FAQ
Do we need much room?
You will need to have a spare room for a Japanese guest (individual long term stays), as it is important for them to have some privacy. They will be happy to share all other amenities and be treated like a member of your family. For school based short term programs (see hosting group visits) you do not need to have a spare room. A female can share a room with a female, and a male can share with a male. It’s up to you. All you need is a temporary spare bed for the student (even a mattress on the floor).
What about food?
Host families are generally expected to provide three meals per day (packed lunch for school days). Families are informed of any particular likes, dislikes or allergies but generally family meals should be as usual. Japanese students are here to learn about Australian life and food is a part of that.
Will they be able to speak English?
Generally, the Japanese guests won’t be able to speak much English, although they will understand more. It's not a big concern though. Ability in Japanese language is not necessary and all the visitors will have dictionaries. About 70% of communication can be non-verbal; gestures and facial expressions can convey a lot. Hosting helps develop cross-cultural communication skills for all participants.
What if they get sick or there are other issues?
If there are any concerns Shoji Australia is available for bilingual assistance (24 hours a day). Advice and translation can be given over the phone, medical assistance arranged, and home visits can be made depending on the circumstances. Groups of students usually travel from Japan with a teacher or a tour escort so they can be contacted if the student would feel more comfortable talking with someone they know.
What kind of financial support do we receive?
The payment is dependent on the age of the guest and length of stay. The rates are also different if hosting more than one guest at a time. The payment amount is advised in advance and payment is deposited into a nominated account before the date of arrival.
In school based (Hosting Group Visits) programs, the schools as well as the host families receive a donation. Hosting can be a fundraising activity for schools.
Who will we be hosting and what will they do?
Students who visit schools usually do so as part of a buddy program. There are two variations to the buddy program. The first involves a group of students from a school or town in Japan visiting a primary or high school in Western Australia. The students will attend school daily, starting at normal time and finishing at normal time. The group will have their own English lessons in the mornings and either attend excursions or integrate in classes at the local school during the afternoons. A farewell party for the students and host families is held at the end of the trip. The second type is when a student comes to Western Australia with the intention of integrating in a local school for a short period of time, usually 2-4 weeks. The student attends school daily with their host brother or sister and will join them in their classes (following their timetable). This is a wonderful way for the students to experience ‘normal’ Australian school life. |
