Information for Potential Host Families

Becoming a Host Family is an enjoyable and rewarding experience.

Why become a Host Family?

Some of our host families have been with us for years!
Having a host student in your home offers many rewards and benefits to your family, including:

· expanding your own awareness of another culture and language
· the opportunity to share and reflect on Australian culture
· the opportunity to develop friendships which can last a lifetime
· the joy of seeing an individual’s communicative skills improve
· a lot of laughs and fun, and personal growth by everyone involved
· payment to you in recognition of student’s living costs (see below)
· support from trained and experienced coordinating staff
· an opportunity to meet new people and form friendships within the host family circle.

Who can be a Host Family?

Like most modern societies, Australian households vary. A homestay family does not necessarily mean a two-parent family with children. Hosts may be single individuals, married couples, single parents with children, couples or partners with or without children. Backgrounds vary greatly. Typically hosts have an interest in sharing their own culture with others and are eager to learn about other languages and cultures.

What will the Host Family’s responsibilities be?

The responsibility of a host family is to ensure the wellbeing of the host student’s emotional, intellectual and physical needs.
Essentially,

- Emotionally they need:
· a caring, friendly and interested home environment
· family members eager to learn about another culture and to share their own.

- Physically they need:
· a clean, healthy and friendly home environment
· a furnished bedroom of their own, comfort is the most important ingredient
· three meals a day (breakfast, a packed lunch and an evening meal) and the occasional snack.

- Intellectually, they need:
· help with their homework when necessary; and
· lots of opportunities to speak English in an encouraging atmosphere.

Reimbursement

We recognise that families become involved in the homestay program because they see it as a wonderful interpersonal experience. Conversely, we don’t expect it to be a financial burden. To help out over the student’s stay (of one month for most visiting University groups), we provide you with $200 per week ($220 from 2010) towards the costs of food, entertainment, and various other expenses for your student.

Still want more information?

Download the Host Family Booklet or
Email: homestay@adelaide.edu.au

To Apply

Download the Application Form and Statement by Supplier Form, print off, complete and return to:

Homestay Co-ordinator
English Language Centre
The University of Adelaide
ADELAIDE SA 5005

Host Family Survey