Host family responsibilities

In hosting students with EF New Zealand, we request our families to provide:

We ask that our families hosting students with us provide each student with:

- A warm and friendly welcome.

- A clean, comfortable, well-lit room, with sufficient heating, ventilation, natural light, and storage for clothes.

- A space to study, not necessarily in the room.

- A balanced and appropriate diet: breakfast and evening meals from Monday to Friday, and three meals for the weekend.

- Bed linen and towels, which should be cleaned by the homestay provider on a weekly basis.

- A key or access to your home at any time.

- For our younger students, assistance in finding their way to school on their first day.

Your students are visiting New Zealand from abroad and expect to feel comfortable and safe in your home. Other than a bedroom, they need things like food, access to a shower, laundry and bed linen. Be mindful of their needs and how you can best live together so that everyone enjoys the experience and cultural exchange.

Students expect their homestay experience to be welcoming and enriching. They choose this accommodation to enhance their English skills and immerse themselves in the local culture and way of life. Many students will be traveling alone for the first time, so it is crucial that they feel welcomed upon arrival. Building a successful relationship with the student is essential; take the time to get to know each other by discussing your respective homes and cultures and comparing life in New Zealand with their home country. The initial days can be challenging for both the student and the host, but a little patience and understanding can help prevent misunderstandings. It’s important to treat each student as an individual, and the most significant aspect of their experience is their involvement in your family life—doing your best to include them will greatly enhance their time with you.