​​​​​​​Becoming a Host Family

CURRENTLY RECRUITING - EMAIL US TODAY FOR MORE INFORMATION - homestay@mmc.school.nz

If you wish to apply to become a host family,

please email homestay@mmc.school.nz

to receive the link to complete our online application form.


Remuneration:

2025 - $350 per student per week


Selecting the right homestay for our international students is very important to us here at Mount Maunganui College.  

Hosting is a crucial role that our host families play during a student’s time away from their family, friends and country.

Students will encounter many challenges, changes and cultural differences while living in New Zealand and as their 'kiwi family', you have the opportunity to assist the students in finding their path through this experience.

While students come here for a variety of reasons, one of the main reasons is to improve their English. Being placed in a ‘Kiwi’ homestay, where English is the primary language spoken in the home, will assist them.


Interested in hosting an International Student?  We are looking for families who:

  • have a spare room inside their home (not a sleep out)
  • are wishing to provide a family environment for a student
  • have a genuine interest in finding out more about other cultures
  • are able to set fair but firm negotiated boundaries within the school parameters 
  • enjoy a range of activities and are willing to involve their student, as well as also being involved in the activities of their student (able to get to sports practices and some school functions etc)
  • prepared to include their student in their family events and outings, and explore Tauranga and maybe some other tourist destinations
  • have empathy and an understanding of teenagers
  • are tolerant, have a sense of humour and a desire to interact with their student
  • are aware there is no guarantee that when a student from Mount Maunganui College is placed with them, that they will remain in their host families care for the duration of their stay. If the student is removed from the home, we are unable to guarantee that another student would be placed with them immediately.


To register as a Homestay Family for international students at Mount Maunganui College, you will be required to:

  • complete an online application form with family and home questions (to help us match homes and students)
  • undergo a police check (for all those 18 yrs and over who live at the family home or visit and stay overnight frequently)
  • welcome a house visit and interview

Should you meet all the requirements, we will then be happy to include your family on our database. Should a suitable student then require an accommodation, we will contact you.      

Note: 

  • Being registered with our school for homestay does not guarantee student placement.
  • Students arrive up to approximately 5 days prior to the commencement of their school start date and will depart within approximately 5 days of their final contracted school date.​​​​​​​



Resources:

Code of Practice

Tax Status of Home Stay Requirements - Compliance is the responsibility of the Host - not the responsibility of Mount Maunganui College.


WHAT OUR HOST FAMILIES SAY 

Let it be known you are all an awesome supportive team, who do a thoroughly professional job at helping these students enjoy their time here in NZ - Jenny


Great level of support and communication from the international team, thanks :) - Kate


I think it’s great, the support we receive from the international office ,and know that if we need to we can always contact someone - Toni