{"id":64,"date":"2026-01-08T18:18:48","date_gmt":"2026-01-08T05:18:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/good-homestay.com\/newzealand\/?page_id=64"},"modified":"2026-04-30T14:30:57","modified_gmt":"2026-04-30T02:30:57","slug":"faq","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/good-homestay.com\/newzealand\/faq\/","title":{"rendered":"FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Here, we\u2019ve compiled answers to the most common questions potential host families ask. Welcome to our comprehensive homestay host family FAQ.
If you can\u2019t find the information you\u2019re looking for, please don\u2019t hesitate to reach out to us via our contact form. We\u2019re always happy to assist!<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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About students<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
What kind of students will I be hosting?<\/dt>
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Most of the students are aged over 18 years old and coming from overseas as either an international student or a working holiday maker. However, we also cater students aged between 12 and 17 during the holiday season as well. Our students come from various regions worldwide, with a significant number from Japan, China, and Thailand.<\/p>\n<\/dd><\/div>\n\n\n\n

What do host families do while accommodating students?<\/dt>
\n

Host families are expected to welcome students as part of their family and provide a comfortable and safe home while the students settle into their new environment. For more details, please refer to the Expectation for Host Families<\/a> page.<\/p>\n<\/dd><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Do the students speak English well?<\/dt>
\n

We expect that most students will have some proficiency in English, although this varies among each individual students. Many of them come from non-English-speaking backgrounds, so homestay may be their first experience in an English-only environment and hence it may take some time for students to adjust.<\/p>\n<\/dd><\/div>\n<\/dl>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Becoming a Host Family<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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How far from schools in Auckland or Queenstown can we be located?<\/dt>
\n

Most of the students will attend schools in the CBD area, so host families should ideally be located within around 45-minute travel time to the city center from their homes using public transport.<\/p>\n<\/dd><\/div>\n\n\n\n

We don\u2019t speak English as our first language. Can we still become a host?<\/dt>
\n

We expect English to be used as the common language among the host family. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

We believe the primary benefit of homestay is immersing students in an English-speaking environment throughout the day, not just at school. This encourages their English development.<\/p>\n<\/dd><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Is it alright if we have never hosted a student before?<\/dt>
\n

Absolutely! Even if you have never hosted a student before, if you are interested in providing international students with an unforgettable homestay experience, we believe you have a great potential! Please express your interest by filling out the online registration form and feel free to ask any questions through our contact form.<\/p>\n<\/dd><\/div>\n\n\n\n

How much do we get from hosting students and when do we get paid?<\/dt>
\n

The compensation offered for hosting students varies based on their age and meal options. We pay host families their compensation on fortnightly basis with the first payment done on one day before the student\u2019s arrival. Please refer to the Compensation<\/a> page for more information.<\/p>\n<\/dd><\/div>\n<\/dl>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Registration and Matching Process<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
How long does registration process take?<\/dt>
\n

It generally takes about up to a month to complete your registration<\/p>\n<\/dd><\/div>\n\n\n\n

What\u2019s going to happen during the site visit?<\/dt>
\n

Our team will visit your house for an interview to discuss why you are interested in joining Good Homestay and to answer your questions regarding hosting a student. During this visit, we will also take pictures of student rooms, living room, kitchen area, and your family for inclusion in the host profile that we send to students.<\/p>\n<\/dd><\/div>\n\n\n\n

When will I be informed about the student\u2019s arrival?<\/dt>
\n

We generally inform host families about 8 weeks prior to student\u2019s arrival to confirm their placement.<\/p>\n<\/dd><\/div>\n\n\n\n

How often do I get students?<\/dt>
\n

We find the best matching combination of hosts and students based on preferences from both parties. The frequency of student placements varies across different seasons.<\/p>\n<\/dd><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Can I make preferences about the student that I will be hosting?<\/dt>
\n

Absolutely! We encourage every host family to provide us with their preferences regarding the student\u2019s profile, if there is any. This helps us to match students with host families for a positive homestay experience. However, it\u2019s important to note that certain preferences may make it difficult for our team to find a matching student.<\/p>\n<\/dd><\/div>\n\n\n\n

What information will I know about student before arriving to my place?<\/dt>
\n

We will send student information including their age, gender, nationality, dietary requirements, length of stay, and any other relevant details for you to consider about the placement. This information is typically provided around 8 weeks before the student\u2019s scheduled arrival.<\/p>\n<\/dd><\/div>\n<\/dl>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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While Accommodating Students<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Daily Responsibilities & Flexibility<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
 Do I need to pick up students from airport?<\/dt>
\n

Generally, No. However, there may be some cases where we may ask you to pick up\/drop off your student when we cater a large group of students. In these cases, we will let you know before we confirm the placement with you, parking and extra support fee will be reimbursed.<\/p>\n<\/dd><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Do I need to do cleaning and laundry for students? <\/dt>
\n

No, students are responsible for maintaining the cleanliness of their rooms, hence host families are not required to clean their rooms or wash their clothes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, if host families prefer to wash their clothes, that is not a problem either, as long as there is sufficient communication made with your student.<\/p>\n<\/dd><\/div>\n<\/dl>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Changes in Length of Stay<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
What to do if student is wanting to extend their homestay?<\/dt>
\n

Good Homestay allows all students to request an extension of their homestay at any point during their stay. If the host family agrees to extend the student\u2019s homestay period, we will follow up to confirm the extension.<\/p>\n<\/dd><\/div>\n\n\n\n

What to do if student is wanting to shorten their homestay?<\/dt>
\n

Students have the option to shorten their homestay period. However, in such cases, the student must provide a written notice to both Good Homestay and the host family at least two weeks prior to their intended departure from the homestay.<\/p>\n<\/dd><\/div>\n\n\n\n

What if host family needs to cancel homestay due to unexpected circumstances?<\/dt>
\n

If you need to cancel a homestay for any urgent reason, please notify us as soon as possible so that we can make alternative arrangements for the student\u2019s accommodation.<\/p>\n<\/dd><\/div>\n<\/dl>\n\n\n\n

Financial Matters & Problem Resolution<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
What to do if the student damaged\/lost our property? Can we ask them for recovering\/replacement fee?<\/dt>
\n

Good Homestay prohibits registered host families from engaging in direct financial transactions with students during their homestay provided by Good Homestay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In situations requiring financial transactions, such as a student losing a house key or damaging property belonging to the host family, the host family should promptly contact Good Homestay.<\/p>\n<\/dd><\/div>\n\n\n\n

What if the student seems homesick or unsettled?<\/dt>
\n

It\u2019s normal for students to take first few weeks to settle themselves in a new environment away from their overseas family. Please give them some time to settle in. However, if you feel that the situation is not improving, please contact our team for support and follow-up.<\/p>\n<\/dd><\/div>\n<\/dl>\n\n\n\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Changes in Length of Stay Financial Matters & Problem Resolution<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":557,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"swell_btn_cv_data":"","footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-64","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"yoast_head":"\nHomestay Host Family FAQ: Common Questions & Answers - Good Homestay New Zealand<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Homestay host family FAQ: Find answers to common questions. Cover students, registration, and daily life while hosting in NZ. 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