Students needing more homestays

More homestays for international students are needed as the roll grows at Cambridge High School.

With about 70 students from other countries, homestay co-ordinator Julieanne Seath said they were always on the lookout for possible homes.

‘‘We have a good base of homestays, but we’re always looking for some new people to come on board so we can have a variety of families in our pool,’’ she said.

‘‘Sometimes immigrants don’t think they would be suitable because they’re not from here, but actually they would be great because they understand the culture shock and what it’s like to leave their families, so the students could relate.’’

For the students, it was an exciting adventure but could also be nerve-racking, as many of them had never left their home country before.

Homes are police vetted and certain requirements must be met, but Seath said including international students in the family was a sure way to make life-long friendships.

‘‘One of the families was invited to their former students wedding, and they were treated just as well as the birth parents while they were over there.

‘‘The student had their birth parents, and their Kiwi parents,’’ she said.

Students come from all over the world including India, Sri Lanka, South Korea, Switzerland, Sweden, Germany and many more.

Some stay for two weeks, and others complete their full five years of high school in Cambridge.

‘‘There are different options for families, but it would be ideal if a child can stay with a family long term because it gives them stability,’’ said Seath.

The host families get paid $230 a week for a student to live with them, but that money was not to supplement an income.

‘‘It’s a big commitment, you are looking after someone else’s child, you have accepted responsibility and care for them.

‘‘There is a lot of trust coming from their parents overseas,’’ she said.

‘‘But it can be really rewarding. It can be amazing seeing the wonder in their faces when they experience things over here, seeing New Zealand through their eyes.’’

Those interested in applying to be a homestay can contact Seath on 827 5415 ext 856.