What is a 'homestay'? 

A homestay is an accommodation option for international students studying at our school. It provides a fantastic opportunity for students to enhance their English and experience our unique culture up close.

Why New Zealand?

New Zealand is seen as a place of great beauty and Kiwi families love being able to showcase what our country has to offer. Kiwis have a reputation for being friendly and down to earth. Our education system is highly regarded around the world. 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. 

When and where do our international students come from?

We typically have students from European and Asian countries. They generally arrive in February (Term 1) and July (Term 3) and study from one term (10 weeks) up to one year. 

Students are often here to improve their English and experience a different way of life while gaining life skills and independence. 

Our International team is here to support their safety and wellbeing at school, at home and within the community. 

What’s involved?

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. Ensuring a student’s safety and wellbeing is the most important part of being a homestay. Students need

• A welcoming, supportive and caring environment
• To have their own room with a bed, a desk and space to store their belongings
• To be provided with 3 meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) and snacks
• A warm, comfortable bedroom with adequate heating during the winter
• To be taken to and from the airport (when possible)
• A real Kiwi experience

Need more information?

Our International team is available to answer your initial questions. Please feel free to give us a call on 027 269 0184 or 07 557 9065 or email us at [email protected].

When do students arrive?

Our largest intakes are February and July, although students can arrive at any time during the year. We also have short-term groups in March, July/August and October. 

Where do the students come from?

The majority of our students come from Germany, Japan, Korea, Hong Kong and China. From time to time we have students from Thailand, Sweden, Canada, Fiji, Cambodia and Vietnam.  

Is there any reimbursement?

Families receive a $370 weekly payment for hosting a student which is paid fortnightly. Homestay payments should be considered more of a reimbursement for costs associated with having an additional person in your family rather than an additional source of income. In addition, students come for short or long stays and when one leaves we may not be able to place a student with you again immediately. 

How are students matched? 

We understand how important it is for the relationship between the student and the family to work well. Students submit a homestay letter when they apply to the college where they tell us about themselves and outline their ideal host family. Students needs and requests are always considered when making placements, to ensure they are placed in a family environment which works best for them. We make the best possible match between you and the student based on the information they provide and the family profile we create from your application. 

What if a problem arises?

We know that the homestay experience is essential to our international students enjoying their life in New Zealand. With their safety and wellbeing being of utmost importance, we take considerable care in placing students in the right home and do our best to deal with any matters should they arise. Our team will always be in close contact with you and the students during their stay. In our experience we find that if issues are addressed while they are small, they are easier to work out. If there is an irrevocable problem, we will work to relocate the student. 

Can I host 2 students?

Yes, this is possible. However, the students must have their own room and we avoid placing students of the same nationality in the same home to maximize the student experience. 

Can we host from different schools?

No. As a rule, we only allow host families to host from the same school. 

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

Yes. This is done in the application process at the beginning. Your preferences can also be refined as you gain more experience. 

Are there any expectations of students?

We provide a comprehensive Host Family Information Booklet that details the expectations families should have of their students. In general, they are expected to behave like any other member of your family. They should be polite and respectful, keep their room clean, lend a hand with household chores and ask for permission for social activities.  We stress the importance of good communication and habits. 

How do students get to school?

Transport to school is usually on foot, by bus, by bike or by car. Depending on where the student lives, they will take a TBC school bus or the local urban bus. Most homestays are within a 30-40 minute bus ride. 

Application Procedure 

• Complete a TBC Homestay Application
• Agree to a police vetting check on all persons aged 18 years or over residing in the house
• Provide two character references for TBC to check

• Sign a Homestay Carer Agreement with Tauranga Boys’ College