BSSC is seeking Homestay Families

In 2017, BSSC has a new group of International students arriving from overseas to study their VCE.  Our college is seeking interested individuals, couples or families to provide homestay accommodation for the new arrivals. VCE students are typically aged from 15 – 18 years.

A homestay is a private home accepting overseas students to live as part of the family.  Being a homestay host provides great insights into another culture with a small financial benefit. In the homestay arrangement, the student becomes part of the family, not just a boarder renting a room in your house. The Department of Education and the BSSC Homestay Coordinator 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 and staff are always available to respond to queries when contacted. Families also join with international program staff and students to celebrate special events and share ideas on maximizing the benefits of the hosting experience.

Homestay students are expected to live as a part of the family and are therefore also expected to help with some 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 families of our international students choose to pay for homestay accommodation while they study at BSSC because it offers the student the opportunity to be part of a good family environment where they will be well cared for as they learn about Australian culture and improve their English.

Hosting long-term International students

A fortnightly payment of $490 is provided to host families to cover the costs associated with supporting another person in your home and providing food and accommodation. The homestay family is required to provide:

  • A single bedroom for each student
  • Bedroom furniture including a bed, wardrobe, bookcase, desk and lamp
  • Towels and linen
  • Three meals a day, seven days a week
  • Utilities cover: gas, electricity, heating, cooling and water costs
  • Cleaning services for common living areas
  • Internet access for the student (cost can be discussed)
  • Support for the student to adapt to living in Australia.
  • Copies of a current Working with Children Card for all family members who are over the age of 18

 

Homestay hosts report positively on the many benefits attached to being part of this program.  For single individuals, the company and opportunities to mix with teenagers is very welcome. For families, especially those with children learning Chinese, the value of talking with a native speaker is extremely beneficial in supporting the child to develop their Chinese language skills and Asia literacy.

If you are interested in finding out more about being a homestay host, please contact  BSSC’s Homestay Coordinator,  Christina Xie at  xie.christina@bssc.edu.au or phone 0429 524 075 or Linda Lyons, Assistant Principal, at lyons.linda@bssc.edu.au.