Home Stay

International Student Accommodation

During your stay in Australia everything will be done to make you comfortable and to help you enjoy and remember your time in our country. All care will be taken of you and your safety but no responsibility can be taken in the event of an accident. It is expected that you will take out your own personal insurance to cover your stay with your host family and for the full length of your time here. No responsibility will be taken for the loss or damage of your personal belongings, so please take special care of your valuables, money, passport and airline tickets. It is very rare to have locks on bedroom doors in Australian homes so please don’t expect this. It is possible that your homestay may host other students. If you do not want to be in a homestay with other students you must your homestay company at time of application

Settling In

Your new homestay family welcomes you. Remember that they are nervous as well as you. They are looking forward to getting to know you, and would like you to feel comfortable in your new home. It usually takes a week to “settle in” and to get to know each other. It may be a bit uncomfortable at first, but soon you will feel more relaxed and start to enjoy yourself. It is important to give this some time. If you take the time to learn about local customs you will be liked and respected by your homestay family. With a smile, use words such as "please, thank you, good morning and good evening".

Length of Stay

You must stay with your homestay family for at least 4 weeks. If you decide to move out after this 4 week period, you must give your family at least two week’s notice. If not, they are entitled to two week’s rent.(Travellers excepted.)

Meals

Meals include breakfast and dinner each week day and breakfast, lunch and dinner at the weekend. Meals at the weekend are often help yourself. Please observe your host family’s meal times and make sure that they are not kept waiting for you. Offer your help in setting the table, or clearing away. If you are going out for a meal, give your homestay mother as much notice as possible. Always tell your family if you will be late and give an approximate time of returning home to avoid them any worry. Please do not store or eat food in your bedroom. Even with the best intentions it is very easy to spill food in the bed or on the floor.

Foods you do not like

It is better to tell the family in advance if there are foods you do not like. They would rather you tell them in advance than leave food on the plate. Perhaps your family would like to try food from your country. If you like you can offer to cook for the family from time to time.

In your Room

To assist with cleaning, please keep private belongings tidy. Keep noise to a minimum after 8.30pm and keep your stereo volume low. Please note that all lights must be switched off at bedtime or when not in use.

Bathroom

The bathroom is shared by all members of the homestay. Please do not occupy the bathroom for extended periods of time. Leave the bathroom as clean and tidy as you found it. Do not use the family’s private belongings.

Laundry

You are expected to do your own laundry (but some families may prefer to do it for you). In Australia many families put washing outside to dry, not in dryers and not in your bedroom. Please do not put your wet washing in your wardrobe. Discuss the use of the washing machine and dryer with your family. Make sure that you understand how to use them before you try. Some homestays do not have a washing machine. These homestays have a Laundromat near by.

Telephone and Internet Access

Students are expected to arrange their own telephone and internet access. Students are encouraged to buy or hire a mobile telephone and to buy a wireless internet access card for their computer. The student can purchase these items from Telstra, Vodafone, Optus, iBurst and other companies. Any costs are for the student to pay. Your accommodation provider will assist you to arrange these services but any costs are for the student to pay.

Saying "NO"

Australians will not be offended if you say "no thank you". Sometimes your family will ask you to join them in their activities on the weekends. If there is something else you have planned to do, you may thank them but say "no thank you". Be sure to use words like "thank you, please, good morning and good evening".

Be Considerate

• Don’t make loud noises after the family have gone to bed.
• Offer to do small jobs around the house such as washing up dishes and say thank you to the cook after meals. This will assist you in becoming part of the family.
• Do not enter the private rooms of your host family uninvited.
• In general, consider the privacy and needs of your host family as they will do for you.
• A counsellor is available to assist you in either your personal or academic life.