As an international student at St Hilda's we ensure that you have a caring and homely environment in which to live. You will stay either:

• with a host family
• in our hostel, Tolcarne House

Almost all of our girls from overseas choose to live with a host family.   It's the best way to:

• really experience New Zealand family life
• make friends and settle in quickly
• improve your English skills
  
  

Our homestay families:

• are carefully selected by us
• are subject to all the requirements of New Zealand law, including police checks
• provide a caring home environment
• are interested in your welfare
• will be involved in your academic progress
• will keep in regular contact with staff at school
• will include you as one of their family
  

The Director of International Students, Mrs Llewellyn, takes a personal interest in the placement of every girl and ensures that they are placed as closely as possible with the type of homestay family they prefer.

Boarding at Tolcarne House

St Hilda's hostel, Tolcarne House, provides a happy, homely environment and is located a short, 10 minute walk from the school. Tolcarne has excellent facilities and is staffed by a professional team who take an active interest in the girls' welfare and are in close contact with the school.

Demand for the limited space available at the hostel is always high, with places becoming available infrequently. We strongly encourage all international students to stay with a host family whilst studying at St. Hilda's.

The English Language Support Programme

Mrs Hinkley teaches the English Language Support Programme to small groups and individual students.   She also assists students with their work in other curriculum areas and can arrange in-class assistance as required.

Classes are also available for girls wishing to sit international English examinations or university requirements such as:

• Level 2 English for university entrance
• IELTS
• OCESOL (speech examination)