Hosting an international student is a great way to make a positive contribution to a young person’s education and there’s so much to gain in return.
Homestay hosts help international students settle and enjoy new experiences in New Zealand. Whanganui is a second home to students from all over the world and host families help these students learn about our culture and improve their English. Homestay hosts and families help international students feel at home and they make lifelong connections and memories in the process.
Whanganui secondary schools connect families with homestay students and make sure everyone is happy and well cared for. Check out some of our schools’ international education resources for more information and to apply to become a homestay host:
Contact | Whanganui Girls College
What will I need to do to become a host?
- Complete a questionnaire. This will help the schools find students who are well-matched for your home
- Undergo a police check. All host household occupants 18 years old and over will need to participate in a standard police check
- Participate in a house visit and interview. This helps ensure your home is suitable for hosting.
Key points for potential hosts:
- Whanganui hosts are typically reimbursed $320 per week
- Homestay families come in all shapes and sizes, you don’t need to have young children or teens at home to host a student
- Whanganui needs hosts for students staying anywhere from a few weeks, to months and years. Schools will match you with a homestay length suitable for you
- Hosts provide all meals, including snacks
- Expenses such as school uniforms, phone charges, school camps etc are covered by the student or school
Check out Homestay New Zealand’s comprehensive FAQs to see if hosting is a good fit for you.
