English for Older Students

At RELA, we have had a great deal of experience hosting older students and we have thoroughly enjoyed having them in the school. They have added a very special dimension to the school atmosphere. All the teachers and students of all ages have enjoyed the experience of meeting and mixing with our “seniors”.

Since we started running this programme in 2002, we have hosted over 280 students aged over 50. In 2006 and 2007 alone, 107 students have joined the programme. Of these 107 students, 46 have been over 50, 52 over 60 and 9 of them have been over 70. The oldest student we have had was 76!

The majority of the students are Japanese. However, in the past two years, we have also welcomed senior students from Austria, Brazil, Germany, Korea, Mexico, New Caledonia, Poland, Tahiti and Switzerland.

The amount of time that the students spend here varies greatly. Some come for only one week while others have been here for 6 months to a year.

Some students come as a group and others come individually. No matter how they come, all of them leave with the same feelings of achievement and joy at having experienced so many new things and met so many new people. Many of the students come back a second and even a third time to visit their RELA family.

Programme and Classes
Students can choose to study

• part time in the mornings
• full time in the mornings and afternoons
• or they can join our activities programme

click here for fees

When our students arrive at school, we give them an entry test. This helps us to make sure that all students are placed in a class at the correct level. You will be in a General English class at your level with other students of all ages.

Activities
The activities and environment that Rotorua has to offer make it an ideal location for visitors. Older people especially enjoy all the geothermal activity and hot pools around the area. See below for some suggested activities.

Rotorua is very well-known for its restaurants and cafes, most of which are within easy walking distance of our school. Students will be able to eat world-class cuisine from around the world at very reasonable prices. A main course in a good restaurant costs between NZ$25 and NZ$35.

Rotorua’s central location also makes it the perfect spot for weekend trips to places such as the beaches of the Bay of Plenty, Lake Taupo and the Waitomo Caves. We are happy to give students advice on the best places to go and the best ways to get there.

Accommodation

The students who have been here in the past have chosen to stay in one of the following options

1. Homestay - click here for more information. This is for breakfast and dinner on weekdays and for three meals at the weekends. The advantage of being in a homestay is that students get to experience real “kiwi culture” and many students form very, very close bonds with their homestay families. They can also improve their English more quickly.
   
2. The Manhattan Motel - We work very closely with a motel which is situated just 5 minutes walk from RELA and just a 2 minute walk into the city centre. It is also very close to supermarkets and the restaurants. The motel rooms are all equipped with a fully functional kitchen allowing students to cook for themselves, a shower (some units also have a bath), TV, and telephone. There is also a hot pool on the premises. This option allows the students to be very independent. Please email us for the price
   
3. The Ventura Inn - This is low budget hotel accommodation which also provides a free continental breakfast each morning. The hotel is 15 - 20 minutes walk to RELA and 5 minutes walk to the city centre. Rooms are equipped with a shower, telephone and TV. Some rooms have limited cooking facilities. There is also a swimming pool onsite. Please email us for the price