Student Care & Homestay

Your Home Away From Home

We understand that sending your child abroad is a significant decision. At Horowhenua College, student welfare is our absolute priority. We are fully signatory to the NZQA Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of International Students.

Our Dedicated Support Team: Your child is never alone. Our International Department operates an “Open Door” policy, meaning students can come to us anytime for help—whether they have an academic question or just miss home.

• 24/7 Support: We provide a dedicated emergency phone number that is monitored 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by our staff.
• Language Support: We have support staff fluent in Spanish, Japanese, French, Samoan and Afrikaans to ensure clear communication with parents back home.

The Homestay Experience

Living with a “Kiwi” family is often the highlight of an international student’s time in New Zealand. We do not outsource our housing; our International Director personally interviews and police-vets every family to ensure they are safe, kind, and welcoming.

What your child receives in Homestay:

• A warm, comfortable private bedroom with a desk and study area.
• Three healthy meals a day (including a school lunch).
• Wireless internet access for study and keeping in touch with home.
• Inclusion in family life—weekend trips, family dinners, and a true immersion in English language culture.

Living with a relative? We also support students living with “Designated Caregivers” (DCGs) and maintain regular contact to ensure they are settling in well.