Hosting an international student is a great way to bring the world to your home. Create lifelong relationships with people around the world, earn an extra income and perhaps start a worldwide network for your children’s future OE!

Becoming a Host Family

Becoming a host family is easy. Simply fill in our inquiry form Enquiry Form to start your journey.

Our International Director will be in touch to arrange a time to meet and together we will:
a)work to create a profile of your family for potential students
b) carry out a safety check (including a Police Vetting request)
Your application is reviewed
You will be added to our community of amazing hosts!

What is a “homestay”?

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.

About International students

Although there are many reasons why students from other countries study here, they generally fall into two categories:

EXPERIENTIAL

We typically have experiential students from Europe and Japan. 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.

EDUCATIONAL

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.

What’s involved in being a homestay?

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:

have their own room with a bed, desk and space to store their belongings
have bed linen (sheets, pillow, and blankets) and towels
adequate heating during the winter
be provided with meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks)
be taken to and from the airport

Expectations of students

We have a Guide to Home-stay 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:

be polite and respectful
keep their room clean
lend a hand with household chores
let you know and seek permission for social activities

Why New Zealand?

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 love being able to showcase what New Zealand has to offer visitors.

How are students placed?

When students apply to Westland High School, 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 enhance 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.

When do students arrive?

Although students can arrive at any time during the year, our students usually arrive in late January and July.

Can I specify the type of student I want to host?

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.

What if things don’t work?

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.

Reimbursement

Families receive weekly payment for hosting a student, which is set to increase in 2025.

WESTLAND HIGH SCHOOL

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