Darfield High School has been hosting international students for more than twenty years. Each year, we host 25 to 35 long-term international students from around the world, as well as some short-term group programmes.
Why study at Darfield?
- Full-time, experienced international department staff members to support you
- A kind, caring Kiwi host family to live with in our safe, friendly, rural area
- High-quality, enjoyable ESOL classes to improve your English quickly
- Supportive teachers who will help you succeed in mainstream classes
- A comprehensive activity programme, including regular term-time activities and school holiday trips
- Fun annual school events such as our whole-school House Competition
Hear from our students as they share their experience at Darfield High School.
I’m Chisato Takahashi. I’m a Japanese international student at Darfield High School. I came to New Zealand when I was in Year 11 and I’ve been here for almost three years. When I arrived, I was unable to speak English, and I was very shy to talk. However, every time I encountered difficulties, the teachers, my friends and my host family showed me how to overcome them. Even though my English didn't make sense, they tried to understand me, and that meant a lot to me. Through this study abroad, I learnt not only English but also mental growth. There were also many opportunities to try new things, and I tried netball and drums. With the help of my international coordinators, Amanda and Paula and my host family, my study abroad experience was wonderful. At school, my friends always greeted me with a smile, and their kindness made me think many times how glad I was to be attending this school. Of course, the decision to study abroad wasn’t easy, but I’m sure this experience changed me from a shy girl to a mature person.
Chisato
Welcome to Darfield High School where we have a great education, easy-to-learn and friendly people all around you. I can guarantee that people will be really nice to you and the weather over here is pretty good. I also can ensure that you will enjoy your time here at Darfield High School and hopefully nothing will disappoint any of you.
AJ
Subjects
International students can study ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages), and other subject choices will depend on English language ability and course availability.
Sports
Darfield High School sports teams compete in Christchurch high school sports competitions. Our Sports Co-ordinator provides support for many individual sports too.
During the year, school teams compete in a quadrangular tournament, and have the opportunity to attend regional and national tournaments. Please contact the international team directly to check which sports are currently available.
Arts
During the school year, there are many opportunities for students to participate in arts and cultural activities. These include Jazz Band, Rockquest, Chamber Music Competitions, Big Sing, Production, Stage Challenge, Talent Quest, Speech Competition, Shakespeare Festival, and Instrumental and Voice Tuition.
My name is Maria Eduarda Schimitez Hansen. I'm 16 years old, and I'm from Brazil, but on June 26 2025, I returned to my country, and I finished my 5-month exchange studying at Darfield High School. At first, everything was very new for us, the first days at school were challenging, because we were speaking a completely different language from ours, but then everything got easier. The teachers were very kind to us, international students and our coordinators, Amanda, Paula and Sum, who gave us all the support we needed! With all my words, I can say that my exchange was unforgettable, it was a dream come true! I created wonderful bonds with my host family and friends, I met many new things, like snow, which was a dream for me, because I had never seen it! I also went to a cave for the first time in my life, and I saw dolphins, seals and penguins! I took trips with my host family, and I had the opportunity to see beautiful places and have a lot of fun!
Maria Brazil