Christchurch homestay opportunities

Become a host family for international students in Ōtautahi Christchurch

What are the benefits of being a host family for international students?

Hosting international students offers a unique experience for you to become a global family and help a student experience life in New Zealand. Your family will have the opportunity to build strong connections and meaningful relationships with students from around the world. Welcoming an international student into your family and offering them support as they adjust to a new way of life can be an incredibly rewarding experience. For international students, a homestay is a chance to immerse themselves into another culture and language, achieve academically at school and connect with local people.

What's involved in being a host family for international students?

Many students want to study in Christchurch and Canterbury, especially short term to get a taste of New Zealand. However hosting an international student can vary in length, it could be anywhere from two weeks to a term or longer.

Our education providers are looking for kind and inclusive families to welcome and support an international student into their home.

As a host, you are expected to provide:

• a furnished bedroom
• meals and food
• family experiences
• unlimited Wi-Fi
• a nurturing and safe environment

How much do homestay families get paid in Christchurch?

Homestay families are usually paid weekly and depending on the school in your area, between $330 and $406 per week.

When does hosting for international students take place in Christchurch?

New intakes for international students in Christchurch take place every school term and semester. Recruiting usually happens around 6 months before the student would be arriving to stay with their homestay family. For example, if the student is arriving in September for term 3, recruiting for their homestay might start around April.

Who are the international students needing a homestay in Christchurch?

At school level they could be 10–18-year-olds, usually from Japan, China, South Korea, Germany, Thailand, Vietnam or France. At tertiary level they are 18 and older and can be from around the globe.

Homestay families are able to specify the school level of the student they would prefer to have stay with them. The process is very much a ‘match making’ so both the student and the family feel it is the right match for everyone.

Get in touch with your nearest education provider

If you or anyone you know is interested in hosting an international student, please contact your nearest education provider from the list provided below.

If your closest or preferred school is not on the list, feel free to contact yours directly or look up the international team within study options.