problems and are highly motivated to resolve them.
All in all it is an enjoyable atmosphere to successfully study a foreign language.
Do Han Kim (Korea):
Actually living in New Zealand was quite boring for me at first, but, gradually, I'm adapting the New Zealand way of life as time goes by. However, if you are interested in a natural environment, you'll be able to live here well. I've been enjoying learning English at this school because the school is really comfortable and proper for me and also the school has a good atmosphere between students. Besides the teachers and staff are so friendly.
Lucy Burch (Switzerland):
I came to New Zealand in order to improve my English. It is far easier to study it in a country where English is the mother tongue. Wilkinson's English Language School is a good choice because they have small classes at different levels. The teachers are very nice, they have a lot of patience and, if necessary, they teach you individually.
New Zealand is a great place to stay. The Kiwis are friendly and they like to help you. Hiking is great here and you have plenty of possibilities to do it just for a few hours or a few days. If you prefer to have some adventures it is also possible to do it and it is sometimes hard to choose from the wide range of offers: eg. bungy jumping, river rafting, surfing, skiing…
What our students are saying:
"The breathtaking scenery of Christchurch makes me very happy every day."
"I like a small and friendly school like Wilkinson's English Language School."
"The Kiwis are friendly and they like to help you."
"During my stay at WELS the teachers were very kind and helpful to me."
Learning English as a Second Language in Christchurch
Wilkinson's English Language School teaches English as a second language in Christchurch, New Zealand. Courses include social activities and homestay opportunities so students can also learn English a second language from the locals.