Homestays

Those studying English will often begin their studies living with a homestay family. This is where you go into a New Zealand family home and become one of its members. You will be given your own room so you can have some privacy. You will be expected to help out with household chores (jobs) and to abide by family rules such as a curfew (time to be home). Food will be provided and meals will usually be shared with the family.

The biggest advantage of a homestay is that you will only communicate with the family in English. This means that you will be practising English constantly while you are living with the family. This will also be a great opportunity for you to get to know about New Zealand and how New Zealanders live. Another advantage of living in a homestay is that your meals will be provided and, in some homes, your laundry may be done for you. This will give you more time to focus on your studies and to adjust to the different learning environment in New Zealand.

There are some things regarding living in a homestay that you should be aware of.

It is likely that the family diet will be different from what you are used to. The family may own pets that you are not familiar or comfortable with. Some students have found their homestay situation to be inappropriate.

Others, however, have thoroughly enjoyed their homestay experience.

It is hard to know what kind of experience you are likely to have until you meet the family. It is therefore extremely important to communicate your needs as clearly as possible to the person or agency arranging your accommodation. Make sure they are given plenty of time to make the accommodation arrangements for you. If they cannot cater for all of your needs, they will put you with the most appropriate family possible. If you find that the homestay family is inappropriate for you, remember that you can always change to another homestay family or select a different type of accommodation.

If you live in a homestay, remember that having you in the house may be a new experience for your host family, as well as for you. Talk with your hosts about any worries you may have so that misunderstandings can be avoided. Ask them what is expected of you regarding, for example, helping with chores around the house. Ask about the food you will be having, meal times, where to put dirty clothes, and whether you can use the telephone and computer. In some instances you may need to purchase your own telephone line and computer. Girls may want to ask where to dispose of sanitary items. You may also want to ask what time is best for you to have a shower and to do your laundry. Generally, in New Zealand households there is only enough hot water for each person to have a 10 minute shower during peak times for water-use, so check to see what your homestay family’s expectations are.

Electricity in New Zealand is expensive and some types of heaters are dangerous to leave unattended. If you are using an electric blanket to warm your bed, it is very dangerous to leave it on while you are asleep.