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What Does It Take to be a Homestay Family?

I have absolutely loved being a homestay family for 8 years! Why not enrich your family life by registering in a Brisbane homestay program?

If you always wanted to experience different cultures, and enjoy language, history and food, hosting an international student could be the perfect way to broaden your horizons. Plus you get to rediscover Australia through the eyes of a student.

Brisbane Homestay Program Families

There’s no such thing as a typical homestay family. You can be singles, marrieds, families with kids, empty nesters or retirees. However, a lot of families with kids obviously find a special connection when they host a student who also attends their kids’ school (though schools can differ). Whoever you are, what’s most important is that you are committed to the program and you’ll be good ambassadors for our country.

What do I need to do to be part of a Brisbane Homestay Program?

Brisbane homestay program

The following is a brief summary of general requirements that homestay families will need to accommodate:

  • The home must be clean and have appropriate furnishings suitable for students;
  • The homestay hosts / carers must reside at the homestay premises;
  • Each student is to have as a minimum their own room, bed, and study area or if a shared room no more than 2 (two) persons per room (same gender) each of whom must have separate bed and study area. Rooms assigned to students are solely for the student’s use and not for the use of other family members who require regular access to that area, such as for storage;
  • Students are not to share rooms with host family members and sharing arrangements will only be provided if the parents of the student(s) so request;
  • The homestay host are to provide 3 (three) meals a day. In providing meals, the homestay host must be aware of and take account of cultural differences and dietary needs;
  • The homestay host is to drop off and pick up the students to and from school, or students can travel together with sister or brother from the family;
  • House rules are to be discussed and explained to the student by the host parents, (including but not limited to friends visiting, use of phone and incoming calls, cleaning of room or other household tasks, meal times and rules for behaviour such as going out and times for arriving home, manners and courtesy);
  • Use of homestay internet will be restricted including restrictions on downloads. Internet access is not permitted between 11pm and 6am.

What can you expect from the school?

Whilst it’s undoubtedly a responsibility looking after someone else’s son or daughter, it’s one you won’t have to face alone. Not only will you find other homestay families willing to offer advice and share activities, Brisbane homestay program teams are always on standby so you’re never left unsupported. They will provide a comprehensive briefing session, and you’ll also receive a weekly allowance of $630 for hosting 2 students per week to make sure you’re not out of pocket.

What is is like hosting kids from overseas?

Let’s ask the Mooney family….

What schools are looking for homestay families?

Brisbane schools are looking for homestay families RIGHT NOW!

  • Brisbane Christian College, Salisbury
  • Clairvaux MacKillop College, Mount Gravatt

Please email Grace on info@openhomestay.org or call or text her on 0438 588 788

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Janine Mergler

Janine Mergler is a veteran Queensland teacher, graduating from QUT with a BEd majoring in Social Sciences. After many years in the classroom, Janine moved on to academia. She has proudly trained new generations of teachers in her role as a lecturer at Queensland University of Technology Faculty of Education. She has also worked in the Queensland Government as an education specialist, developing education resources and delivering community awareness programs to help families conserve water. Currently she is the owner and editor of Families Magazine, a publication specifically targeted at parents who value a quality education for children.  Janine leads a team of professionals who write about family lifestyle, early childhood, schools and education information and family-friendly events.

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