Scots College – Learning. For Life.

All new students find that things are very different and you may be nervous, homesick and tired. It is normal to feel like this. To help yourself get over these feelings, it is fine to spend some of your spare time with friends from your own country. Talk to people who will support you.

To get the most out of your stay, it is important for you to get to know your homestay family. They will also want to learn about you, your family and your country. Your homestay is sharing their home with you because they want to. Show your appreciation by thanking them. Join in with activities they may be doing. Ask questions and say if you are confused.

Do not assume that other people will understand you.

House Rules and Daily Routine

There will be rules at your homestay. Please learn and respect these. In the first weeks ask about the homestay timetable, for example, when to get up in the morning, what time the bathroom is available to you, what time they want you to have breakfast, lunch & dinner. Make sure you know what time your host expects you to be home from school and what time the family usually has dinner. Be on time for meals and return home at the time you have said you would.

You are not a visitor in the home, it is expected that you will help with household tasks as other members of the household do.

Your Homestay Family

Things that may make your stay easier:

• You may want to spend a lot of time in your room however, it is polite to spend a little time each evening with your hosts.
• It is polite to offer to help with doing the dishes, collecting the washing off the line and setting the table for dinner. Boys as well as girls are expected to do these things in New Zealand.
• Join in with your host family’s weekend activities if they ask you to. You will make new friends and practice your English.
• Offer to pay for yourself if you are doing anything that involves expense, for example, if you go to the movies or a restaurant with your homestay family.
• Ask permission to do any cooking. If you would like to eat food from your own country, offer to cook a meal for your homestay family.
• It is important to make sure that the house is locked at night and when nobody is home.
• Sniffing loudly or spitting is offensive in New Zealand.
• If you would rather use chopsticks or a spoon than a knife and fork, talk to your homestay about this.
• People in New Zealand generally go to bed around 10pm. Ask your friends not to phone you after 9:30 pm.
• If you need to stay up occasionally to studying into the early hours of the morning, talk to your homestay.
• Remember to say please and thank you, as this shows you respect the family and appreciate what they have done for you.

Personal Hygiene

• Ask your homestay when you should shower each day. Try not to splash water on the floor, as it takes a long time to dry in New Zealand
• Do not sped too long in the shower – 5 minutes should be adequate
• The homestay family is not responsible for the purchase of your shampoo or any grooming products

Food

• You may find New Zealand food difficult to adjust to.
• You could ask your host to cook rice or noodles once or twice a week.
• Thank your homestay parent for your meal and tell them when you have enjoyed something in particular, so that they may cook it again.

Caring for Your Bedroom

• You will be asked to make your bed each day. Ask your homestay to show you how to do this. Your sheets and towel will be washed each week.
• You must keep your room tidy. You may be asked to vacuum clean it once a week.

Telephone and Internet

• Telephone calls made on the family’s phone should be brief (no longer than 10 minutes).
• Always ask before making long distance calls.
• Your host may keep a log of toll calls as you will need to pay for these.
• If you wish to use the Internet you will need to pay for your usage and may need to pay for your own phone line.
• Homestay parents are not responsible for the payment of your toll calls or internet connection.

Communication with the homestay family

If you are going out the family needs to know;

• Where you are going
• What you are to do
• Who you will be with
• When you think you will come home
• How you will get back home
• If you will be away for a mealtime and a phone number to contact you

If you are to be late, are going to miss a meal or your arrangements change, please contact your homestay family as soon as possible.

Visitors

You may like to invite a friend over to your house. Please remember to ask your homestay whether it is convenient for your friend to visit. Make sure your visitor does not stay too late, 9.30pm is usually late enough

Privacy

Homestay families & students must respect each other’s privacy, including their personal space and belongings. Your room is your space to be alone if you wish.

Laundry or washing

• Generally your homestay will do this for you. If your College jacket or trousers need to be drycleaned, you will need to pay for this yourself.
• If you are a boarder, arrange for your uniform to be washed in the boarding house, as your homestay family should only be asked to wash your weekend clothing.