Seeking Homestay Families for International Students and short-term Study Tour students
Bendigo Senior Secondary College (BSSC) is seeking interested Families, couples or individuals to provide homestay accommodation for our new International Students. Overseas students are typically aged between 15 – 18 years.
A homestay is a private home accepting students from overseas living as part of the family from a few weeks up to two, possibly three years. Being a homestay host provides great insights into another culture with an appropriate financial benefit (see below). In the homestay arrangement, the student becomes part of the family – it is not just a matter of renting out a room in your house. The Department of Education and the BSSC Homestay Program provide support and clear guidelines for students and their families to follow in undertaking this very important role. The college communicates regularly with host families through meetings and functions, like the host family annual meeting and our Christmas party, and dedicated staff are always available to resolve queries.
Homestay students are expected to be included as a part of the family and are therefore are also expected to help with chores around the house. This usually consists of the student keeping their own room clean, as well as tidying up after themselves in common areas.
The student’s family choose to pay for homestay accommodation, while they study at BSSC, because it offers their child the opportunity to be treated like a member of a supportive family environment whilst they face the opportunities and challenges of studying in a different culture to their own.
Hosting long-term International students
Currently there is $ 580 fortnightly payment provided to the hosts to cover the costs associated with providing food and accommodation to an international student. This includes providing a furnished bedroom, three meals a day, access to utilities and support in various aspects for students’ learning and life.
A valid Working with Children Card is required for all family members who are the age of 18 and over before any student can be placed in the home. Support can be provided for this process.
Our past and current homestay parents report positively on the many benefits attached to being part of this program. Many have developed personal connection with the international student and their family. For single individuals, the company and opportunities to mix with teenagers is welcome, while for families, especially those with children wanting to learn other languages, the value of practicing with a native speaker is immeasurable.
The BSSC’s Homestay Program will be holding an information evening on 25 May starting at 5pm. If you are interested in finding out more about this program, please RSVP to the Homestay Coordinator, Christina Xie, at xie.christina@bssc.edu.au or on 0429 524 075 before 22 May.
