Semester Programme Students
5 Months
Mid January – July 2027
Nikolaus from Austria
Nikolaus enjoys making people laugh and has a great sense of humour.
He loves spending time with friends and family, whether it’s gaming, going to the gym, skiing, hiking, or exploring the outdoors. He also has a strong interest in technology and enjoys studying Digital Literacy at school.
Open-minded and eager to embrace new experiences, Nikolaus is excited to immerse himself in a new culture, become part of a host family, and share his Austrian background while building meaningful connections.
Age on Arrival: 16 years 3 months
Languages: German, English & Spanish
Interests: hiking, skiing, technology
Vincent from Switzerland
Vincent is a curious and motivated student with a strong passion for mathematics and physics, which are his favourite subjects at school.
He enjoys exploring these areas beyond the classroom through tutorials, problem-solving, and participating in academic challenges such as a national physics tournament. Vincent has been an active member of his local Scout group since 2019 and enjoys adapting to new situations while spending time outdoors.
He values family time through shared meals, game nights, and outings. Vincent is excited to experience New Zealand’s culture and natural beauty, make new friends, and become part of a host family.
Age on Arrival: 16 years 9 months
Languages: German, English & Swiss German
Interests: problem-solving, game nights, outdoor activities
Maurits from Switzerland
Maurits is an active and adventurous student who enjoys spending time outdoors, whether it’s swimming, playing volleyball, skateboarding, snowboarding, or relaxing by the lake with friends.
He has a keen interest in technology and loves building projects, including his own gaming PC and smart home devices.
He is excited to experience New Zealand’s culture and outdoor lifestyle while sharing his own traditions with his host family.
Age on Arrival: 16 years 4 months
Languages: German, English, Dutch & French
Interests: technology, outdoor activities
Murilo from Brazil
Murilo is a curious and motivated student with a strong interest in mathematics and science, which he studies at Instituto Embraer.
He enjoys meeting new people, discovering different cultures and lifestyles, travelling, and exploring new places. Living with his parents and older brother, Murilo values family time, especially sharing meals together with their five dogs.
He is excited to experience New Zealand’s landscapes, culture, and way of life while becoming part of a host family, sharing his Brazilian traditions, and creating meaningful memories during his exchange.
Age on Arrival: 16 years 10 months
Languages: Portuguese & English
Interests: mathematics & science, travelling
Trilby from the USA
Trilby is a friendly and outgoing student who enjoys an active and creative lifestyle. She loves playing guitar, surfing at the beach, snowboarding, and meeting new people.
Although she may seem slightly shy when first meeting someone, she quickly becomes comfortable and enjoys building connections with others. Trilby is also an animal lover and enjoys caring for her pets, including her chicken, cat, and dog.
She is excited to experience life in New Zealand, share her own culture, and create new friendships and memories during her exchange.
Age on Arrival: 16 years 6 months
Languages:Â English
Interests: animals, playing guitar, surfing
Year Programme Students
11 Months
Mid January – December 2027
Almendra From Peru
Almendra is a warm and family-oriented student who enjoys spending quality time with her loved ones. She loves cooking, especially making desserts, and is passionate about sharing food with others.
She also enjoys staying active through bike riding and going to the gym. Almendra values exploring new places and creating memories with her family, often travelling outside their small city to relax and discover new surroundings.
She is excited to experience New Zealand’s culture, share her love of food and family traditions, and build meaningful connections with her host family.
Age on Arrival: 17 years 2 months
Languages: Spanish & English
Interests: cooking, staying active, exploring new places
Julie from France
Julie is a friendly and caring student who enjoys spending time with family and friends, especially caring for and playing with young children.
She has a wide range of interests, including reading, listening to music, watching anime, baking, trying new foods, and socialising through activities like going to the cinema and shopping. Julie loves learning about different cultures and ways of life, and she enjoys travelling and exploring new places. She has previously played handball and badminton and took guitar lessons for seven years. Julie also loves animals and enjoys caring for her kitten, Kira.
Age on Arrival: 16 years 5 months
Languages: French & English
Interests: cooking, music, reading
Rita from Denmark
Rita enjoys quiet and creative activities such as reading, journaling, watching movies and TV shows, and going for walks.
She loves spending time with family and friends, especially through board games, meaningful conversations, and shared activities. Rita enjoys exploring her island by scooter when the weather is good and appreciates discovering her surroundings.
Family is very important to her, and she values the close bond she shares with her siblings and mother through activities like movie nights and car rides.
Age on Arrival: 16 years 3 months
Languages: German & English
Interests: journaling, board games, movie nights
Chiara from Switzerland
Chiara is a friendly, open-minded, and caring 16-year-old from a small village in the Swiss Alps. She enjoys reading, snowboarding, listening to music, cooking, and baking, and has a passion for animals, hoping to study Zoology in the future.
Although she no longer rides horses due to her school schedule, she still volunteers at her local stables teaching children. Chiara is excited to experience New Zealand’s culture, improve her English, meet new people, and share a little of Switzerland with her host family.
Age on Arrival: 16 years 9 months
Languages: German & English
Interests: cooking, horse riding, reading
Start the application process
All types of families are encouraged to apply; there is no “typical” AFS host family. As a not-for-profit organisation, AFS doesn’t pay host families. Hosting an AFS exchange student is your family’s chance to experience a new culture in your own home. AFS friendships last a lifetime, expand your horizons and give you a new son or daughter. AFS offers support throughout the entire process.
Email us [email protected] or complete  our Hosting Enquiry formÂ
Talk with our Hosting Co-ordinator
Our dedicated hosting coordinator will help answer your questions on students arriving soon, answer your questions and let you know how to get involved once you’re ready.