Get to know our students

Is your heart in the right place and would you like to welcome an exchange student into your home, or do you think someone you know might? Do you want to get to know a new culture and make a lifelong friend? We are looking for dedicated families for our exchange students who come to New Zealand from all over the world. Notify us of your interest in becoming a host family here. Of course, the notification is non-binding.

In the fall, our new students come to New Zealand from the US, Norway, Japan, Germany, Sweden, Italy and more. Of course, as a host family, you get to choose what student you want to welcome into your home, so take the chance to read more and get to know the students to see if any of them might be a good fit for your family!

There is a small contribution towards costs for hosting an exchange student in New Zealand, 140 NZD per week paid in arrears at the end of each month.

Do you want to become a host family?

Do you want to know more about becoming a host family? Express your interest in the form below. We will contact you and provide you with more information. An interest is, of course, not binding.

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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.