Homestay is a great way to improve your English and learn about life in Australia at the same time. You will stay with one of our caring host families and become a part of their family. Lifelong friendships can be made during the homestay experience.
Life in an Australian Home
Australia is a multicultural country with many Australians coming from different countries all over the world. We all have very different cultural backgrounds, but we are all Australian! Your host family will reflect our diversity and may also be large or small. You may have host brothers and sisters, or you may have none. There are families where both parents work, where the host parents are retired or where there is only a host mother or father. The fact that your family is unique is part of the experience.
The way we live may also be quite different and each family will have its own particular routine. However, some things are common. For example, most Australian families:
Australians get up early in the morning, (5:00 am – 6:00am is common) and go to bed quite early, (9:00pm – 10:00pm).
We usually eat breakfast quickly during our work week and you will probably be told to ”help yourself”. The evening meal (dinner) is our main meal where families sit together to eat. Lunch time is simple and usually a sandwich and fruit. Most families love the outdoors and spend a lot of time outdoors doing activities, sports or barbeques.
Weekends are relaxation time, although if both parents work Saturdays, families may use this time for cleaning and shopping. If there are children in the home, Saturday mornings may be busy with the children’s various sport commitments.
You may have an image in your mind of what an Australian host family will be like –remember our history and understand that we are all different, but we are all Australian.
Tips for a Successful Homestay
Our staff are always there to advise and support you during your visit to Australia. Here are some tips from them for a successful homestay.
Carol – Homestay Recruiter
Accept the differences – life with your Host Family will be different to what life is like back home. This is a great opportunity for you to understand the Australian culture.
Maki – Group Coordinator
Smile and be kind to everyone around you. Make sure to use manners like ‘thank you’ even for small things like someone holding a door open for you.
Taeko – Group Coordinator
Spend as much time as you can with your host-family and try to communicate with them. They are excited to meet you and a little nervous at the same time as much as you all are. They will be really happy if you are to open up and be interested in them.
Lisa – Manager
Be open and speak with your Host Family. Don’t worry about making mistakes with your English. Your Host Family understands that you are still learning English and will support you.
Support
Be assured that our staff will know your host family and be able to help you settle into Australian home life.
Most of our staff have experienced life in a different country. They know first-hand the challenges and the joys you might face during your visit to Australia.
Our staff are there for you 24/7