Frequently asked Questions:
Q: Where will my child live?
With a parent under a Guardian Visa or with an approved designated caregiver or in an assessed and approved homestay.
Q: If I stay in a homestay, what will life be like?
Homestay is living with New Zealanders as a member of their family. Mount Maunganui Intermediate School can arrange suitable homestay accommodation for international students. Homestay accommodation is NOT the same as staying in a hotel.
You will be welcomed as a member of the family and as such you have responsibilities to make the experience as pleasurable as possible for all. Remember it is a privilege, not a right to stay in a New Zealand home. To help you settle into life in New Zealand a little easier, do join in with activities which your Homestay family arranges.
All Homestay situations are carefully inspected by the Homestay Co-ordinator to ensure that not only is the home warm and inviting but also that the student will be given the best care possible. Homestay accommodation includes: breakfast, lunch and dinner, all linen and bedding requirements, warmth, friendship and support. Laundry is also done for the student.
Q: What is expected from the homestay?
The student agrees to the following terms and conditions:
1. The student will observe reasonable rules for living with a New Zealand family, including:
· going to bed and getting up at reasonable times
· sharing some domestic duties such as washing up
· making sure that machines are turned off after use
· keeping their room tidy
· making sure that the house is secured when entering or leaving
showing consideration for others in the house
2. The student should respect reasonable requests and instructions given by the homestay hosts.
3. The student should not make chargeable calls from the homestay telephone. International calls should be collect/reverse charge.
4. If the student leaves the house, they will always inform the homestay parents about where they are going, whom they will be with and when they will return. They should not leave the house without permission.
5. If the student has a problem with, or complaint about the homestay that cannot be solved by talking to the homestay parents, they should speak to the International Student Manager as soon as possible.
6. The student should make every effort to join in with family activities and to experience New Zealand family life.
7. The student cannot move from the homestay to other accommodation without permission from the school.
8. A week's notice must be given before leaving a homestay. The school may withdraw a student form a homestay with no notice in exceptional circumstances.
Q: How many International Students at the school?
Only a limited number of full-time students is accepted yearly. We have "Summer Camps" in terms 1 and 3 which are attended by approximately 25 students every time.
Q: Where do most of the International Students come from?
The majority of students come from the Republic of Korea. Smaller numbers come from China, Thailand, England, the USA and Germany. Some also come from the Pacific Islands and the Philippines.
Q: How good does my English have to be to enrol?
We accept any level of English. Our ESOL programme deals with beginners up to advanced speakers of English.
Q: What do I do if I'm unhappy in my homestay?
Every student has to sign a homestay contract, to ensure that they know what is expected of them. When you are unhappy, you have to talk to the Manager of International Students at the soonest possible moment. She will try to solve the problem. If it cannot be solved, you will be moved to a new homestay. This is not done lightly.
