Rose and Lotus homestay - who runs it?

Rodney (homestay father)is a patent attorney with a degree in maths and physics, and Jill (homestay mother) is a university lecturer who has completed a PhD，her thesis being in hospitality workplace ethics. Rodney enjoys studying other languages and cultures, and plays piano accordion, and Jill plays the Irish flute.

We host students because we enjoy meeting different people and learning about other cultures. We will treat you as part of our family, not as a visitor or guest

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What's the house like?

We have a big house – 7 bed-rooms, two living rooms upstairs, and a games room downstairs, and three bathrooms. We have wireless broadband internet, television and DVD player, pool table, swimming pool, and spa pool. Each bedroom has a desk and study light.

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What will it cost each week, and what do I get for that?

The cost of NZ$200 a week includes your bedroom, food, use of communal facilities, electricity, telephone, internet, and general cleaning. We all do our own laundry and share the cooking, and you will need a card to pay for your toll calls.

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I have a special diet

Jill is a vegetarian, but Rodney is not, so we are used to different diets. If your diet is different, this should not be a problem.

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What schools or universities are you near?

We're very close to Green Bay High School, and drive close to Avondale College and Auckland Girls’ Grammar on the way to work each day. Lynfield College, Kelston Boys and Kelston Girls are not far away. We also drive close to Unitec. Jill goes by train to Auckland University of Technology city campus, which is near the University of Auckland.

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Why live in West Auckland?

Our students say they like it here because we are friendly, they like the house, and they like each other!

We live in West Auckland because we like to wake up to bird-song each morning, the air is clean, the neighbourhood is quiet and safe, we can go for bush-walks, and we are near the west coast surf beaches.

Students who are serious about study sometimes find it easier to be out of the central city, away from the distractions of bars and night-clubs.

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How can I improve my English?

Living in our home, your English must improve, because no-one else will speak your first language here. We take only one person from each language (other than English) – that way, we can all talk with each other only in English. So far we have had students from China, Brazil, India, Germany, Belarus, Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Thailand, Colombia,Canada, and New Zealand.

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How do I get around Auckland?

There are plenty of buses close to the house, and trains every 10 minutes during rush hour. The railway station is five minutes by bus, or a 30 minute walk.

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Can I get the internet in my room?

Yes, if your computer can use a wireless connection.

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What do I need to bring?

You need only personal items such as clothes and toiletries - we provide towels, sheets, pillow and pillow case, duvet etc. Most students have their own mobile phone and computer. If you're not sure about whether or not to bring something, just email us - we'll soon tell you.

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