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Kapiti College welcomes more than 100 international students each year. Last year, international students came to us from China, Hong Kong, Japan, Thailand, South Korea, Belgium, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Denmark, Norway, Switzerland, and the USA. Enrolments range from two weeks to multi-year. Most international students will require a homestay placement during their enrolment.
Host families are a vital ingredient in our international programme, providing the foundations for our students to have a happy and successful stay in New Zealand. Homestay hosts receive a stipend to cover expenses while caring for the student. In 2026 payments start at $370 per week.
Become a host family
Become a host family
Being a homestay host can be a very rewarding experience, and many form enduring friendships with their international students.
We encourage homestay applications from all kinds of families in all ages or stages. You don't need to have a child attending college - all you need is suitable accommodation, the ability to provide three meals a day, and a willingness to welcome a young person into your home to share your experience of Aotearoa New Zealand with them while helping them develop their English language skills.
We encourage applications from families with special diets or allergies who could accommodate a student with similar requirements.
How long is a placement?
How long is a placement?
Placements range from two weeks to a full year - so you can decide what time commitment suits you best. We can arrange temporary placements if you are unable to host for a night, a week, or more due to holidays or unexpected life events, so you'll never be stuck if something comes up.
We encourage applications from people available as emergency short-term hosts, as well as those who would like to take on a student for the full year. Some hosts have two or more students at a time and may have a mix of long and short stays - however, each student must have their own fully furnished bedroom.
How are placements made?
How are placements made?
We consider the student needs and the host family preferences so we can place students in environments where everyone will thrive. For example, if a student has a particular focus, such as music, we will try to place them in a household where they will have access to musical instruments. We also match lifestyle needs so that student's and host families' activities, interests and habits align where possible. We want everyone in the household to be comfortable and enjoy the homestay experience, whether they are the host family or a student.
Some hosts can accommodate more than one international student, however we will generally not place students from the same country in the same homestay - with the exception of short stays. Students are here to develop their English skills in immersive conditions so it is vital that they are in a fully English speaking environment..
When we have a student who would be a good match for a household we will get in touch with a potential host to see if they are suitable. Host families may decline to host a particular student for any reason. We may also need to change placements if circumstances change or to better meet our requirements - such as mixed language groups or dietary needs. As our enrolments vary from term to term, not all hosts will be matched with a student each intake.
How to sign up?
How to sign up?
The first step is to apply: Homestay application. Please include as much information as possible, as this helps us match your lifestyle with a student's interests and needs.
Once your application is submitted, the homestay coordinator will arrange a time to inspect your property and get the police vetting underway. We’ll also have a chat at that point so we can match you with a student that would best suit your situation. You’re welcome to ask questions any time.
Contact Raen.Fraser@kc.school.nz if you would like to know more.
You can read more about being a host family in the Handbook for Host Families
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