schoolbridge-logo
Real Stories from Our Homestay Families

Welcoming an international student into your home is more than just providing a place to stay – it's about creating connections, sharing cultures, and making memories that last a lifetime.

Our amazing homestay families play a vital role in the success of our international programme. Their stories are full of warmth, humour, learning, and heart.

Read on to discover what life is really like as a homestay host, in their own words.

Nyree's Story

What started as a casual “should we give this a go?” conversation has turned into one of the most unexpected and rewarding adventures our family has ever taken on. We jokingly call it our family side quest, or our in‑home YouTube experience, but really, hosting international students has become such an enriching part of our daily lives.


Welcoming students from different parts of the world has added a whole new layer of life and laughter to our every day. From sharing Kiwi classics like fish and chips on the beach at Fitzroy to standing on the sand with a German flag so our international friend (who’s catching endless waves) knows it’s time to go. We’ve found joy in the little cultural quirks that make New Zealand home and seeing it all through fresh eyes has made us appreciate it even more.


It’s not just about hosting someone, it’s about embracing them. Our students quickly go from strangers to siblings, from guests to part of the furniture (in the best possible way). Watching them grow in confidence, hearing about their lives back home, and introducing them to our people, our food, and our way of life - it’s magic.


We’ve had so many special moments and funny catchphrases that will become lasting memories, and ongoing relationships. Recently, the Kiwi Host Grandparents travelled through Germany and met up with two of our boys and shared a meal with both families together. It was like two worlds quietly collided and yet felt totally natural. The photos are priceless and show such a connection and sense of extended whānau being built in real time. Those are the moments that remind us just how powerful this experience can be.


If you’re a family thinking about hosting, our honest advice? Just say yes. You don’t need to be perfect, you just need to be open. Be ready for some miscommunications, a few laughs, maybe even a tear or two, but most of all, be ready to be changed in the best kind of way. Note: no teenager worldwide wants to empty a dishwasher.


Hosting international students has brought us new friendships, a wider worldview, and a deeper appreciation for home. It’s stretched us, softened us, and strengthened us and honestly, we can’t imagine life without it now.

img


Sally's Story

Why I Decided to Become a Homestay Host

When I was younger, I did a lot of travelling around the world and came across some amazing people in all different types of countries. As an adult, I wanted to provide a good experience for children making the same journey to the other side of the world to experience what life in New Zealand is like.

I also thought it would be a good opportunity for my own children to meet and interact with children from different countries—to understand the way other children are brought up, learn about their countries, their culture, and what their life is like.

I had been interested in doing this for a few years. Then one day, a couple of years ago, a flyer from Spotswood College arrived in my letterbox, and I thought, "This is a sign for me to actually do something about it." I contacted the homestay coordinator there, indicating I was interested in hosting an international student for the first time.

First-Time Nerves and Finding My Comfort Zone

I was a bit nervous welcoming our first student into our house. I was unsure what to expect. But having been the only female in a house of males, having boy students means I know what to expect. I know how to keep them happy—essentially by feeding them and running around after them!

I like to treat them like my own children. I've worked out that I can forge a close relationship with the children coming into our house, which makes it a great experience for me. I also hope I can teach them what it’s like to live in a family with a full-time working mum and help them grow and learn while they're here in New Zealand.

My Experience with International Students

To date, the experience we have had hosting international students has been fabulous. The students I've had have been quite different, and you learn to adapt and cater to each individual as they become part of your family. I find them to be quite mature and just great kids to be around.

I like to have a good laugh with our international students. I like to keep them entertained with how ridiculous I can be sometimes. I enjoy a bit of banter and showing them a real Kiwi family experience. I admire their active lifestyles, their ability to manage their own lives, and their passion for education.

What I Enjoy About Being a Homestay Host

I definitely like to spoil our international students—cook them plenty of food, help them to recognise what great kids they are, and support them in developing their social skills.

It can be quite different here, with a house full of my son's friends and plenty of sleepovers, which they’re not used to back home.

Favourite Memories

My favourite memories are the one-to-one interactions I've had with the students I've hosted. My first student was humbly gifted—he tried to teach me to play chess (that didn’t work), then he taught me to play a German board game. I came close once to beating him, but never quite managed it.

We used to play golf together occasionally. On the last day before he left, when we were driving out to the golf course for our final game, I said to him, "Just letting you know, I'm not going to deal very well with you leaving tomorrow."

All he said was, "Yes, I know that, Sally."

I like the way they talk quite directly. I appreciate their honest comments—it made me laugh. Of course, I did indeed break down at the airport and wept all the way home!!

My goal during their stay is to make them laugh out loud each day. It's one of my aims as a homestay host to try and make their life a bit less serious.

The Spotswood College Programme

The students are really happy when they come here. They like the relaxed nature of the school and form good friendships with other students, which is nice for them when they are away from home.

My own children did not attend Spotswood College, so this is my first experience of the school. I think the international team does a great job. They really care about the students, and the kids love them, which makes it quite a happy experience when they come to New Zealand.

What We've Gained

My family and I have gained a lot from the experience and from being part of the programme. It's great to see these children come to New Zealand. They're well-travelled, knowledgeable about what's going on in the world, and interested in many different things.

They lead very focused and driven lifestyles, which is quite impressive to witness.