“My homestay experience has been 100% positive.”

I live in New Zealand with a homestay family. For me it’s the best way to improve your English and, at the same time, get to know the New Zealand way of life and the local culture.

Firstly, you are totally immersed in the language and the culture through the family. Also, you can practise your speaking everyday and ask for advice about anything.

I’m really lucky and happy to be staying with them because they are very, very kind, and I lack nothing with them. They help me with all my little everyday problems. I can count on them.

My house is located in a beautiful and quiet neighbourhood. I have a nice park about 200 metres away and the beach is a just five-minute walk. Every week I go there to relax and do some activities.

In my homestay there are a dad and a mum. The homestay mother is a very good cook. Every day I have a great breakfast, and the dinner is simply amazing; I feel like I am in a restaurant. Often she makes my lunch. I feel a bit embarrassed sometimes because they do too much for me and they spoil me.

I don’t have any particular restrictions, but every day I try to give the best of myself and to respect them and everything at home. Whenever I have the opportunity to help them, I do it with pleasure. I think it’s really important because for them I was a total stranger, but they opened their home to me, and I feel really comfortable. It’s like a second family. A relationship built on trust and affection has been created. Now I care about them when they have some worries.

Since I’ve been in my homestay, I’ve never found any disadvantages or any problems. My experience has been 100% positive. It’s simply wonderful. I’d be delighted to host them in my country.

Author: Heiarii Lintz Heiarii is a student at Languages International Auckland.  He comes from Tahiti.