A Home Away from Home
We understand that choosing to study overseas is a big step – not only for a student, but for his family at home. At Rongotai College, the safety, wellbeing and happiness of our international students are a priority from the moment they arrive in Wellington.
Caring Homestay Families
All international students requiring accommodation are carefully placed with selected homestay families and supported throughout their stay by our experienced Homestay Coordinator.
We take time to find the best possible match, using the information students and families provide during enrolment. Many of our homestay families have sons who attend Rongotai College, giving international students the opportunity to become part of a New Zealand family and experience everyday Kiwi life.
Our homestay families provide:
- a safe, welcoming and supportive home environment
- a comfortable bedroom and space to study
- meals and day-to-day care
- support in settling into life in Wellington
- the opportunity to experience New Zealand family life and culture.
Long-term international students are provided with their own bedroom. Students participating in shorter group programmes may share accommodation with another student where appropriate.
Supported from the Moment You Arrive
Students are welcomed at Wellington International Airport and supported as they settle into their new school, homestay and city.
Before classes begin, students take part in an orientation programme designed to help them feel comfortable and confident in their new surroundings. This includes:
- airport pick-up
- introduction to the College and key staff
- assistance with setting up local banking, where required
- a Snapper card for Wellington public transport
- student identification
- assistance with purchasing their school uniform on campus
- information about getting around Wellington and travelling to and from school.
School bus services also provide convenient transport, with students picked up and dropped off within the College grounds.
Here to Support You
International students have access to a strong network of pastoral and wellbeing support at Rongotai College.
This includes our International Administrator and International Student Dean, together with the College Guidance Counsellor, nurse, physiotherapy services by appointment and wider pastoral care team.
Language support is also available across a number of languages, including Thai, Spanish, German, Greek, Japanese and Chinese, helping students and families communicate and feel supported when needed.
Becoming Part of Rongotai
From the beginning, we encourage our international students to become fully involved in College life – learning alongside New Zealand students, joining sports teams and cultural groups, making friends and participating in activities beyond the classroom.
Many curriculum areas also offer learning outside the College. International students are encouraged to take part in opportunities such as Geography field trips and Outdoor Education experiences, providing a wonderful way to discover more of Wellington and New Zealand.
Our aim is simple: for every international student to feel safe, supported and at home at Rongotai College – while enjoying everything that studying and living in New Zealand has to offer.
