BECOMING A HOST FAMILY
Homestay visits by people from overseas are undertaken to increase cultural awareness and develop language and communication skills. Inter-cultural exchange fosters mutual understanding and recognition of shared values. Interaction with other cultures challenges our perceptions and enriches our community.
By temporarily sharing your home with a Japanese visitor you will be able to learn more about Japan and Japanese people. You will also begin to realise how different (or similar) your lifestyle, habits and customs are to those of the Japanese and families can become more aware of their own lifestyle characteristics. Having a visitor can create opportunities for family discussion and activities, as well as personal growth. It would be a memorable experience for you, your family and the Japanese visitor who may be in a foreign country for the first time.
We have many different types of guests who wish to experience life in an Australian home. Most are students who will attend a local school (length of time varies), while some will attend an English school. Another program caters for a mother and child. The child attends a local school while the mother may attend an English school (2 weeks) or occupy herself with sightseeing activities. Another type of guest is a tourist who wants to experience Australian home life.
As a host family, your role is to provide the visitor with a bed, meals, and a supportive family environment. You also help educate your guest about Australia by being yourself. Japanese visitors will learn a lot about Australia from the homestay experience. Even just having a meal may be an exotic experience. A financial contribution covers living expenses. Professional bilingual staff supports the program throughout the stay with 24 hour assistance to students and host families. Shoji Australia takes responsibility and duty of care for all visiting students.
Working With Children Checks
Due to the new legislation, it is now compulsory for all host families (both parents/guardians but not adult children or visitors to the home) to have a ‘Working with Children Check’. We understand that this may be an inconvenience; however we hope that everyone can appreciate the good intentions of the requirement. We can supply forms ready to complete and take to the local post office where the photo will also be taken (the photo is included in the application fee of $10 for volunteers).
How you can start...
Please complete the Homestay Application Form available on this website.
Once we receive your form we will have your details on our database. We will contact you when there is an appropriate Japanese guest and see if you are available to host. Details of the visit will then be discussed and information will be forwarded.
More information is found on FAQ page or please contact us if you have any further questions.
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