Being a host family for an international student is a deeply rewarding experience that goes beyond simply providing accommodation.
Hillcrest could not maintain its international student programme without the support of local families providing a caring supportive home for them. Currently 27 students live with a host family. Anna Harrop (and her family of five) is one of them.
‘Being a homestay family has been such a great experience for us. We first hosted a student last year, from Chile, and it was her first time living in New Zealand. We loved how open she was to trying new things, and it was a lot of fun sharing our home and learning about her culture. It was also a valuable experience for our kids, who got to learn about another way of life and what it means to welcome someone into our family. Some of our favourite memories from that time include her taking over the kitchen to bake delicious South American treats, and doing the Tongariro Crossing together with our family and friends.’
This year, we’re hosting a student from South Korea. It is her third year living in Hamilton and attending Hillcrest High School, so she already had a great support network here. We’ve really enjoyed the connection that’s formed over the year, especially during everyday moments like sharing about our day over dinner. Our kids have loved discovering more about her language and culture, and getting to know her as a friend.
A few highlights this year include heading to Auckland for Korean BBQ, visiting the museum, and spending time in Whakapapa Village with alpine walks and snow play. Being a homestay family has definitely motivated us to get out and explore our own country more!
It is a real privilege to be part of a student’s time in New Zealand, to watch them grow in confidence and feel at home here. We also really appreciate the trust their families place in us, and value being able to provide a caring and safe space to be a home away from home.
Joshana Phee has two extra teenagers in her family of 6. They find being a host family for a young international student at Hillcrest High School is a deeply rewarding experience that goes beyond simply providing accommodation.
It offers the chance to build meaningful cross-cultural connections, share New Zealand values and lifestyle, and gain fresh perspectives through the eyes of a young learner.
Watching them grow in confidence, improve their English, and thrive academically and socially while being part of our whanau has made the commitment worthwhile.
For more information about becoming a host family contact Delwyn ddawson@hillcrest-high.school.nz
