Host Families

Our Host Families

Cashmere High School welcomes international students aged 13-19, these students come from a wide range of countries.  Some students will come for long term study and others will come short term to experience studying abroad and a different culture.  Our long term students are usually here for academic reasons and are focused on achieving NCEA and UE to continue their tertiary study in New Zealand or other countries. 

We pride ourselves on providing caring, supportive and kind host families who genuinely want to welcome an international student to their home.  Majority of our host families live within a 5 - 25 minute walk to school.  There is an active network of buses circling the school area for those students not wanting to walk further than 20 minutes to school.

Becoming a Host Family

Hosting is an excellent way to learn about the world without leaving home.

Hosting one or more of our international students can be extremely rewarding. Families who are caring supportive and host with an open mind will form long lasting relationships with their students.  We have a variety of host families listed including couples, single parents, families and retirees. 

We would welcome interest from anyone living in the local area considering hosting.  It is important that English is spoken in the home and that the home is tidy, clean, warm and inviting.  Students do need to have their own bedroom furnished with a bed, desk, chair, drawers, wardrobe and heater.  It is expected that three meals per day be provided along with some in-between snacks, laundry and a warm and safe enrvironment.

Before accepting a host family we are required to visit the home for an inspection, meet those living in the home and request a police vet for anyone over 18 who frequents the home.  We pride ourselves on having quality families who are genuine and enjoy having an international student living with them, who will be treated just like one of their own children. 

Having a good database of families wanting to host our students is very important as every student has different expectations of what they are looking for in a family. 

If you are interested or have any questions about welcoming an international student into your home, please call one of our team: +64 3 337 4725 or send an email to Louise Whitehead our Homestay Coordinator: homestay@cashmere.school.nz ​​​​​​​