World languages – classroom activities, Ngā reo o te ao – ngā ngohe akomanga

Updated 20 Jan 2026

Examples of classroom activities to help students think about their future and how world languages might relate to the world of work.

In world languages you communicate in a variety of international languages. Learn how to understand different societies, cultures and history.

NCEA subjects that link to this learning area on Tahatū:

World languages

Career activities for Year 7 and upward
Ngā ngohe aramahi mō te Tau 7, i tua atu anō hoki,

Activity	Description
Language skills in work	Length of activity: Short Type of activity: Whole class Facilitate a discussion about the language skills required across different jobs and industries.
Role model career path	Length of activity: Short Type of activity: Individual Research a role model’s career journey in language roles. This person can be known to you or someone you admire.
Cultural comparison of occupations	Length of activity: Long Type of activity: Individual/pairs Compare how the same job (eg, chef) is practised in different cultures. Discuss values, skills and workplace conditions.
Work trip travel guide	Length of activity: Long Type of activity: Individual

Career activities for Year 11 and upward
Ngā ngohe aramahi mō te Tau 11, i tua atu anō hoki,

Activity	Description
Cultural interaction reflection	Length of activity: Short Type of activity: Individual Students reflect on past interactions with people from different cultures and the skills developed through those experiences.
Student exchange discussion	Length of activity: Short Type of activity: Whole class Discuss the benefits of student exchange and how you can learn both technical and personal skills. How could you use these for your CV? Know your skills
International industry research	Length of activity: Long Type of activity: Individual Research a key industry from another country and create a persuasive text to promote careers. Present findings to the class.
Interview someone who has worked overseas	Length of activity: Long Type of activity: Individual Interview someone with international work experience and reflect on whether they’d consider working abroad. Include a discussion on motivations and pros/cons.
NZ International Film Festival careers	Length of activity: Long Type of activity: Individual Research 10 language-related occupations involved in the NZ International Film Festival.
Cultural foods and advertising	Length of activity: Long Type of activity: Group Create an ad for a cultural food item and present it at a trade fair. Include discussion on marketing techniques and cultural considerations. Extend this activity by running a trade fair and making the food to share with others. Alternatively, promote a popular international food into New Zealand. What skills do you need to import, market and sell this?

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Ako atu,

Students can check out the study categories in the Explore study and training section of Tahatū to find out more about tertiary study in world languages.

Explore study and training

Students can browse study areas on Tahatū. For example:

Career activities for Year 11 and upwardNgā ngohe aramahi mō te Tau 11, i tua atu anō hoki,

Find out moreAko atu,

Career activities for Year 11 and upward
Ngā ngohe aramahi mō te Tau 11, i tua atu anō hoki,

Find out more
Ako atu,