Homestay provides international students with an opportunity to participate fully in New Zealand family life and learn to speak conversational English.
Safe and Supportive Homestays
Living with a carefully selected local family is a cornerstone of the international student experience at Wakatipu High School. A welcoming homestay environment fosters independence, self-sufficiency, and social confidence, giving you a true taste of New Zealand life.
A Safe, Thoroughly Vetted Environment
We prioritize student wellbeing through a rigorous selection and monitoring process:
- Dedicated Coordinator: Our Homestay Coordinator personally inspects all potential accommodations and interviews prospective hosts.
- Safety Checks: In accordance with New Zealand law, all household members aged 18 and over undergo full vetting by the New Zealand Police.
- Ongoing Support: We visit our families regularly, maintain open lines of communication, and conduct ongoing evaluations with both students and hosts to ensure a positive, happy experience for everyone.
- Thoughtful Matching: We celebrate the diversity of our local host families, allowing us to carefully match you with a home best suited to your individual interests, personality, and lifestyle preferences.
What Your Homestay Includes
Every international student is provided with a comfortable, welcoming living space:
- Your Own Space: A private bedroom equipped with a bed, study desk, clothing storage, and adequate heating.
- Daily Meals: Three meals a day are provided, including a packed lunch (or food to prepare your own) on school days.
- A Warm Welcome: To ensure a smooth transition, a member of our International Department will greet you at the airport alongside your new homestay family upon your arrival in Queenstown.
- Life as Part of the Family: To fully integrate into your new home, you will be expected to participate in everyday family life. This includes helping out with basic household chores and maintaining the cleanliness of your own room.
You can read more about what to expect at a homestay experience here.
Mats, from Germany, "they're supportive, lovely and caring and I just enjoy feeling like part of the family"
Maria, from Argentina - enjoying life with her homestay brothers, "before coming I was scared... but they have included me since the beginning and made me feel at home"
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