Hosting International Students

Hello, my name is Muljati and my husband Andre. We have been a homestay since 2014 here in Auckland, looking after students from all over the world, with a mixture of long term and short-term stays. 

So far, I have had students from Japan, China, Thailand, Vietnam, Korea, Chile, Brazil, Germany and the UK, and many more! 

Since being retired, and just being my husband and myself at home, I wanted to help students enjoy New Zealand and welcome them into our family. 

Having lived in lots of places, I can say that New Zealand truly has lots to offer, from nature to city life. I want to encourage my students to enjoy their time here. 

I’m always happy to help my students.  It’s never lonely or boring. I get to learn about their cultures, their food, their background and even their language! 

I like to help my students in the ways I can, and they sometimes help me with things too!

They become like family and we maintain connections, even once they move on. 

I would like to keep doing it until I can’t anymore because I really love hosting and seeing my life with more purpose.

Our names are Olena and Russell and we’ve been proud homestay hosts with Rangitoto College for over 14 years now, and it’s truly been one of the most rewarding experiences of our lives.  Opening our home to international students has given us the chance to share cultures, build lifelong friendships, and learn so much along the way.

As a multicultural family ourselves – Russell from the UK, I am from Ukraine, and our son Rodion, who is studying engineering at AUT—we understand what it’s like to adjust to a new country. That’s why we always aim to create a warm, supportive home where students feel safe, valued, and included. 

From cooking meals together and sharing laughs at the dinner table, to helping with school routines or simply being there when they need to talk, we’re always happy to be part of their journey. Some students stay in touch with us years later, and that speaks volumes.

It’s a joy and a privilege to be part of their New Zealand adventure, and we wouldn’t trade it for anything.