Information for International Students

If you enrol at the English Language Centre and require a minimum of 4 weeks accommodation, you can stay with an Australian 'Homestay' family. This is a safe and welcoming way to settle into your new city, learn about the culture and practise English in real situations. The English Language Centre encourages all students to take up this rewarding opportunity.

Please note that this option is only available to students of the University of Adelaide's, English Language Centre.

Why choose Homestay?

The goal of Homestay is to allow students and hosts to share and exchange experiences. By participating in Homestay you have the chance to join in the daily life and customs of Australians, as part of a modern, dynamic western culture.

Your homestay experience enables you to live in a family environment, complete with your own bedroom and shared bathroom. You may participate in various activities with your hosts, such as outings, sports, hobbies, dining out, shopping and most importantly, learning English in everyday settings.

About Homestay Families

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.

The English Language Centre (ELC) offers families that live in locations that are easily accessible by public transportation. Host families have been carefully selected and are able to provide a safe, healthy and suitable environment for an international student.

New host families are interviewed and their homes personally visited by the Homestay Co-ordinator to assess interest, friendliness, and concern for the growth and development of the student. The emphasis is on a home that provides the student with comfortable surroundings and a place for practising and developing English language skills.

The ELC continually works hard to ensure that international students are placed with families best matching the needs of each student with consideration given to preferred family type, dietary requirements, pets, children and student interests.

Costs

Per week accomodation fee:

Before 5th January 2010: AUD $200 per week.
After 5th January 2010: AUD $220 per week.

Placement Fee:

Before 5th January 2010: AUD $200
After 5th January 2010: AUD $250

The Placement Fee and 4 weeks accomodation is payable when you submit your application.

Want More Information?

Email: homestay@adelaide.edu.au

How do I apply?

To apply for Homestay please complete the 2009 Homestay Application Form or the 2010 Homestay Application Form.

To help us allocate a suitable homestay family please complete the Open Letter and attach with your application form.

Please note: A minimum of 4 weeks notice is required to secure a homestay place.