Are you looking for a taste of another culture without having to leave home?  Southern Cross University’s Homestay program could have the answer.

The University’s SCU College will be hosting an information night for anyone interested in participating in the Homestay program at 5.30pm on Tuesday 25 March 2014 at the Coffs Harbour campus.  This information night will be geared towards short term study tours.

Students ranging from school age to university age visit Coffs Harbour for short English language programs of 1-3 weeks as well as long-term programs, which run for a minimum of 10 weeks.

The College is in great need of local Homestays during 12 July to 30 August this year with up to 250 visiting students / escorts over a 7 week time frame.  The short-stay programs will involve students from Japan and China and the majority will be aged between 10 to 18 years old.

There will be 4 different programs running during this period (either for 14 or 15 nights each) and homestays can take students from more than 1 program if they are able.  During study tours, Homestays are preferred to accept a minimum of 2 students but more students can be accepted if appropriate accommodation and transport is available.

Host families receive a weekly payment and in return are expected to provide accommodation, transport, meals, access to household facilities, some sightseeing and inclusion in family activities.  Homestays should be within a 30 minute drive to the CHEC campus.

There are no registration fees but families or individuals interested in hosting students for either short or long-term stays will need to organise a paid Working with Children Check for themselves and be prepared for a home inspection in the months before the tours arrive.

We also have long-stay students available sometimes.

The Homestay program provides benefits to both the students and the families who host them.

Living in an English speaking home provides a great opportunity for our students, and at the same time families get to experience another culture without leaving home. For many couples and families with children, it’s a very rewarding activity.

Homestays regularly host international students and have done for many years.

One homestay said “We really enjoy talking to the students about their home country and culture. It’s a very rewarding experience and it’s great to see Australia through the “fresh” outlook of newly arrived students.”

“It is a pleasure to watch the students improve their English and blossom into confident young people with an expanded knowledge of the world and know that you have helped to achieve that.”

Many Homestay families form long term relationships with past students and stay in regular contact and even visit the students and their schools while travelling overseas.

Get together with friends, workmates or neighbours to share care, transport and activities – this can make it a fun, social and fulfilling time for all.

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For more information or to RSVP for the Information Night, please call 6659 3150 or email nicky.dunstan@scu.edu.au.  Alternatively please drop in and see me in CG13 to discuss and get an application.