In 2024 we are again privileged to be having a Mandarin Language Assistant (MLA) in our school for a year. We are seeking expressions of interest from school families, who wish to be a homestay host family.

Please fill in this form if you are interested in being a host family for our MLA in 2024

Expression of Interest Form

MLA Details:

• They are current university students in China, or recently graduated

• They are volunteering for a year to work in our schools to assist in teaching and learning

• They will be working in Amesbury School, Churton Park School and  St Benedicts School (Khandallah).

• They arrive in early February and depart in mid December.

• MLAs stay with one host family for one or two school terms

• They speak fluent English

• The MLA programme is funded and run by the Confucius Institute

• MLAs and homestay families have support from the Confucius Institute and the hosting schools

• They have training in Beijing before they arrive and another week training in their first week in NZ. They cover teaching and learning practices as well as an introduction to NZ culture. They will have NZ bank accounts and cell phones set up at this time

Home Stay Requirements:

• A welcoming, caring and safe home with a family who value the gains you will get from another culture

• Willingness to share your culture and lifestyle with them

• Ability to commit for a term

• Can provide them with their own bedroom

• Can provide a bedroom with a bed, desk, chair and adequate lighting and heating

• Embrace them as part of your family during their stay

Benefits:

For the host family:

• Cultural richness added to their homes with people taking turns cooking, experiencing different dishes and sharing of cultural traditions.

• Sharing and strengthening your own culture, celebrating your family traditions together

• Many host families and MLAs remain close friends/family after the homestay and children in the home make connections for life.

• A future contact in China

• Generous weekly homestay payment made to families (bulk payment at the end of the homestay)

For the MLA:

• MLAs love being part of a family in NZ and immerse themselves in NZ culture during their stay.

• Make many new friends and close relationships

• Improve their English

• Work experience by assisting in Asia Awareness programmes and Mandarin in schools.

• Many travel with their host families around NZ, many do their own NZ travelling in the holidays.

• Enjoy the connections and friendships with other local MLAs.

If you are interested in being a host family, please complete this Expression of Interest Form. If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact jenny.king@amesbury.school.nz.