Accommodation

Upon your arrival in New Zealand, you will be placed into a Kiwi homestay close to the school. You can expect the homestay family to be an English-speaking family of good character. They will provide you with a comfortable room which should include a table, bed and lamp. Families will provide breakfast and dinner. lunch, fruit and snacks. The first 4 weeks of homestay will be around $220 per week. This arrangement is guaranteed by the school.

The school has procedures for the Selection and monitoring of homestay families including an assessment of the homestay carer’s suitability, an on-site assessment of the suitability of the residential facilities, and an assessment of whether a homestay carer will provide a safe physical and emotional environment. The campus homestay coordinator is Jennifer Yang who provides experienced help and support for all of our students.

Homestay Q&A

• How long should I stay in a homestay?

  The minimum period is the first 4 weeks after arrival, but we at UUNZ strongly recommend that students stay in homestay accommodation for the duration of their studies. Experience has shown that students who stay in homestays progress faster with their English studies, in particular their listening and speaking. Teachers will often use homestay parents as part of homework assignments; for example your assignment may be to discuss an issue with your homestay parent. Finally, students who stay in homestays come to know kiwi culture and family life far more quickly than those who don’t.

• What if I want to change homestays after the first 4 weeks?

  1. Give 2 weeks notice to the family
  2. We advise you to pay weekly or fortnightly in advance (instead of monthly) to avoid dispute.
  3. Inform reception of your new address and home phone number

• What are the challenges of homestay?

  Some students take a while to adjust to the kiwi food served at kiwi homestays. Some solutions to this are to try sharing your country’s food with the family by cooking a few meals for the family yourself, or perhaps you could use some dressings to make the food more appealing. There are many Asian food markets near the school.
  Some students find it difficult to bridge the culture gap between the family and themselves and can feel isolated. Some possible solutions to this are to talk to your homestay family as much as possible. Homestay parents are carefully chosen for their warm and caring personalities and have often had international students before

• What if there’s a homestay problem?

  Contact Sue on Level 6 or at sue@uunz.ac.nz or on (+ 649) 915 3370 immediately. Alternatively, contact the homestay agent.

  During the first week after commencing a homestay, both the student and the host family may request a change of homestay for reasons of incompatibility. The minimum period in a homestay is four weeks.

  There is no refund if you leave before the four weeks is up. If you or your homestay wish to terminate your agreement, either party should give at least two weeks notice.

• What if I’m under 18?

  If you are under 18, you must stay In a school-arranged accommodation. This type of accommodation could include Homestay.

  Designated caregivers; In the case of students on short courses only, in temporary accommodation, or Living with parents In this case, Sue will meet up with you at least once every three months to ensure everything is OK with your accommodation.

  We will also visit your house at least twice a year to ensure it is appropriate for you. If you are under 18 and you want to move out of your homestay, you must provide verifiable written evidence from your parents that they give you permissio