Homestay families are the heart of our international programme. They provide a safe and welcoming home for students from all around the world, including Japan, Vietnam, Germany, Thailand and China, while they study at Pompallier.
Host families come from various backgrounds. Many families have children at Pompallier, but hosting can also work well for families with young children, children at other schools, or no children at home. Every situation is different, and we work with each family to find a good match. The school supports host families and international students throughout the placement, which can range from 2 weeks to a full school year. All students return home over the summer holidays.
International students are eager to experience local life and improve their English. They want to be included in your family routines; even things like grocery shopping will be new and interesting experiences. They will need to study and attend school, and likely join their own activities, sports, or clubs. We encourage host families to make room in your everyday life for your student. There is no expectation to plan big trips or make every weekend about sight-seeing.
What does a host family provide?
- A private room for your student, with a bed, desk, natural light, wardrobe, and bedside table (students visiting with short-term groups can share a room)
- Bathroom and laundry facilities
- 3 meals a day and snacks
- Power, internet, and basic house supplies
- A safe and comfortable home
- Treating your student as a member of your family, including limits and boundaries
- A safe way to and from school (often the school bus)
What does a host family receive?
- A weekly stipend of $350 (in 2027)
- Opportunities to make international connections and learn about a different culture
- Inspiration to experience New Zealand through fresh eyes
- New and enriching experiences
Students are expected to follow family guidelines and rules, as well as school rules.
If you are considering becoming a host family, please get in touch for more information or a conversation: homestay@pompalllier.school.nz, or refer to our FAQs sheet.
If you are ready to apply – what is the application process?
- Complete the online application
- As part of your application, provide 2 referees (not family members, and where possible, one should be a current employer) who can comment on your suitability to care for an international student in your home
- Police vetting for each household member 18 years old and above
- Home visit
- In-person interview
The police vetting and interview can be done during the home visit.
Homestay Resources:
Arabic
Chinese (Simplified)
Dutch
English
French
German
Italian
Japanese
Korean
Maori
Portuguese
Punjabi
Russian
Samoan
Spanish
Vietnamese