Aspiring Language Institute

School Introduction

Aspiring Language Institute is at the boutique end of the language school market. We have a professional and very dedicated staff that is genuinely caring and kind. Our highly qualified teachers all have a minimum of 5 years teaching experience. Students enjoy the garden settings of both our buildings, the spacious common rooms and kitchen facilities. The interior of each of our 9 classrooms is different, reflecting a warm homelike atmosphere and personal touches that a central city office building would be unable offer.


With an excellent location in Merivale, an exclusive residential area of Christchurch, we are adjacent to the city center and have a range of shops, cafes, restaurants and other facilities within 3 minutes walking distance.


Our selected homestay families are usually within 20 minutes walking or cycling distance from our Institute. We offer a range of different activities throughout the year, including a monthly student party provided by us.

ESL Program Introduction

The Intensive English courses are graded from elementary to advanced level. The morning sessions focus on the four skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing as well as grammar accuracy and vocabulary development. Students work from recognised textbooks and materials specially prepared by the teacher. The afternoon sessions concentrate more on fluency, listening, vocabulary extension and everyday English use.


A Cambridge Certificate is internationally recognised proof of English ability. It is a practical qualification, aimed at the world of work and daily life rather than academic use. Our Cambridge Examination courses are designed to give students the necessary English language skills to successfully attempt the FCE, CAE or the CPE exam at the end of the course. There is an entry test for the Cambridge courses.

Background Data

• Number of ESL Students: Maximum 70
• Average Class Size: 8
• Hours per Week: 25 hours per week (Mon-Fri 9am-3pm)
• Minimum Age: 18 years
• Housing Options: Homestay 
• School Setting:  Suburban 

Schedule & Fees

All our courses are full-time, Monday - Friday from 9am - 3pm.
Intensive English Course: Students can start on any Monday (except public holidays). Minimum enrolment 4 weeks, shorter terms on application.

Application Fee
NZ$150 paid only once

Intensive English Course
NZ$375 per week (4-52 weeks)

Additional individual tuition
NZ$80 per 50 minute lesson (after hours)

Private tuition programme
Price on application (designed for students with individual requirements)

Cancellation fee
NZ$150



English + Tennis:
NZ$220 per week (available all year)

Professional tennis coaching and practice, (8 hours / week, after school hours). Must be booked with at least 4 weeks of full-time English tuition. Costs include: coaching, use of court, rackets, balls and club facilities.

English + Skiing:
NZ$610 per week (July, August and September only)

Must be booked with at least 2 weeks of Intensive English.
Price includes all transport, ski lift passes (Monday-Friday), equipment hire (skis, snowboard, boots, pants, hat, jacket, gloves, goggles, etc.), 5 nights shared room accommodation, daily breakfast and dinner.


Cambridge First Certificate Examination course (FCE)
level: upper intermediate

Cambridge Advanced Examination course (CAE)
level: advanced

Cambridge Proficiency Examination course (CPE)
level: proficiency

Textbook is included in the course fee
Examination fee: NZ$270.00

Course dates:

10 January – 11 March 2005 (9 weeks)
FCE/CAE
Application deadline: 10 January 2005
9 week course fee: NZ$3610.00

21 March - 10 June 2005 (12 weeks)
FCE/CAE/CPE
Application deadline: 7 March 2005
12 week course fee: NZ$4680.00

19 September - 9 December 2005 (12 weeks)
FCE/CAE/CPE
Application deadline: 5 September 2005
12 week course fee: NZ$4680.00


English for Academic Purposes course (EAP)
The EAP course is suitable for students interested in a structured academic setting. It is the ideal preparation for students considering tertiary study in an English-speaking country, or those preparing for an academic exam such as IELTS or TOEFL.

Level: intermediate (IELTS 5.0) and above
Course length : 12 weeks
Minimum enrolment : 8 weeks
Course fee: NZ$375.00 per week
Examination fees: IELTS NZ$250 / TOEFL US$130

Course dates:
5 July 2004 – 24 September 2004
4 October 2004 – 24 December 2004
17 January 2005 – 8 April 2005
11 April 2005 – 1 July 2005
11 July 2005 – 30 September 2005
3 October 2005 – 23 December 2005


TOEIC Examination Preparation
TOEIC exam fee: NZ$150.00
Aspiring Language Institute is a registered TOEIC test centre. This popular test is usually offered at the Institute once a month, depending on demand. It can also be organised at any time for a group of at least 3 students.

Special Courses & Features

• TOEFL Preparation Courses
• English + Tennis
• TOEIC Preparation Courses
• IELTS Preparation Courses
• Cambridge Examination Courses
• One-to-One Instruction / Private Lessons

Contact Info

Aspiring Language Institute
242 Papanui Road
PO Box 36-161
Merivale
Christchurch

Tel +64 3 355 3231
Fax +64 3 355 3236
Website