Student Exchange

The student exchange is an opportunity for secondary school students to share Lower Hutt with a student from Tempe, hosting them first in their home for around four weeks and then travelling to live with their student and family in Tempe, Arizona, USA for around four weeks.

While in Tempe you will be part of Tempe’s Sister City exchange programme along with students from around nine other countries. Make lifelong friends from around the planet with this unique chance for personal growth and understanding (not to mention having a whole lot of fun).

Find out more on how to apply.

Who can apply?

You can apply if you:

- Live and attend school in the Hutt City Council area.

- Are Year 11 or 12 at the time the applications close for the following year’s exchange.

- Are a New Zealand Citizen or New Zealand Resident (must have a valid passport prior to departure).

- Submit a completed Student Exchange Application form and $20 application fee to Hutt Sister City Foundation (HSCF).

- Provide a supporting letter from your school principal or head teacher.

Exchange Information

February: Tempe students are selected and paired with the Lower Hutt students so they can connect online and get to know each other before they arrive in New Zealand.

June: Tempe students arrive early June for around 4 weeks.  They don’t go to school while they’re here, but usually the group organises a day with their schools that they can pop in to experience how different it is at school in Lower Hutt (our school uniforms are a real novelty!).

July: A few days after the Tempe students return home, the Lower Hutt students leave for Tempe, to reunite with their student and stay with their family.  They’ll join delegates from nine other countries who are also visiting on their student exchange.  A full programme of events is planned by Tempe Sister Cities - you may get to enjoy everything from 4th of July pool parties and camping at the Grand Canyon to riding rollercoasters at Disneyland and enjoying Newport Beach. 

Selection Process

First up is attending a Speech Evening where you’ll present a short (around 5 minute) speech so the panel can get to know you a bit better. After the speeches, you will meet with the panel for an informal individual interview.

Following this, we’ll arrange a time to catch up and visit you at home.  Candidates will then be notified of the outcome, with successful applicants also receiving written confirmation.

 

Costs

This exchange has been designed to enable any selected student to participate, regardless of their family’s financial circumstances.

Expect the following costs:

- Passport

- Visa if required.

- Personal spending money while in Tempe.

- Extra living costs having a visitor living in your home with your family for three to four weeks.

HSCF contributes $1,000 from Hutt City Council funding towards airfares and travel insurance for each delegate upon receipt of an official travel itinerary issued by a travel agent or airline.

HSCF will also pay for ESTA Visa Waivers (not visas), for entry into the USA.

All other costs will be paid from Fundraising, in order of priority, and as availability of funds allow:

  • Balance of delegates’ airfares and travel insurance

  • Any costs associated with a programme for the Tempe students during their stay in Lower Hutt

  • A group activity, e.g. trip to Rotorua. Costs to include any travel, accommodation, food, and entry fees.

Fundraising

There are lots of ways groups have raised money;

- Sausage sizzles

- Working for Red Badge at the Stadium

- Prom night

- Movie nights

- Raffles

- Quiz nights

Part of the fun is the bonding that happens as a group - this starts with the fundraising.

Everyone, including families join in with joint fundraising activities for at least six months prior to the arrival of the Tempe students.

Regular planning meetings with delegates and parents are held to arrange the fundraising programme, manage the account, and plan a fun filled programme for their Tempe visitors.

The experienced team of the Student Exchange Co-ordinator, the HSCF Board and previous delegates and families are always around to provide guidance.

Travel Arrangements

International travel by the group to and from Tempe is organised by the Student Exchange Co-ordinator.

All delegates must travel as a group from Wellington to and from Phoenix. No individual travel variations can be made.

Commitments

Delegates will sign a contract with the HSCF which will include:

  • Attendance and participation in group meetings to organise fundraising and events.

  • Attendance at formal events organised by the HSCF.

  • Provision of a written report about the exchange to the HSCF one month after their return from Tempe.

  • Work at various HSCF events after their return from Tempe. This includes speaking at schools, and may include working at information booths at organised functions, providing assistance with activities at Minoh House, and any HSCF fundraising activities.

  • Commitment to membership of the HSCF for at least one year after their trip to assist with the following year’s exchange.

  • Behaving in an appropriate manner as an ambassador of both our city and our country.

General

Selected students are expected to:

  • Obtain a passport prior to departure.

  • Provide a positive experience for the visiting Tempe students.

  • Be professional and co-operative in the family living experience while being hosted in the home of Tempe students.

  • Participate in all scheduled activities in New Zealand and the USA.

  • Have a life-changing experience

  • Be involved - this is essential for continuing HSCF and Hutt City Council support for the student exchange.