The Maniototo Area School's roll will be expanded by overseas pupils next year when up to 20 teenagers from Bangkok, Thailand participate in an exchange to the small rural community.
The school will host the Thai pupils, aged between 11 and 18, for nine weeks next Autumn, principal Peter Heron said.
It will be the first time such a large group of international pupils have stayed in Ranfurly and the wider Maniototo area for a school exchange.
Mr Heron said it was a great opportunity for both Thai pupils and Maniototo school pupils to learn about one another's cultures.
Families in Ranfurly and around the school are being asked to provide homestays for the Thai teenagers, and will be reimbursed $165 each week for each student.
Homestays will be able to house no more than two pupils.
