Student stories

STS’ exchange students live all over New Zealand and have all a unique experience in the country. Often the seemingly little things become the most memorable for our students. Get inspired by their stories!

"The year I spent with the Rouse family was by far the best year of my life"

Well you probably hear it from all of Leanne's students but it is just the truth. The year I spent with the Rouse's was by far the best year of my life. I experienced a lot of things that wouldn't even be possible to do here in Finland. I got a family on the other side of the world. They made my year special and I wouldn't want to change anything. The life there was just basically from a dream. But then the morning comes and you have to wake up and all you have is just a memory of it. New Zealand will stay forever as "my happy place".

Aino, Finland

"I felt loved and I really miss them"

My exchange was an experience full of different emotions, and I'm so grateful to have been with Ella, Jason and Antony. They helped me, had fun with me, took care of me and of course were my friends. I felt loved and I really miss them now that I am back in Italy. I will always remember them and I will always consider them like a family.

Sara, Italy

Elena, Italy, exchange student with the Eriksson family

Lars, Germany, exchange student with the Staberg family

Do you want to become a host family?

Do you want to know more about becoming a host family? Express your interest in the form below. We will contact you and provide you with more information. An interest is, of course, not binding.

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FAQ

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Why do you recommend us to become a host family?
Being a host family is a great way to increase the understanding of other cultures and people. You get an extra family member to cherish and a new sibling for your children. It is also an opportunity to prepare for an academic year abroad, if one of the children of your family are planning to study abroad.
How do I become a host family?
You register your interest, and will then get an introduction of the students that are coming to New Zealand. STS will do a home visit and thereafter you will get to choose a student that you believe will be a good fit for you and your family.
Can the host family choose students themselves?
Yes, the host family will select the student they feel is a good match for their family.
Is it possible to be a host family for less than a year?
Yes, you can choose to be a host family for a whole year or a semester. Sometimes we also need a so-called “welcome family” for a shorter period (minimum 3 months).
Will the host family get compensation?
Being a host family is a voluntary initative. However STS in NZ do pay a weekly contribution towards costs to their host families. Being a host family is a unique experience, it is important that the exchange student feels like a family member.