Boarding and Homestay
Kura Noho me te Kāinga Noho
Where a student lives is an important part of their international experience. At St Andrew’s College, international students can enjoy the community and independence of boarding on campus or, where appropriate, experience everyday Kiwi family life with an approved homestay family. Whichever option is chosen, students are supported to feel safe, settled and part of life in New Zealand.
Which experience is right for your child?
Boarding: Be at the heart of College life
Living on campus gives students a ready-made community and easy access to the wider life of St Andrew’s.
It can be a great choice for students who enjoy being around others, want to become involved in College activities and are ready to develop greater independence within a supportive environment.
Homestay: Experience everyday Kiwi family life
Living with an approved homestay family provides another kind of New Zealand experience, giving students the opportunity to become part of a local household and experience Kiwi culture and family life first-hand.
It can suit students who enjoy a home environment while still wanting the independence and experience of studying overseas.
Boarding provides a welcoming community on campus
Most international students at St Andrew’s choose to board, becoming part of a welcoming residential community at the heart of the College.
Our three modern boarding houses provide a safe and supportive environment where students can make friends, become involved in College life and develop greater independence while living away from home.
St Andrew’s has three boarding houses: Thompson House for girls, and Rutherford and MacGibbon Houses for boys. Each has its own House Manager and Tutors who support students, help with homework and organise activities and events.
More than a place to live
Boarding gives international students a community from the moment they arrive. Sharing everyday life with other students helps friendships develop naturally and provides plenty of opportunities to practice English and take part in College life.
Outside the school day, boarders can enjoy organised activities and events, spend time with friends and access College facilities, including the library, gymnasiums and Fitness Centre. Meals are provided by the College’s in-house catering team.
For an international student living a long way from home, boarding provides a balance of independence, friendship and support.
Care, support and belonging
Living away from home, particularly in another country and culture, is a significant step.
Our boarding staff understand the challenges students may experience as they adjust to a new environment and are there to provide practical and pastoral support. House Managers and Tutors provide day-to-day care, while international students also have access to the College’s wider pastoral network and International team.
This combination of support helps students become increasingly independent while knowing there are people available when they need advice or assistance.
Homestay – Experience life with a New Zealand family
Living with an approved homestay family offers international students the opportunity to experience everyday life in a New Zealand home.
Homestay families are carefully selected to provide students from different cultures with a welcoming and supportive environment. For many students, the relationships they develop with their homestay family become an important part of their experience in New Zealand.
Living with a local family can also provide students with more opportunities to use conversational English and experience aspects of New Zealand culture and family life that they may not otherwise encounter.
Become part of Kiwi family life
Homestay is much more than somewhere to stay.
Students have the opportunity to share everyday routines, conversations and experiences with their host family, helping them build confidence, practice English and develop a deeper understanding of life in New Zealand.
For families seeking a particularly immersive Kiwi experience for their child, this can be a valuable part of studying at St Andrew’s.
Another option for international families
An international student may also live with one or both parents while studying at St Andrew’s College.
Where a parent accompanies their child to Christchurch, the College will need evidence that the parent is eligible to live in New Zealand for the required period before the arrangement can be approved.
Your home in New Zealand is just the beginning
Whether living in boarding or with a homestay family, international students are encouraged to become fully involved in life at St Andrew’s.
Friendships, sport, music, cultural activities, outdoor experiences and everyday interactions with Kiwi students are all part of creating a genuine New Zealand experience.
Our deliberately small international community helps students become part of the wider College community rather than remaining within a large international student group.
