"Homestay is not only about accommodation, if it was, a flat or hostel would be convenient enough. But if you're here to learn English I believe you need to experience their life and culture so that you can understand them and their language. Joy has treated me as a "special" family member. For a successful homestay you need to be patient and open minded, you have to communicate and respect cultural differences. I hope there will be many more successful homestay stories in Timaru so international students can thrive in Timaru's beautiful environment."

I enjoy living at the North Haven Hostel, as it is one big happy family of students from different countries.

The scenery in New Zealand is beautiful, and I quite enjoy it. I have been living in the hostel which is really close to campus and it is really good for me socially. When I go for a walk people usually say "hello" to me. I like that.

My accommodation in Timaru was very nice. International arranged my accommodation, and they were very good to me. My homestay host was good and treated us like their own children. They are very helpful in all possible ways. I am very thankful to Aoraki for finding such great accommodation for me.

My homestay family is good, and I am satisfied with them. They are kind to me and we often do activities together. Last weekend we went to my homestay mother's parent's farm, and went swimming. It was fun. I love Timaru.

"We really value being a host family to overseas students, so we can take care of them and offer support and, above all, friendship," Dale said. "It's a fabulous way to learn about other cultures and we have wonderful conversations around the meal table or playing cards."

"It's nice for us to have multi-cultural students to stay, but it is also nice for them too - I know how important it is to feel that you are welcome at Aoraki. We can all be big happy families while they study."