Host Families Scheme

The Alumni Host Family Scheme aims to enhance international students’ experience at The University of Auckland by providing them with the opportunity to join a Kiwi family for dinner.

Two to three international students are grouped together to have dinner at the home of one of our alumni in Auckland. This allows the students to socialise outside their immediate group of friends, learn more about New Zealanders in a relaxed and social setting, and share their experiences with New Zealand families.

It is a great way for alumni to help make international students feel at home in New Zealand. It also provides the opportunity for the hosts to hear about the students’ lives and their country of origin.

If you are a family or a couple interested in participating or would like to know more about this wonderful opportunity please contact Judith Grey on j.grey@auckland.ac.nz or phone 09 373 7599 ext 82309.

Host family references

"We have really enjoyed meeting a number of enthusiastic and highly-motivated students from all over the world. Our experience has been that students are just as keen to tell you of their amusement in discovering the uniqueness of kiwi culture as they are to hear about our own experiences in visiting their countries. We certainly recommend the scheme- you’ll have a great night!"
Fraser and Christina Alexander – Host family since 2008

"We love having students in our home, learning about cultures familiar and unfamiliar, exposing our children to peoples from around the world and enjoying food. We highly recommend this programme of hospitality to anyone eager to open their homes and hearts to students from around the world. It has been an immense privilege and opportunity which we encourage others to make the time for."
Jane and Jeff Pelz – Host family since 2007

"Our family has been hosting international dinners for a number of years now and I can say it has always been a very rewarding and enlightening experience for us. In particular we enjoy hearing and gaining an understanding of the views of students on current affairs and life outside of New Zealand. My 8 year old son Charlie always looks forward to meeting people and finding out where they come from and the sorts of things they do and see and eat in their home countries.

I thoroughly recommend participation in this programme which has at its heart the growth and development of enhanced international relations."
Paul and Jo Gilberd - Host family since 2007

"The Host Family Scheme is a great initiative which we are delighted to support. We always enjoy our guests’ company and the fresh perspectives we gain from talking with young people from all over the world. The scheme is a great opportunity for both guests and hosts and I highly recommend it."
Peter Onneweer and Christiane Pracht, Host Family since 2007