What to Expect

Placements

Some students come for academic pathways, whereas others come to experience a school system that is vastly different to their own. All students expect to further develop their English language skills. While we do have long-term enrolments, there are peak times: term one and term three have the highest intake of new students, with term two being the quietest. Because of our specially tailored programmes, enrolment durations range from five weeks to multi-year. 

When making homestay placements, our first priority is wellbeing and we will consider medical, allergy, and dietary needs first. Where possible we also match students with families who have similar interests and lifestyle needs so our students and homestays can have the best experience together.

We do have practical limitations with placements, for example: 

• we can’t place two international students of the opposite gender in the same homestay

• we can’t allow placements into homes that host for other organisations without prior written approval of all agents and providers

• we also can’t place international students from the same nationality together or with families of the same nationality – students come to New Zealand for an immersive English environment and might need to be pushed out of their comfort zone.

New enrolment placements are confirmed in the term before the students arrive. We are required to confirm homestay placements and travel arrangements at least four weeks prior to their departure dates. 

Available homestays are assessed against the incoming student’s requirements. When a match is made, the details are sent to the agent for their approval. Occasionally an agent may ask for a different placement, but it is usually approved at that point. Once it is confirmed by the agent, the student may get in touch with their homestay family before they arrive.

Once all the placements are confirmed and incoming flight information is received, arrival details will be sent out attached to calendar invitations.

Due to the varied nature of enrolments and different student needs, we cannot guarantee that all available homestays will find a suitable match in each intake. 

Arrival

Arrival details vary depending on the student or group’s travel arrangements. Some students are met at the airport by their host family, whereas others might be in a group that is brought to College to be collected. The homestay coordinator will confirm arrangements ahead of time.

You will have an airport pick up sheet that has their flight details and times. Please keep an eye on the airport’s flight tracking for any delays or cancellations. Occasionally there are last minute changes, and we will try to keep you informed of any changes as soon as we know about it.

Students will be given an arrival briefing sheet with your name and contact information. Please text the homestay coordinator when you student has arrived safely in your care. 

Settling in

When students first arrive they will probably be affected by both jet lag and culture shock.  Culture shock and homesickness may continue to be a problem once the initial excitement has worn off.  Asian students often come from families where they are the only child and have been the center of attention.  Sometimes students become sad and depressed. It is important that this be discussed, and brought to the attention of the school staff if it persists.

Students need to be reassured that as time passes they will feel happier and more settled.  

One of the more common symptoms of culture shock is fatigue. The student may want to spend a lot of time sleeping in the early weeks.  Discourage this if it is obviously becoming a habit.  The student may want to spend quite a lot of time alone to take a break from the hard work of communicating in a second language.  Be understanding, but try and stop them isolating themselves too much.

International students will benefit most from their time in New Zealand if they make a real effort to become part of their host family. Involve your student in family life and show an interest in who they are as people. Eventually they will make friends with other international and local students, but for the first few weeks it is vital that they feel welcome, accepted and liked in their home. Include them as much as possible and take some extra time for icebreaking activities like card games or walks. 

Climate adjustments

Some students might find the temperature challenging – especially how cold Kiwi homes are at night. Please check in with how your students are feeling, remind them about the importance of layering clothing when it’s cold, and offer them an extra blanket if they need it. Also remind them about turning heaters off when not in the room - some students have never had to be aware of heating, so it might take a bit to get used to. 

Language

Do not expect the student to speak or understand English readily during the first weeks. It will be easier to communicate after the initial period.  Most students know a lot more words than it appears at first but can’t understand our accent, or are reluctant to say much for fear of not getting it right.  Make the effort to speak slowly and clearly and to use simple vocabulary where possible. Sometimes writing a word down will be helpful. In the initial weeks reading may be easier for them than listening, and they generally have electronic translators they can refer to if they don’t understand the word you have written down. 

Cultural differences

Please respect cultural differences and different beliefs or values. If your student appears to be happy to discuss their beliefs by all means do so. But don’t (for example) accuse their government of human rights violations or belittle their religious faith. This will not help relations in the home and is unlikely to increase international understanding.

Local orientation

Over the first two or three days please familiarise the student with the local shopping area so that they know where to buy toiletries, snack items, or stationery. They may also need some assistance with the initial purchase of stationery for school.  Make sure they know how they'll get to and from school, and point out any helpful landmarks. It might help to share location on google maps so you can find each other if needed.