Homestay hosts sought for international students

Manager from NorthTec (Northland Polytechnic)

Welcoming homestay hosts who can provide a room, full board and a “Kiwi experience” are being sought for NorthTec International students.

Hosts are paid $230 per week for providing the student’s own fully-furnished bedroom, three meals a day and internet access.

Homestay students are mainly from China, mostly 17-18 year-old boys with a few female or older students. They plan to study at NorthTec for two to three years on average, but mostly only stay in homestay for the first six to 12 months.

Transport support is provided by NorthTec International within suburban Whangarei to and from the Raumanga campus, but students still need their homestay’s help with rides to any after school activities or their weekend social life.

Homestay hosts are expected to provide all meals daily with students preparing their own breakfast and lunch if preferred.

Under the NZQA Education (Pastoral Care of International Students) Code of Practice 2016, all international students under the age of 18 must live in approved homestays with fully police vetted and checked hosts.

NorthTec also recommends that all international students begin their stay in New Zealand with local people who can help them adjust to the local culture, practise their English, introduce them to the local area and provide them with some guidance.

To apply to become a homestay host, contact NorthTec International on 09-470 3605, or via homestay@northtec.ac.nz.