Wanted: hosts for Japanese university students

Monday, 30 September 2002

HOST families are being sought for visiting Japanese university students who will spend between two and four weeks in Adelaide in February next year.

The students will be undertaking an English language and cultural study tour organised by the University of Adelaide's Centre for Professional and Continuing Education (PCE).

Households of all kinds are encouraged to participate - single-parent families, families with children, single people, or grandparents. Students need a warm, caring, friendly and interested home. They also need a bedroom of their own, three meals a day, help with their homework if necessary, and lots of opportunities to speak English.

PCE Programs Manager Ms Sue Boehm says the homestay element is crucial to the program's success.

"Homestay involves students directly in the home environment and gives them a realistic understanding of Australian lifestyle and language," she says.

"For host families, the rewards include a greater knowledge of another culture and language, new friendships, and an opportunity to share Australian culture. The feedback from families who have participated in previous years has been very positive. They have found the experience to be immensely rewarding and lots of fun.

"Families become involved in the homestay program because they see it as a wonderful family experience, but PCE does not expect it to be a financial burden. To help out during the stay (one month for most visiting students), PCE currently provides host families with $160 per week towards the cost of food, entertainment, and various other expenses."

Anyone interested in participating in the program should contact Ms Boehm:

phone 8303 5236 for more information.

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