Opening your home to an international student is one of the most rewarding things a family can do. It is a chance to share your everyday life with a young person from another country, to broaden your own family’s horizons, and to be part of an experience that students often describe as life-changing.
At Kaipara College, we look for host families who are warm, engaged and genuinely interested in other cultures. The type of home matters far less than the people in it. Our homestay families come from all walks of life and live in a range of settings, from rural farmlets to suburban homes, and what they share is a willingness to welcome someone new around the table.
We support our host families throughout the process. Each family is visited and referenced before being approved, and we maintain a close relationship with all our homestays throughout the year. We also work carefully to match students and families so that the experience is positive for everyone.
The relationships that grow out of homestays can be extraordinary. Some of our host families have stayed in touch with former students for many years, and students have returned to visit, attended family events, and remained part of each other’s lives long after the stay ended.
If you are interested in becoming a host family, please email our international team to find out more: [email protected]