What do I do? (going to New Zealand as a foreign Exchange Student)?

I'm not so good at wording things, but here's my situation: I'm a sophomore (grade 10) in the USA. I am 15 years old, but will be 16 on September 30th. I wish to study abroad in New Zealand as a foreign exchange student. I know their grades are different, (called years/forms I think?) so I need to know the following things: 1.) What year would I go into? (I have a good GPA. ~high B I think) 2.) If I moved there (which I plan to) would I be able to leave school after this year and go to college? (or, whatever it's called down there. A university. Art school preferably) 3.) My dad (who is retired) wants to go with me as a retiree. Would he still be able to get his retirement from the USA, or would he have to work again? If you need more information, it can be given.

Public Comments

1. you'd go into year 8 probably - both NZ and US education standards are fairly low so you'd have no problem. Yes there are art schools in each large town. Yes your dad could get his pension. NZ is a bit like canada - cold but funky.
2. Hi, Keep in mind the school year is Feb to Dec. If you came this year, which ever high school you went to Term 4 would end 14th Dec 07. Some tertiary educators -Polytechs- have two intakes -one in Feb and one in July. Another option is come as as AFS student (American Field Scholar) for one school year. You live with a host family and go the local school that their kids go to. Check Universities out while you're here and maybe your Dad could join you after the year is up??? Yes, your Dad could get his retirement here. How my Mom does it is gets it transfered from her US bank a/c to her NZ a/c as and when she needs it.