Homestay

INFORMATION & COURTESIES FOR STUDENTS CHOOSING HOMESTAY

Students coming to Perth to undertake a program of study can be assured of an experience of a lifetime. Staying in homestay ensures that you are immersed in the Australian culture and language while relaxing in the safety and security of a family home. The following information will help you prepare for the experience.

Host Families

There are many different types of households; from a single person living in a unit to a couple with children. Some households host more than one student so you may not be the only visitor in the house. The distance from the university may involve taking two forms of public transport but you will soon become very familiar with the public transport system. Australia is a very multi-cultural society and host families come from a variety of cultural and language backgrounds.

The advantages of staying with a family

The best way to understand another culture is to be part of a family. You’ll develop knowledge and abilities that will enrich all aspects of your life. You’ll have the chance to build lasting international friendships, discover the richness of differences between cultures, and also the many things which we, as human beings, have in common. Living with a host family is a wonderful way to improve your language and communication skills.

How the host families are selected

Families approach Nacel about hosting a student and, if they live within easy access of a university, a Nacel coordinator will visit the home to evaluate the suitability. Many families have been hosting for several years and even these families are visited every second year and interviewed by telephone every other year.

We are very conscious of your safety and welfare and, therefore, all members in the household who are 18 years old and over must obtain a police clearance. Families are advised that students must have a private bedroom including all linen and towels and the room must have a student desk and good lighting for study.

The families have agreed to allow the use of their laundry facilities, including washing powder at no extra cost. Costs of phone calls and internet access and any extras such as snacks outside the home are at your own expense.

The family assists you in finding your way to the school/university campus on the first day of school, even if this means accompanying you on public transport. You are expected to pay for all extra expenses related to transport to and from school, outings, excursions, personal and incidental spending.

Students under 18 years of age

The host family assumes the responsibility of acting on behalf of the natural parents, keeping in mind the safety and welfare of the student that has been entrusted into their care. The family will immediately notify Nacel if there is any cause of concern and likewise, the student can also contact Nacel if there are difficulties.

Meals

Meals will be provided by the host family according to what you have requested and to the fee that you are paying. The homestay fee does not include snacks that you need to buy yourself if you wish to eat between meals. A placement fee of $175 also applies and is payable to Nacel, along with the first two weeks’ homestay fee, before you are advised of the host family details.

Fees are shown below:

Paying the host family

You pay your host family direct every two weeks in advance. If you intend to leave your homestay, you must give at least two weeks’ notice and pay your family at a daily rate if your stay exceeds two weeks. If you leave before the two weeks, you must still pay the family for the full two weeks.

 Transport

Most students use public transport to and from their place of study. While every effort is made to place students within easy access, there are times when students need to take two forms of transport. However, the maximum time for travel is usually between 30 to 45 minutes each trip.

Simple courtesies during your stay  

• Manners are very important in Australia – you will be expected to say “please” and “thank you” often. Show that you appreciate your host family. While they are being paid for hosting, they have made sacrifices to have you in their home and it would cost you considerably more to live independently.

• As part of the household, participation in daily chores is expected. This does not only mean washing the dishes but also making your bed every morning and keeping your room tidy. Offer to help with other chores around the home rather than waiting to be asked. In Australia, both men and women share the housework.

• Shower every day but be aware that water is scarce in Australia and keep your showers to five minutes. If there is only one bathroom in the house, try to stay in the bathroom for a minimum of time. Furthermore, families may discuss with you the need to always put a plug in the sink rather than leave the tap running. Please understand that these requirements are part of everyday life in Australia!

• It is expected that you will do your own personal washing and ironing. Discuss with your host family how, where and when they would like you to do your laundry.

• Ask before you use the phone, fax or email; you will need to pay for all calls made.

• Smoking rules in Australia are very strict. If you have been placed in a non-smoking household, it is very important that you do not smoke inside the house and that you discuss with the family about where outside you can go to smoke. Most Australian houses are smoke-free as well as some restaurants and public places.

• If you wish to invite a friend to your house, it is polite to ask permission of your host family first.

• Advise your host family when you intend to go out and your expected time of returning home. This is not only for your own personal safety, and so that your host family does not worry, but also so that the family know whether or not they need to prepare meals for you.

Wishing you an enjoyable stay in Perth!