International Students
Homestay Hotline: 0226 140 975
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Kapiti College Matariki Festival 2 July
Rules for International Students
Rules for International Students
The Kapiti College International programme must comply with the Tertiary and International Learners Code of Practice, and takes guidance from SIEBA - there are specific rules we have to follow to ensure your wellbeing.
This means there are additional restrictions for international students, which will be different to what you might be used to in your home country, and it will be different to rules for domestic students. These apply to all international students - even if you are over 18 years of age.
You must notify the school if you are going to be away from your homestay overnight - this includes returning home for the holidays or organised tours.
Orientation Booklet 2026.pdf
Homestay Expectations
Homestay Expectations
You will be living with your homestay as a member of their family. Homestay accommodation is not the same as staying in a hotel - your host family is responsible for your wellbeing and you need to be a respectful and considerate guest, fit in with their household routines and rules, and communicate with your host family.
You must have permission from the school if you are going to be away from your homestay overnight - this includes going on orgainsed tours, sleepovers at other homestays, and even trips with your own parents.
Kapiti College Homestay booklet for students.pdf
Be a respectful and considerate guest
Homestay caregivers are responsible for your wellbeing while you are in their care, and you are responsible for being a respectful and considerate guest in their home. We want this to be a positive experience for everyone.
What if it isn't working out?
Feeling happy, safe, and welcome at home is important to your wellbeing. While we try to find the best possible match between students and homestays, it doesn't always work out the way we hoped. Some of the issues with homestays can be resolved with open communication, so the first step is to talk to the Homestay Coordinator and let them know how you're feeling.
What if you have a problem with your homestay?
We will change placements where practical if there are lifestyle or personality clashes, or if there are other reasons that impact on your wellbeing. There are notice periods for ending agreements.
If you have requested a placement change the Homestay Coordinator will work with you to find your next placement and support you through the transition. This can also mean having conversations with the host family on your behalf.
A host family may also ask to end the agreement at any time. This can be due to a change in their circumstances, for lifestyle or personality clashes with their student, or if the student is disrespectful to the family or property.
If your host has asked to end the agreement the homestay coordinator will find you an alternative placement.
All placement changes must be made by the Homestay Coordinator. You can not make these arrangements yourself.
Sleepover Requests
Sleepover Requests
Want to stayover at a friend's place? International students can have sleepovers with friends staying in a Kapiti College registered homestay. International students are NOT able to stay overnight in an unvetted household, including Kiwi school friend's houses. Homestay payments are not redirected for sleepovers.
Students must use this form to notify the International Department of a sleepover at another Kapiti College homestay. Students must have permission from their friend's homestay and their own homestay before submitting this form.
This form can NOT be used to stay with a homestay registered with another college.
Tours and Trips Requests
Tours and Trips Requests
Going on a holiday without your host family? International students must request permission from the International Department for any tour or trips you are planning, this includes tours with tour companies, and holidays with your natural parents. Students can not travel without the supervision of a responsible and vetted adult. All costs for the trip, including airport transfers and day-to-day costs, are at the student's own expense. You must submit this form with at least two weeks' notice.
Not all schools allow visits between international students at different colleges. You must have permission from the school you are intending to visit before you confirm travel arrangements or buy tickets. Contact the homestay coordinator if you need support with this.
Students must use this form for permission to go on any overnight trip without their usual homestay or Kapiti College. Students must have permission from their natural parents, and their own homestay before submitting this form.
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