WHAT YOU GET

• You will get your own room furnished with a bed, clothes closet, chest of drawers, desk and chair, linen and towels. You are responsible for keeping your room neat and tidy.
• Laundry is included in homestay costs; some families may do the laundry for you (especially younger students), while others may simply show you the facilities so you can do it at your own convenience.
• During the week, you receive breakfast and dinner, and on the weekend, you will receive breakfast, lunch and dinner.
• Some schools offer packed lunches during the weekdays; this is usually for an additional cost.
• You are encouraged to help the family with everyday tasks, like setting and clearing the table, taking out the garbage, and to participate in the family activities - whether it includes going sailing, fishing, or after dinner conversations.
• Most schools have a Homestay Officer who is always available to meet with students and discuss their family. If students request a change of family, it can usually be arranged, some schools may not charge for this service and some may.
  

  
  SOME ADVICE ABOUT HOMESTAY

Every culture has its own set of customs and etiquette. Here are some tips to help foreign students better adapt to family life overseas:

1. Always say "please" and "thank you" when asking for or receiving something.
e.g. Can you pass the salt please? May I use the phone please? Could I please have some more potatoes? Thanks very much.

2. If you want to use the telephone, please ask your host parents. Local calls are free. To make national or international phone calls you can buy an international calling card, which you can use from any telephone, or you can ask you Host Family if you can make a collect (reverse charges) call. Don't talk on the telephone for too long. More than 5 minutes may be considered impolite.

3. Dinnertime is usually when families overseas have their conversations. Your family may ask you questions about school, about your teacher, about your country, this is considered polite. Of course you should answer these questions, it is a good way to practice your English. However it is also important that you ask your homestay family questions. If you only answer questions, your family may get tired of asking. It is good manners to ask your family questions about their day, about their hobbies, about their lifestyle, etc. Don't make the mistake of keeping quiet. This is you chance to practice your English. Asking friendly questions is an essential skill.

e.g. Did you have a good day? What are you doing tomorrow? Where were you born? Did you go to university? What did you study? Have you ever been overseas? How do you spend your holidays? What are your hobbies? etc?
The more questions you ask your family about their lives, the friendlier they will become, and the more they will talk to you.

4. The homestay family will most likely invite you to join them on various daily outings or excursions. You should take advantage of these opportunities to see the city and get to know your homestay family better.

5. In Western countries, people usually spend about 10 or 15 minutes in the shower. Try not to spend too long in the bathroom, especially if other people are waiting to use it. Check with your host family to see how much time in the bathroom is acceptable to them.

6. Find out what time your family eats dinner. Be home on time for dinner. If you make other plans, make sure that you tell them in the morning before you go to school or telephone your family well before dinnertime. Let them know that you will be late for dinner or that you will be home late. Don't keep your family waiting.

7. Be flexible, keep an open mind and a positive attitude. If you have any problems, talk to your family, or to the Homestay Officer at your school.

8. Some host families may have some house rules which would include the normal routines that the family follows. These rules could help you adjust to your new home more easily. When you arrive at your Homestay ask if they have any house rules. These rules are guidelines can help you understand the acceptable use of the kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, when meals are served, and where and when to put out your dirty clothes for washing.