Question 1

What is a homestay?

Accepted Answer

A homestay is accommodation provided to an international learner in the residence of a family or household. No more than 4 international students can be accommodated in the same home at any one time.

Hosting provides students with a safe, welcoming environment where they can experience New Zealand culture, improve their English, and feel supported throughout their education

Question 2

Who can become a host family?

Accepted Answer

Responsible individuals or families who can provide a warm, supportive home. Requirements include:
Host parents over 25 years old
A furnished bedroom inside the main house (no cabins, caravans, or sleepouts)
A  safe, welcoming home environment

Question 3

How do I apply to become a host family?

Accepted Answer

Apply online via our website and submit:
Police vetting forms (all household members aged 18+) including 2 forms of ID,
At least one form must be photographic ID (e.g. Passport, Drivers licence).  For further information on what forms of identity are acceptable as proof of identity click here.
Character references (non-family)
Photos of your house, student room, and family
Online orientation via zoom 
Sign a copy of the terms and conditions as per LPSH

How long does the application and approval process take?
Approximately 6 weeks, including online orientation, home inspection, police checks, reference checks, and an interview.

Question 4

What are the age ranges of students?

Accepted Answer

Typically 13–18 years old. Occasionally, Groups may include students aged 10–14.

Question 5

How many students can I host?

Accepted Answer

A maximum of 4 international students per household. Also, dependent on your available furnished bedrooms.

Question 6

How long do students stay?

Accepted Answer

Short-term:      2 nights to 3 weeks
Long-term:      4 weeks to a full school year

Question 7

How are students matched with host families?

Accepted Answer

LPSH matches students based on household profiles and preferences to ensure a positive fit.

Question 8

What defines a Short-term student and a Long-term student?

Accepted Answer

Short-term students may stay anywhere between two (2) nights and three (3) weeks. 
Long-term students stay from four (4) weeks up to a full school year.

Question 9

What does Single, Double, and Triple Placement mean?

Accepted Answer

Single Placement -  One (1) student per homestay, this also means no other international students from the same ethnicity can be in the homestay at the same time.

Double Placement - Two (2)  students (From the same group) in one homestay, this also means no other international students from the same ethnicity can be in the homestay at the same time.

Triple Placement - Three (3) students (From the same group) in one homestay, this also means no other international students from the same ethnicity can be in the homestay at the same time.

Students can share a bedroom but all must have their own beds

Question 10

Are cabins, caravans, or separate structures acceptable bedrooms?

Accepted Answer

No. Students must sleep inside the main family home.

Question 11

Can students share a bed?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely not. Students must have separate beds.

Question 12

Additional important information

Accepted Answer

Report any family/home changes (New family members, pets or addresses) 
Maximum of 4 students per household (per the code of practice)
If an adult guest is staying in your home, please inform LPSH prior – if the guest is staying for more than 5+ consecutive nights, a police check is required to be submitted prior to the guest arrival.
Host Mother must be occupying the home. No student is to be left alone overnight
If you are going on holiday or a family emergency comes up, please let us know as soon as you can, we will organise temporary accommodation.

Frequently Asked Questions