Common questions about hosting homestay students?

Do I have to pick up my student from the airport?

Host families are not normally asked to pick up their students from the airport. We will either arrange an airport pick up service or students will make their own way to your home.

What type of bedroom do they need?

Students should have a room where they can study, read or just be alone when they wish. Almost all adult students prefer a single room, and should not be asked to share unless this has been arranged in advance with Global Village Sydney (Universal English College) (never more than two beds), as the payment structure is different.  Every student should have a comfortable full-sized bed, ample drawer and wardrobe space, a writing desk (or table) and chair and a waste paper bin.

Do they need their own bathroom?

Students should have free access to the bathroom in the same way as the family, but you may have to work out a roster for baths or showers.  They should be able to have a daily bath or shower.

What meals are required?

Daily breakfasts and main evening meals on weekdays and three meals a day on weekends are included in the weekly charge.The evening meal should always be a substantial, cooked dinner including meat, chicken, fish or cheese.  Unless they have special dietary requirements, students will expect to have the same meals as the family and to eat with them

Do I need to do the student's washing?

You are required to provide and regularly launder the student’s bed linen and bath towels. It will be appreciated if you include the student’s personal washing in the family wash, but if this is not convenient, please explain how to use the washing machine and clothesline or drier.  For cultural reasons, female students may choose to wash their own underwear and dry it in their room.

Do I need to give the student a key to the house?

Students should be provided with a door key.  Stress to the student the need to secure the house should they be the last to leave – many cultures do not experience house break-ins to the extent that we do. Students staying in Australia for a reasonably long period are advised to open a bank account.  They should be discouraged from keeping large sums of money or valuable possessions in their rooms or on their person.

What is involved in hosting  a student under 18 years of age?

Students under the age of 18 years require supervision and care in much the same way as your own children of this age.  From time to time, you may need some advice from our accommodation officers and counsellors on disciplinary matters.

Does English need to be the main language at home?

Yes, it is important that English is the main language spoken at home.  Conversation is an important part of the student’s learning process – your help and encouragement will be appreciated.  Spend at least 15 minutes a day helping the student with English conversation, remembering to speak slowly, simply and clearly.  It is our policy not to place two students who speak the same language with one host family unless the students have especially requested it, because they get less practice speaking English if they are together.  For this reason, it is a requirement that you advise us of any other overseas students you may be accommodating during our student’s Homestay period.

What happens on the weekend?

Students will probably enjoy accompanying the family on some outings. Advice about places of interest to visit, local activities, sports facilities, shopping facilities etc, will be welcome.  The College arranges leisure activities, but most students will also appreciate the chance to meet Australian people on social occasions.  If you invite your student to accompany you on an outing, make it clear beforehand what the cost to the student will be.  In many cultures, an invitation implies that you will pay for them.

Do I need to provide a televison?

Most students like watching television - it provides entertainment and improves their English.  You should invite your Homestay student to watch television with the family and consider watching programs that may be particularly interesting to the student.

Do I need to provide transport?

Host families should help their students find the quickest and cheapest routes to the College and other central locations. The NSW Transport info website www.131500.com.au  and the telephone advice line 131500 are great sources of information.

What should I do if my student is sick?

Students in need of a doctor or dentist are usually sent to a doctor or dentist used by your family.  Students with Student Visas have Medibank Private cover.  Group tour students hold Travel insurance.  Students on Tourist or Working Holiday Visas may not have cover. If you have any concerns please call our homestay staff.

Please remember a homestay student is not a guest nor a babysitter or housekeeper.

Students choose to pay for Homestay accommodation during their study because it offers them the opportunity to be part of a good family environment.  They like to be treated like members of the family, but other than in exceptional circumstances, they should not be regarded as baby-sitters or housekeepers.  Students expect to be free to study and to enjoy some social time.  If you are looking for a Baby Sitter or House Keeper, please enquire about our Au Pair Program