Southern Institute of Technology

SIT International is a team encompassing academic, administrative, marketing, pastoral care and accommodation functions.

SIT International comprises:

• The International Marketing Team, responsible for the offshore promotion of SIT and the development of international partnerships.
• The International Administration Team, responsible for the administration of all things relating to international students, from enrolments to insurance, orientation to visa queries, and much, much more.
• The Accommodation Team, responsible for providing our international students with airport pickups and accommodation so they can focus on studying to land their dream job.
• The Pastoral Care Team, who ensure our international students are well looked after, be it with their studies or with their personal welfare.

We work hard to help connect Southland to the world and bring the world to Southland. The pastoral care of our international students is of primary importance for us, and we have launched a number of programmes to ensure our international students have a great time while they study at SIT.

SIT provides comprehensive advice and support services to help make it easier for you to succeed in the classroom and beyond.  SIT is committed to protecting human rights and ensuring equal education opportunities for all.

Help when needed

The team at SIT International are trained in the New Zealand Government’s Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of International Students.  We are available on campus to discuss and assist with life issues, accommodation, visas and academic queries.  We also have a 24 hour free-to-call number, in case of any emergencies. We are here to help.

Chaplain 
SIT’s Chaplaincy is offered free to all students.  Pastoral and spiritual care is offered without prejudice to culture or belief.

Counselling
SIT Counsellors are available to discuss any issues you may be experiencing, whether it be with your academic study, your relationships or your general sense of well-being.  Counselling can help you look at the issues and make changes if you want to.  This service is free and confidential.

Course advice
The SIT International team can provide advice to help you choose the best programme of study for you.  We can guide you to an appropriate programme whether it is your first introduction to tertiary studies or you are seeking postgraduate opportunities.

Disability liaison service
Disability Liaison staff provide free assistance to students identified as having a disability or impairment. The service includes advice, access to specialised equipment, examination assistance and specialist software.

Employment support 
By studying at SIT, not only will you gain a world-class qualification, you will also receive comprehensive support to find employment.  SIT employment support is available to students, their partners and recent graduates.  The service is free and confidential.

Health centre
SIT’s health centre provides free and confidential services to all students, with a registered nurse on duty daily to help students with any health-related matters.  Health centre staff can also refer you to specialist professionals or agencies, such as an optician or family planning.

Learning assistance 
The learning assistance unit is available to assist you with a range of study skills, such as academic reading, writing assignments or essays, maths, concentration, time management, exam techniques, memory skills, note taking and any other area of learning. The unit regularly runs free workshops to help you understand our academic requirements and give you tips and techniques on study habits.  We recommend that all international students attend the workshops on referencing and assignment writing. The learning assistance unit is a free and confidential service.

Peer tutoring
During your studies you can take advantage of SIT’s free peer tutoring scheme.  Peer tutoring is available through our Learning Assistance Unit if you are having difficulty with your programme content and want additional assistance.

Native speaker support 
For important discussions, SIT can provide native speaker support for speakers of a range of languages, such as Chinese dialects (Mandarin and Cantonese), Japanese, Korean, Nepalese, Thai, Hindi, Sinhalese, Malay, Filipino and Vietnamese. This free service can be requested through the international team.  We also provide a range of information in a variety of languages.

Pasifika student support
SIT’s Pasifika Coordinator is able to provide assistance and support for students from the Pacific Islands.  The coordinator can help you liaise with other staff and maintain links with local Pasifika communities and activities. 

Student activities
SIT’s dedicated activities officers organise sporting and cultural events for students all year round.  They can help you get involved in sports, clubs and other activities around the region.  They also organise free lunchtime meals and SIT’s participation in New Zealand’s UniGames. Read more here.

Visas
Helping students with their visas is business as usual for us.  Every week we help our students update their visas, whether it be a renewal of your student visa or an application for a job search visa. We are experienced in providing advice and information for students on how to apply to Immigration New Zealand and what to expect.