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"Homestay" is the name of the programme and "Host Family" is the name of the family that accepts international students into their home. Homestay is a service of good will. It is not a business and it is very important to respect the family. The best advice for students who want to make the most out of this wonderful experience is to become a member of the family. We strongly recommend homestay as it is the best way to practise English in real conversation and learn about Australian culture and customs.
We send details and information of host families to students before they leave their country. It is recommended that students make contact with their host families by mail or email. As students will wonder what their new families are like, their host families will be wondering the same thing. Meeting new people is a fantastic thing.
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WHAT MAKES SPC'S HOMESTAY PROGRAMME SO SPECIAL? |
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- Only families which have been inspected and meet our special requirements are listed on our register
Our accommodation officer visits host families regularly for inspection. Sun Pacific College ensures all host families and their homes are of high quality. Our decision for selecting host families is based on the safety of the area, the proximity to public transport services, security, cleanliness, the occupations of the host parents and above all, a kind and caring environment. Our host families are visited a few times a year and sometimes a member of staff may even visit a family while a student is staying there.
There are many factors we consider when matching students with suitable host families and we do our best to place students with families who have similar interests. Of course there is a standard matching process in which things such as allergies and special requirements are to be considered. However, our matching process goes well beyond this. For example, for students who like tennis, we will try to place them with a family who plays tennis. For children, we will try to place them with families who have similar aged children. For students who are interested in cooking, we will try to find a family whose host mother or father is a professional chef. If a student requests that we choose a host family at random, we have no hesitation in doing this as all host families on our register are of high quality. However, our matching system is very beneficial and often helps conversation at home. For matching purposes it is important that students supply us with as much information about yourself as possible.
Every family is different, so each family has a different system and different house rules. Some families may be able to give students a lift to school, but others may not. It is important to remember that every family hosts students in good will, so try and be a member of the family and respect what they do. It is always good to share information with host families, as they are interested in learning about students' backgrounds as much as students are interested in learning about life in Australia.
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- A Typical Day in Homestay
A typical weekday in homestay is very busy for families and students. Remember everyone has to get ready for work or school. Try not to spend too long in the bathroom and help your host family prepare breakfast and clean up if you have time. After school please ask your host family if they need help preparing dinner.
Cairns is located in one of the most spectacular regions in the world and most people only have one opportunity in their lives to enjoy it. It is important to get out and explore Cairns and its surrounding area as much as you can. Join a tour or take a bus to the beach. It is also a good idea to join in on any outings with your host family or invite them to go somewhere with you.
- Communication with your host family
The first rule is not to be shy and don't worry about making mistakes. Making mistakes is the only way to learn. Try and use every opportunity to make conversation. The more you speak the more you will be spoken to. Try to ask many questions and answer questions with more than just yes or no answers as this makes conversation flow very difficult.
Most families in Australia are very open and do not like students to stay in their bedrooms all day. This usually makes host families think there is something wrong or they have done something to upset students. Of course everyone needs privacy at some time and it is a good idea to keep your door locked when you are sleeping or leave the house.
In most Australian houses smoking is not permitted inside. For students who smoke, it is important to ask where you may smoke. Please do not eat in bedrooms.
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"PLEASE", "THANK YOU" and "EXCUSE ME" are the three most important words in English. If you use them appropriately you will be respected immediately.
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Try to involve yourself as much as possible with your host family, by speaking English and joining in family activities, after school and on weekends. Try and help around the house and ask if there is anything you can do to help.
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Meal times are the most important for the family to get together and communicate with each other. Some families will always sit at the dinner table for meals, while other families will sit in the living room. Don't be surprised if your host family has dinner in the lounge room in front of the television. Just do as they do!
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Of course food in Australia is very different and from one night to the next you will have different kinds of food. You may not like the taste at first, but you may like it the more you eat it. If you really don't like the food you don't have to eat it. Always try it first before you refuse. All you have to say to your host mother or father is "I'm sorry, I don't mean to be rude, but I'm not used to eating this kind of food." If you want to leave the dinner table, just say "Excuse me. May I leave the table please?" If you would like more food, just say "May I have some more please?"
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Always keep your bedroom clean and offer to help with basic housework, such as washing the dishes. This is not only for girls, but more importantly boys!!! In Australia it is very common for fathers and sons to help with the housework.
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Ask permission if you want to use anything in the house. If you want to wash your clothes ask your host mother or father if it's okay to use the washing machine. "May I use the washing machine please?" or "Could you show me how to use the washing machine please?"
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Using the telephone is usually okay, but always ask first. It's better if you buy a phone card, especially if you want to call overseas. In Australia it is not common for people to call or receive calls after 10:00pm. Please respect this and ask your family or friends to call you before 10:00pm.
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If you want to go out at night or go away on weekends, please tell your host family your plans, so they won't worry about you. It's important to give them a call and let them know when you'll be home.
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If you want to invite your friends to your house, just ask your host family first. "Is it okay if some friends come over tonight / on the weekend / tomorrow afternoon?"
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Always answer yes and no questions clearly with "YES" or "NO" not "MAYBE" as this will just confuse your host family.
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Showers in Australia are more common than baths. Of course many families in Australia have baths, but don't use them often. If you want a bath just ask your host family first. It will probably be okay, but don't have baths too often. Hot water in Australia is very expensive and usually one family must share one bathroom, so limit your bathroom time to about 10 minutes. 15 minutes maximum!
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We recommend homestay as it is the best environment for studying and practicing what students learn at school. It is also a good way to integrate into Australian society. We recommend students who are studying at Sun Pacific College to allow us to select your host family as all our families are friends of the college and have established good relationships with us.
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• TEL |
: 61-7-4051-5566 |
| • FAX |
: 61-7-4051-5577 |
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• Address |
: Lvl
1 Palm Court 34-42 Lake St.
Cairns QLD 4870 Australia |
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• ABN |
: 66
098 773 552 |
| • CRICOS
PROVIDER CODE : 02748F |
| Copyright
© www.sunpacificcollege.com.au All Rights Reserved. |
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