Welcome family or local coordinator

Have you never been a host family before, or are you curious to see what it’s like? Then you can be a welcome family! This involves welcoming a student when the student first arrives in your home country for a minimum of 3 months. The student will then move on to another host family. Fill in our notification of interest and we will contact you for more information. Of course, your notification of interest is non-binding.

Are you interested in working as our extended arm and being an STS representative in your area? As a local coordinator, you will have regular contact and be available for one or more exchange students and their host families and schools. This role is ideal for anyone interested in young people and international exchange. It works well alongside studies or work. Read more and apply to become a local coordinator here.

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FAQ

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Why do you recommend us to become a host family?
Being a host family is a great way to increase the understanding of other cultures and people. You get an extra family member to cherish and a new sibling for your children. It is also an opportunity to prepare for an academic year abroad, if one of the children of your family are planning to study abroad.
How do I become a host family?
You register your interest, and will then get an introduction of the students that are coming to New Zealand. STS will do a home visit and thereafter you will get to choose a student that you believe will be a good fit for you and your family.
Can the host family choose students themselves?
Yes, the host family will select the student they feel is a good match for their family.
Is it possible to be a host family for less than a year?
Yes, you can choose to be a host family for a whole year or a semester. Sometimes we also need a so-called “welcome family” for a shorter period (minimum 3 months).
Will the host family get compensation?
Being a host family is a voluntary initative. However STS in NZ do pay a weekly contribution towards costs to their host families. Being a host family is a unique experience, it is important that the exchange student feels like a family member.