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NEW ZEALAND ACCOMMODATION
Homestay
Homestay is an excellent way to make friends, learn about NZ culture
and practise your English while living in a safe, comfortable environment.
New Zealand families are typically kind, honest and friendly, and
they enjoy meeting people from other cultures.
GEOS NZ organises and inspects all homestay families. We visit the
family homes, interview the family members, and make sure that they are
suitable for our students. We also ask our students to fill out questionnaires
about their homestay, so that we can make sure our families are providing
a good environment.
We have many kinds of families: young
married couples, older married couples, families with
younger children, families with older children, families
with pets and without pets, families who work and families
who are retired, families with all kinds of hobbies and
lifestyles. On our application form, we ask students
to specify what kind of family they would like. It is
important to fill in this section so that the GEOS NZ
Homestay Department have all the necessary information
and can match the student with the family he or she requests.
We have over 300 families registered with GEOS NZ.
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Students get their own room furnished with a bed, wardrobe, chest of
drawers, desk and chair, linen and towels. Students are responsible
for keeping their room neat and tidy. Laundry is included in homestay
costs and usually the family will show the student how to use the
washer and drier, although some families will do the student's laundry
for them (especially younger students). During the week, students
receive breakfast and dinner, and on the weekend, students receive
breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Students are encouraged to help the family with everyday tasks, like
setting and clearing the table, and to participate in the family lifestyle
- whether it includes going sailing or fishing or to the rugby on the
weekend, or after dinner conversations around the fire (in winter).
Our Homestay Officer is always available to meet with students and discuss
their family. If students request a change of family, we can arrange
it immediately.
Some advice about family customs
and courtesy in New Zealand
Every culture has its own set of customs
and etiquette. Here are a few tips to help
foreign students better adapt to family life in New Zealand:
1. Always say "please" and "thank you" when asking
for or receiving something.
e.g. Can you pass the salt please? May I use the phone please? Could
I please have some more potatoes? Thanks very much.
2. If you want to use the telephone, please ask your host parents. Local
calls are free. To make national or international phone calls you can
buy an international calling card which you can use from any telephone
or you can ask your Host Family if you can make a collect (reverse charges)
call. Don't talk on the telephone for too long. More than 5 minutes may
be considered impolite.
Dinnertime is conversation time in New Zealand. Your family will ask
you questions about school, about your teacher, about your country -
this is good manners. Of course you should answer these questions. It
is a good way to practise English. However it is very important that
you also ask your family questions. If you only answer questions, your
family will get tired of asking. It is good manners to ask your family
questions about their day, about their hobbies, about their lifestyle,
etc. Don't make the mistake of keeping quiet. This is your chance to practise
your English. Asking friendly questions is an essential skill.
e.g. Did you have a good day? What are you doing tomorrow? Where were
you born? Did you go to university? What did you study? Have you ever
been overseas? How do you spend your holidays? What are your hobbies,
etc.
The more questions you ask your family about their lives, the friendlier
they will become, and the more they will talk to you. In New Zealand,
people usually spend about 5 or 10 minutes under the shower. Try not
to spend too long in the bathroom, especially if other people are waiting
to use it.
Find out what time your family eats dinner. Be home on time for dinner.
If you make other plans, make sure that you tell them in the morning
before you go to school or telephone your family in plenty of time before
dinner time. Let them know that you will be home late for dinner or that
you will be home late and will not take dinner. Don't keep your
family waiting.
Be adaptable, keep an open mind and
a positive attitude. If you have any problems, talk to
your family, or to the GEOS NZ Homestay Officer.
Most host families have written Homestay rules. The house rules are normal
routines which the family follows. They will help you adapt to the home
and join in the family conversation and activities. When you arrive at
your Homestay please ask to see the house rules. Your host family will
read them with you and you can use your dictionary to ask questions about
the rules. The rules are guidelines for use of the kitchen, bathroom,
bedroom, when meals are served and where and when to put out dirty clothes
for washing.
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OTHER KINDS OF ACCOMMODATION
Hostels
and Backpackers
There are many backpackers and hostels throughout New Zealand. There
is a wide range of choice, price and quality. The Youth Hostel Association
of New Zealand has many facilities, and there is a variety of other hostels
and backpackers which offer budget accommodation for travellers. Students
can choose and individual, shared room or dormitory. Bathroom and kitchen
facilities are communal. Prices range from NZ$154 to NZ$220 per week,
depending on the location and quality.
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Renting
a flat or finding share accommodation
Some students prefer to rent an apartment, or to find someone who is
looking for a flatmate. Advertisements for Flats to rent and roommates
wanted can be found in the local newspapers or on the GEOS NZ notice
boards where accommodation notices are displayed. Finding a flat for
short-term rental can be time-consuming and difficult. Students will
often be required to pay a bond (one - three month’s rent in advance).
It is often better to look for someone who needs a roommate.
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