If you can provide a “home away from home” for international students in New Zealand we’d love to hear from you!
Becoming a host family is easy. Simply fill in our inquiry form to start your journey.
We understand that becoming a host family can be a big decision and we hope that a lot of your initial questions are answered here.
Our team is on hand to answer any other questions 8am – 4pm Monday – Friday. Please feel free to give us a call 09 273 2310 ext: 373
Or if you would like to schedule a time for an online meeting you can choose a time using this link:
A Homestay is an accommodation option for International students who study at our school. It’s a great opportunity for international students to improve their English and immerse themselves in our unique culture firsthand.
Although there are many reasons why students from other countries study here, they generally fall into two categories:
We typically have experiential students from Europe and Latin America. They generally arrive in February or July and study from one term (10 weeks) up to one year. Experiential students are often here to improve their English, and experience a different way of life while gaining life experience and independence in the safe environment we offer.
New Zealand’s education system is very highly regarded around the world. Students and parents often consider New Zealand to be a place where their children can have a world-class education that allows them to learn in a way that works best for them.
Students usually enrol when they are 13 – 16 years old and stay with us for 3 – 5 years.
Students are looking to have an authentic kiwi experience in an english speaking home. Most importantly students want to feel genuinely welcomed as a new member of your family.
Like any young member of a family, ensuring student’s safety and wellbeing is the most important part of being a homestay. Students also need to:
We have a comprehensive Caregiver Reference Book that details the expectations families should have of their students. In general, students are expected to behave just like any other member of your family. They should:
New Zealand is an attractive study destination for overseas students. Our education system is regarded as one where students will receive a world-class personalised learning experience, learn to ask questions and think critically.
Kiwis have a reputation for friendliness and progressive thinking. Families who can help students realise these impressions are what we need.
New Zealand is seen as a safe destination and a place of great beauty. Families are sure to revel in being able to showcase what New Zealand has to offer visitors.
When students apply to the college, they submit a homestay letter where they tell us about themselves and outline their ideal host family. We use this along with other information from their application and your family profile to make what we hope, will be a great fit for you and the student.
Our preferred maximum allocation is two students per host family. To preserve the student experience, we avoid placing students of the same ethnicity in the same home, we also work to avoid placing male and female students together.
Although students can arrive at any time during the year, our largest student intakes are in February and July.
Yes, both in the initial creation of your profile and as you gain more experience hosting we can refine the type of students that works best for you.
Our team will always be in close contact with you and students during their stay. Generally, we find that if issues are addressed while they are small, relationships work out. However, if there is an irrevocable problem, we will work to relocate the student.
For 2022 and 2023 families receive a $290 weekly payment for hosting a student. This is set to increase in 2024.
A peak body for schools supporting international students in the education sector
