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Frequently asked Questions

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.

Our Students generally arrive in January or July and study from one term (10 weeks) up to one year. The 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. They usually enrol when they are 15 – 18 years old.

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

When students apply to Whakatāne 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 preserve the student experience, we avoid placing students of the same ethnicity in the same home.

Although students can arrive at any time during the year, our largest student intakes are in January 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 the 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.

Our team will always be in close contact with you and the 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.

Families receive a $330 weekly payment for hosting a student, which is set to increase to $350 in 2025.