I am the Homestay Coordinator from St Mary's College in Thorndon. We are excited to have Japanese International students coming back to school with us next year.

We are keen to hear from families who would like to host the students who come from around the world to study at St. Mary’s. The girls are here to improve their English language skills and to experience life in New Zealand.

The host family needs to offer a warm comfortable room, lots of chat, and outings to showcase our beautiful city and surroundings, the beaches, rivers, hills and mountains, Te Papa, Wellington Museum, Zealandia etc, and of course our wonderful food options. The fee paid to families is $330 per week, Payment is made fortnightly.

We need short and long term options for hosting. Students stay for a year, a term or two, 6 weeks or 2 weeks. It can be a rewarding, educational and fun experience for all the family.

If you think your household would like to be a part of our school's international family, please get in touch with Philly Smyth, HomeStay Coordinator, and she will send out the Guide to Homestay booklet for you to see if your family and lifestyle would be a good fit for our international students.

Many thanks.