What we do at Family Stay

Familystay Australia places students from all over the world with responsible and caring families who are interested to learn about other cultures, and are able to provide a safe, friendly environment in which the student can begin to experience the Australian way of life. A member of Familystay will come and visit you before student arrives.

Requirements

Each member of Family over 17 yrs is required by law to obtain a police check this needs to be renewed every 2 years and kept in a secure place as advised by Police Enquiries Dept.
Families are required to provide full board – three meals per day. Breakfast and lunch can be self- serve. Each student requires his/her own bedroom with, bed, wardrobe, linen, towels, and also a desk and lamp for study. Room should have adequate natural light and heating to enable student to cope with changing seasonal conditions i.e. Warm in winter, cool in summer.

It is important that student be shown way to School first day. A map of area where you live plus your contact numbers is good to give student.

Meals

The Homestay Family should provide three meals a day for the student. Breakfast can be self serve (cereal, toast, butter, jam, milk etc.) The Homestay or Student can prepare lunch. Dinner should be an opportunity for the student to socialise and enjoy the company of the host family and to practice English skills. Please communicate with the student regarding any foods that they are not able to eat because of religious or cultural reasons.

Laundry Facilities

The Homestay can either show the student how to use the washing machine, or it might be more economical to do it for them.

Toiletries

The student will supply all their personal toiletries (shampoo, soap, toothpaste, toothbrush etc.)

Rules for telephone use

Rules for the use of the telephone need to be clearly established, including appropriate times for calls to be made. Most families prefer a 10- 15 minute time limit on calls, and calls not be made or received after about 9.30pm. Familystay Australia requires families to take commonsense precautions to ensure this. This includes knowing where the student is going when s/he goes out, when s/he will be back, getting a contact phone number if possible, advising on the type of public transport to use, (e.g. a pre- booked taxi is preferable to one hailed in the street), and encouraged her/him to travel with a friend.
Students will need to be provided with a house key and house rules on security will need to be explained. All students are required to maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) Students may initially need assistance with making medical and dental appointments. If a student is not able to attend school the host parent is required will be required to notify school.

Students will be advised by Familystay Australia and the college they are attending that smoking is to be done outside only, unless otherwise permitted by the household. Most students placed by Familystay Australia do not smoke. Please communicate with students what is expected, different homes will have different circumstances and rules.

Rates

Payment per week varies from $200 to $220 for younger students.
If a student wishes to leave or you wish them to leave a fortnights notice must be given this allows you time to find another student or student to find another accommodation.

Please remember Familystay is contactable at all times and if a message is left we will contact you as soon as possible.