FOR STUDENTS AND THEIR FAMILIES TO EXPERIENCE A FOREIGN CULTURE FIRSTHAND, BE EXPOSED TO A LANGUAGE AT HOME, DEVELOP FRIENDSHIPS THAT LAST A LIFETIME, REDISCOVER AND SHARE THE BEAUTY OF NEW ZEALAND.

In May and July this year, we will be welcoming a new group of exchange students from all over the world.

These students are really excited to live with a Kiwi host family, attend a local school for 3, 5 or 10 months and live like a local. As we plan for their arrival, we are keen to hear from suitable families who might be interested to host a student and have a truly rewarding experience for the whole family.

Host families come in all shapes and sizes, backgrounds and ages. They help provide students with the chance to experience life in New Zealand. It’s a great way to develop language skills, share stories and establish a lifelong link to a family overseas. Hosting a student also contributes to international goodwill.

All students have at least basic levels of English and a wide range of interests and hobbies. If families would like a selection of student profiles sent to them to review and decide which student may fit into a particular family best, please contact us: 0800 440 079.

The Bryant family have had a wonderful time hosting exchange students from Austria and France. This is what Host Mum Pauline shared with us about their experience: "We decided to have another student after having our Austrian student who was just an absolute pleasure to have staying with us, not only learning about their culture but being able to show off our country, teach them about our customs, share our food, assist with the English language. Lili was from France and embraced the New Zealand lifestyle, loving the beaches particularly as did our Austrian student. I think the big thing for us is we have gained life-long friendships and overseas families who still keep in touch and make you proud to have given up a piece of your life for them. A life time of memories. Each student has given us many memories to cherish, and an album of photos to remember all the happy times we shared."

You can read what more of our host families have shared with us about their experience by clicking here: host family testimonials.

Student Exchange Australia New Zealand is a not-for-profit organisation that is registered with the Ministry of Education in NZ. We lead the way as the first secondary exchange organisation in the world to be certified to ISO 9001 (Quality Management System) and we ensure the highest standards of care and support to our participants. You can find out more about our organisation by visiting www.studentexchange.org.nz.

Sandra Harders

Host Family Placement Manager