Become a host family in New Zealand with EF

As a host family you provide a welcoming home environment for an international or exchange student. This typically includes:

1. Accommodation: Offering a comfortable living space, which usually includes a bedroom and access to common areas like the kitchen, bathroom, and living room.
2. Meals: Providing meals, like breakfast and dinner.
3. Support and Guidance: Helping the student navigate local customs and traditions, assisting them in understanding and using local transportation, and advising them on day-to-day activities.
4. Cultural Exchange: Engaging in cultural exchange by sharing your own customs and traditions, while learning from the student about their culture.
5. Emotional Support: Offering a supportive and friendly environment to help the student adjust to a new culture and lifestyle away from their family.

In summary, a host family plays a crucial role in making the student's overseas learning experience safe, productive, and enjoyable.

As a host family for a foreign exchange student, you must provide a bed, breakfast, packed lunch (for younger students only) and evening meals Monday through Friday, and all meals on the weekends.

There should also be easy access to local transportation to and from the students course centre and a stable, caring environment.

Host parents must submit an application, references, and are subject to a home visit by one of our experienced staff. Students bring their own spending money for personal needs, souvenirs, entertainment, and other incidentals.

We’re delighted you want to host a foreign exchange student with EF New Zealand. Host parents must submit an application, references, and are subject to a home visit by one of our experienced staff. Click here to sign up today!

EF students attend classes at our campus in Auckland. Courses include daily English and cultural lessons, combined with a full activities programme every day and during some evenings.