Homestay

In homestay, you will receive your own bedroom and three meals per day.

Living in a homestay is a good opportunity for you to practise your English and learn about the New Zealand way of life. Our host families are carefully selected for their suitability to host international students.

While you’re learning English, Waikato Institute of Education can provide Homestay accommodation with New Zealand families living close to the school. This gives you the opportunity to practise your English, learn about the New Zealand way of life and get to know people quickly. We find that students living in New Zealand homes learn English faster, as they practice what they learn with native speakers and assimilate into New Zealand life readily.

Homestay also helps to overcome the homesickness and loneliness that some students experience when studying English in a foreign environment.

Please note that the homestay accommodation arranged by Waikato Institute of Education have been assessed under the Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of International Students.

WIE requires at least 14 working days to arrange homestay. If you apply within the 14-day timeframe, it is possible that you may be placed into a homestay however we cannot guarantee all your requirements will be met.

Backpacker

Backpackers in New Zealand are suitable for short term stays or for students who or in the process of looking for something more suitable Waikato Institute of Education has some excellent backpacker lodges located close to the school. Backpacker and hostel accommodation in New Zealand offers central kitchen and bathroom facilities and a mixture of shared rooms (dormitories) as well as single, twin and double rooms.. Meals are not included but may be available for purchase on site or at cafes near by. Backpacker accommodation is best suited to short term stays but longer term bookings can be made. If you enjoy meeting people of different nationalities, backpacker accommodation in New Zealand is for you. Backpackers and hostels offer a friendly environment where the emphasis is on getting travellers together.