International students have long been a valued part of the HGHS community and we look forward to welcoming them back in 2023. HGHS still offers the same excellent academic programmes and English language support, extensive sports and performing arts programmes and caring accommodation options.
All international students at HGHS must live in accommodation approved by the school either with host families, a parent or close family relatives or friends as designated caregivers.
HGHS manages its own homestay programme with a homestay coordinator on site and available to students and families during the school day.
In the selection and monitoring of our host families we always consider ‘if one of our daughters was to study overseas, what sort of environment, care and support would we want for them?’
Prospective host families undergo a strict selection process including an interview, reference checks, Police vetting and a home visit to ensure they will provide a caring and comfortable environment for a student to live. Students can expect their own fully-furnished room, all meals including lunch/snacks to bring to school, and will have their laundry done.
Most importantly they will become part of their new Kiwi family and be made to feel at home.
In order for the best possible placement to be made it is important that all information requested in the application form is completed.
Parents may live in New Zealand to care for their child while they study on a Student Visa. It is a parent’s responsibility to provide the school with their local address and contact details, and to advise of any changes. HGHS requires the parent to provide evidence of a current Visa.
A designated caregiver is a relative or close family friend known to the student’s parents. The designated caregiver must agree to be interviewed, provide references, agree to a New Zealand Police Vet of all members of their household over 18 years of age, and agree to an initial, and from time to time additional, home visits.
Before a student can be placed with a Designated Caregiver the Agreement (contained in the application form) must be completed and signed by all parties.
Do you have room for one more young person in your home?
Would you be keen to show them our wonderful Kiwi hospitality and lifestyle, involve them in family life and support them throughout their time in Hamilton?
Hamilton Girls’ High School is looking for host families for international students arriving in January and throughout the year.
Long term (1 year +) and short term (1-2 terms) placements will be needed.
Police vetting will need to be carried out for all household members over 18.
Interested?
For more information please read the Guidelines or contact the homestay coordinator Takako Smart ph 839 1304 ext 892 (school hours)
Complete a Host Family Application and send it to [email protected]
Hamilton Girls’ High School values its relationships with international education agent partners, both in New Zealand and overseas who align with our values, support the school with its international student recruitment, enrolment and ongoing student management.
We expect all agent partners to be familiar, and prepared to comply, with the Education (Pastoral Care of Tertiary and International Learners) Code of Practice 2021 and the London Statement of Principles .
To find out more about the school and the agent application process please contact [email protected]
For more information about promoting New Zealand education check out Education New Zealand AgentLab
With a fast growing population of approximately 178,500 (2021), Hamilton is New Zealand’s fourth largest city. Located on the banks of the mighty Waikato River, Hamilton was voted NZ’s most beautiful large city in 2020. With all the amenities of a large university city, it also boasts affordable living, extensive public transport networks, family friendly neighbourhoods and many parks and recreation facilities. It is a popular choice for families relocating to the area for lifestyle, employment and education opportunities. Its premium location is just over an hour’s drive from Auckland International Airport on the Waikato expressway.
Hamilton’s central location in the north Island means that some of NZ’s top visitor destinations are no more than a beautiful 90 minute drive away – these include Raglan, Rotorua, Waitomo Caves, Tauranga and Mount Maunganui, Lake Taupo and the Coromandel.
Hamilton has a mild climate with warm summers (December to February); average temperatures range from 21 – 26°C.
Our winters (June to August) are sometimes described as chilly, but rarely freezing, with temperatures from 5 – 16°C.
As in most parts of NZ it is always possible to experience four seasons in one day!
Check out the following links for more information about our wonderful city and region!
If you have any questions, please contact the International Department: [email protected]
International students studying in New Zealand get the opportunity to not only gain a world-class education, but also make lifelong friendships and learn new ways of thinking. A national curriculum and qualifications framework ensure a streamlined pathway from primary schools through to secondary school and onto tertiary education.
The flexible, supportive New Zealand education system gives students opportunities to gain the skills, experience and qualifications they need to succeed anywhere in the world. They learn to live and work alongside people from different cultures and backgrounds, and English by living it, not just by learning it from a textbook. They also are able to develop skills such as independence, confidence, resilience and self management to help them to become successful and independent adults.
The New Zealand secondary school qualification is the National Certificate of Education Achievement (NCEA) which is recognised by universities both in New Zealand and around the world.
For more information please see Understanding NCEA
The NZQA International section provides more information about studying in NZ and the recognition of NZ qualifications overseas.
Education New Zealand Study in New Zealand and the Ministry of Education Education in New Zealand websites provide additional sources of information.
As a signatory to the Education (Pastoral Care of Tertiary and International Learners) Code of Practice HGHS is committed to ensuring the wellbeing and safety with strong wrap around support, in and out of school, to enable each student to achieve the best of outcomes during her enrolment.
The HGHS international team is in place to make sure this happens. Services include help with administrative, enrolment and insurance matters; course placement and academic mentoring; English language support; accommodation placement and monitoring and access to first language support. As part of the orientation programme students are matched up with buddies.
International students are also supported in the wider school through existing academic and strong pastoral care and support.
Which includes: Student Wellbeing Centre with four counsellors, two nurses and a part time doctor and physiotherapist.
The Careers Centre which offers students information and advice on course planning and further study pathways. Our Year Level Deans, whanau classes and the House system also provide school-wide inclusive fun experiences.
The International Student Contract Dispute Resolution Scheme (DRS) provides a free process for students to resolve contractual and financial disputes with education providers. Click here to find out more
The experienced international team is committed to meeting the educational, social and pastoral needs of our students. The staff aim to ensure every student’s transition to life in New Zealand and HGHS is as smooth as possible.
Hamilton Girls High School has spaces available for students in 2024. We are also accepting applications for 2025.
We look forward to welcoming your daughter to Hamilton Girls High School soon.
Lauree Fuller
P. (07) 839 1304 Ext 860
Takako Smart
P. (07) 839 1304 Ext 892
Maria Pearce
P. (07) 839 1304
For more information please contact us
[email protected]
