Pukekohe High School hosts international students from all over the world. These students travel to New Zealand to experience Kiwi culture and study at our school, and we rely on supportive local families to provide a safe and welcoming home environment during their stay. We are looking for caring homestay families who would enjoy sharing their home and daily life with an international student, usually aged 13–18 years old.
Why Become a Homestay Family?
Hosting an international student can be a very rewarding experience for your family. Many hosts enjoy:
- Learning about new cultures and traditions
- Sharing New Zealand lifestyle and family life
- Forming lasting friendships with students from around the world
- Giving a young person the opportunity to experience life in New Zealand
- Receiving weekly remuneration for hosting
Requirements
Our school is committed to ensuring international students are welcomed into a supportive family environment and are treated as one of the family.
Homestay families are expected to provide:
- A safe and caring home environment
- A private bedroom with a bed, desk or study space, and storage for their belongings
- Full board, including breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks (morning/afternoon tea if needed)
- Inclusion in normal family activities where possible
- Support with adjusting to life in New Zealand
- Keeping up to date with homestay trainings
Students are matched carefully with homestay families instead of being placed on a first in first served basis. We ask students about their preferences (for example: families with children, pets) as well as any food allergies, dietary requirements, or dislikes. As well as general lifestyle preferences. This helps us place students in homes that best suit their needs and interests.
Support from the School
The International Department provides ongoing support for both students and homestay families. Our Homestay Coordinator is available to assist with any questions or concerns and to help ensure a positive experience for everyone involved.
Homestay Trainings are held twice a year for all homestays. This is usually held in terms 1 and 3. And a good opportunity for all homestays to keep informed with updates at school, and to connect with other like-minded people in the community.
Requirements
Our school is committed to ensuring international students are welcomed into a supportive family environment and are treated as one of the family.
Homestay families are expected to provide:
- A safe and caring home environment
- A private bedroom with a bed, desk or study space, and storage for their belongings
- Full board, including breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks (morning/afternoon tea if needed)
- Inclusion in normal family activities where possible
- Support with adjusting to life in New Zealand
- Keeping up to date with homestay trainings
Students are matched carefully with homestay families instead of being placed on a first in first served basis. We ask students about their preferences (for example: families with children, pets) as well as any food allergies, dietary requirements, or dislikes. As well as general lifestyle preferences. This helps us place students in homes that best suit their needs and interests.
Want to Apply?
Click the link below to start the process of become a homestay family.
Information for Families Overseas
While studying at Pukekohe High School, international students will live with either a Homestay Family or a Designated Caregiver.
Living with a New Zealand family is a wonderful way to improve English, learn about Kiwi culture, and feel part of the local community.
Our homestay families live in the Pukekohe area and enjoy welcoming international students into their homes as part of their family life. Students are provided with their own bedroom, three meals each day, and support from their host family where needed.
All homestay families are carefully selected by the school. Every home is inspected, and all adult members of the household are police vetted before students are placed with them. The International Department also stays in regular contact with both students and homestay families to ensure students are safe, comfortable, and well supported.
When you apply for homestay accommodation, the International Office will carefully match you with a suitable family. We send information about you to the homestay family, and we will also send you information about your homestay family before you arrive in New Zealand. This helps everyone get to know each other before the student arrives.
The homestay application form is included in the International Student Application Form.
Students living in a homestay can expect:
- A safe and caring home environment
- A furnished private bedroom
- Three meals per day (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
- Support with settling into life in New Zealand
- Inclusion in normal family activities and daily life
- Help with transport to and from school where needed
- Guidance and support from the International Department
Living with a family is a great opportunity to experience everyday New Zealand life and practise speaking English in a natural environment.
To ensure a happy and respectful homestay experience, students are expected to:
- Be polite and respectful to all members of the household
- Follow the house rules of the homestay family
- Keep their bedroom clean and tidy
- Communicate with their host family about their plans and schedules
- Respect family routines and curfews
- Participate in family life where possible
Mutual respect and open communication help create a positive experience for both students and host families. New Zealand families are very helpful. Please encourage your child to speak with their homestays about their wants and needs.
The International Department provides ongoing support for students living in homestays. This includes:
- Careful selection and vetting of homestay families
- Regular contact with students and homestay families
- Assistance if students have any concerns or questions
- Support with cultural adjustment and wellbeing
- Help resolving any issues that may arise
Our goal is to make sure every student feels safe, supported, and welcomed during their time at Pukekohe High School.
Please ensure your child reads the pre-departure handbook before arriving in New Zealand.