ACCOMMODATION

Q: What is homestay?

Homestay is a form of accommodation where a visiting international student lives with an Australian family. The student will eat with the family and contribute to the daily routine of the house.

Q: What is an Australian family like?

Australians are very multicultural and diverse. An Australian homestay family could be a mother, father and children, mother and children, father and children, a single person or just a couple. As Australia is very multicultural, your family may not be first generation Australians. All speak homestay families will speak English fluently.

Q: What is included in my homestay fee?

Usually, while in the homestay accommodation, you will have your own bedroom with a bed, desk, chair and plenty of cupboard space for your clothes. You will receive two meals (usually breakfast and dinner) on week days and three meals on weekends (if booking Homestay Traditional). There is always internet access and sometimes this is included for free. The homestay host will do your laundry for you and will wash your bed sheets at least once a week.

Q: Will my homestay have internet access?

It is standard for homestays to have internet access however, each home is different. Not all families in Australia have unlimited access and may have a limit to the amount of time you can spend on the internet. Some families may also choose to charge an extra fee for internet use, however, if this is the case, you will be told before accepting a family placement.

Q: What do you eat in an Australian homestay?

When you live in an Australian homestay, we expect the student to experience the Australian culture, including the food. Many Australian families eat food from all over the world including Italian, Greek, Mediterranean, Mexican and many types of Asian food such as Thai, Malaysian and Vietnamese.

Q: Can I go out for dinner and meet with my friends?

Absolutely… you are welcome to stay out with your friends. You just need to be courteous and call your homestay family to let them know what you are doing so they don’t worry about you.

Q: What are my responsibilities as a homestay student?

As a homestay student, you are treated like one of the family members and with this comes a few responsibilities. Families in Australia share the household duties and you will be expected to keep your own room tidy and clean, as well as help with smaller duties around the house. This may include tidying up after dinner or taking the rubbish out occasionally.

Q: Can I stay in a homestay with my friend?

Yes, this is often a popular option but be cautious. Living with an Australian family will help you learn English as you will be forced to speak English every day. Usually, two students with the same language are not placed in the same homestay so you have to use your English skills!!

Q: Can I have friends over to my house?

If you would like to have friends over, you must always ask your homestay family first and ensure that they are happy for you to do this.

Q: What is the minimum number of weeks I can stay in homestay?

You can be accommodated for as little as four weeks on most occasions. That will give you enough time to settle in and get comfortable in Brisbane.

Q: Can I change my homestay if I am not happy?

Yes, however you will usually need to give at least two weeks’ notice of a change or cancellation. To change or cancel, speak to the homestay coordinator.

Q: How far from the school are the homestay families?

Most homestays are within 50 minutes travel time from the College. Brisbane is a large city (geographically) with most homestay providers being in zones 1-4 for the public transport network.

Q: What is a ‘List of House Rules’?

House rules are the rules particular to the family you are staying with. These rules may include reminders to lock the doors at night or when you leave for school, to turn off lights when you are not in the room, or to not use the phone after a certain time at night. These rules are usually for all members of the family. The homestay family will either tell you the rules when you arrive or they will leave a note in your bedroom.

Q: Can I get picked up from the airport?

Absolutely… we can arrange an airport transfer for you to your homestay.

Q: How do I apply?

To apply, download the Accommodation Application Form, and complete with as much information as possible. Then, send your application form in with your Student Enrolment Form.

Q: How does the application process work?

Once a student applies for homestay, a homestay coordinator will find a family based on the student’s requests. The coordinator will then send the homestay profile to the student to read and approve. If the student approves, all the arrangements will be made by the coordinator. If the student does not approve, the coordinator will find another homestay provider.

Q: What support do I get from London College?

We will try to assist with homestay inquiries during business hours but you will need to deal with your homestay agency in the first instance. They will have a 24/7 telephone line for emergencies which occur after business hours and on weekends and you can confirm this with your homestay agency.

Enquire about the London Brisbane College Requirement today and fulfill your goal of studying in Australia. Contact 07 3012 9390 or email [email protected].