Today, I would like to explain why I chose to live in a Homestay.
If you want stay in Brisbane, you have several possibilities: you can live in a shared house, a Homestay, a backpackers, a hotel, rent a flat…
Choosing the best one for you depends on your personality. If you are independent, maybe you prefer living in a shared house, but the disadvantage is that you have to do everything by yourself: cooking, cleaning, washing… It’s very comfortable to live in a Homestay.
Me, I chose to live in a Homestay because I think it’s a good opportunity to meet native Australians and share their way of life. My house is in the western suburbs of Brisbane, in zone 2, it’s not too far from downtown, but I have to take the bus. And here, the bus passes every half hour and it’s always very punctual: it’s very convenient!
My house
In my Homestay, I live with 2 other students, a Japanese girl and a Korean girl. And we all three have our own bedroom with a desk.
In Australia, meals take place earlier than in France: breakfast can start from 6.30am if we have classes at school, and my host father cooks a good dinner at 6 pm. Since I arrived, I have been able to taste various meals from Australia, Japan and Korea, thanks to my host father and roommates. It’s one of the advantages of living together, we share our cultures and it gives rise to very interesting discussions at the dinner.
The whole family!
And my host father is very kind - if we have any problems we can ask him for help, he’s always willing to help us. It's very reassuring to have someone to turn to when we are in a new country. For example, the last time, I took the wrong bus and I got lost in Brisbane’s suburbs, and after trying to find my way, I could call my host father who immediately picked me up by car.
So, now I asked my host father some questions for you, to understand why he hosts foreign students:
Why did you choose to host international students?
“We chose to host international students because we have had a long connection with international people and involvement with them both here and in their home country. And to give them an introduction to the Australian way of life.”
Which nationalities have you hosted?
“Nationalities we have hosted are Japanese, Korean, Chinese, Taiwanese, Philippines, Thai, Indonesian, Indian, Dutch, French, Colombian and Brazilian.”
How old are the youngest and the oldest?
“The ages of students have ranged from young teenagers to those in their fifties.”
When did you start? How many students have you hosted since you started?
“We commenced Homestay in August 2007. We have hosted more than 80 students.”
In average, how long did they stay?
“Students on average stayed approximately 6 weeks. That is of both short term and long term stays.”
What does it bring you to host students? And what are the disadvantages?
“The positive of students staying has been to learn about other cultures, and assist students to become aware of ours. The disadvantages would be getting students to understand time schedules.”
Are there any prerequisites or rules to follow?
“The prerequisites to Homestay is for a student to have a good disposition towards Homestay in that of wanting to fit into Australian home-style. To listen carefully and to be part of chores and activities where possible.”
Thanks Allen.
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