Australian Host Families
Japanese students come to Australia to experience the Australian way of life, as well as to teach us about Japan. It is the responsibility of the student to fit in with the host family, not vice versa. We expect students to be treated as any other member of the family, rather than as a special guest. However, it is important to be aware of cultural differences and the potential problems that these differences can cause, so that they can be understood and avoided, thus making it an enjoyable an experience for all concerned. Host families are provided with a comprehensive Host Family Guidebook before the student arrives or this can be downloaded from our website.
Benefits of Hosting
- Hosting provides an opportunity to experience another culture at home.
- Australian students studying Japanese gain first hand knowledge of the language and culture.
- Children learn to adapt by sharing their home with another.
Responsibilities of Hosting
- The visiting student should be provided with a room, either shared or single.
- The host family is asked to provide meals in the same way they do for their own children.
- The host family is not required to provide any special entertainment for the student, however an effort should be made to involve the visiting student in Australian life and culture as much as possible.
- All travel plans should be reported to FACE. Students are not permitted to travel anywhere without an appropriate adult.
- Any illness should be reported to FACE as soon as possible and treated by the usual host family doctor if necessary.
- Families hosting first term may be asked to meet the visiting student at a local airport/train station.
- The Japanese student is responsible for paying for the school bus, books and uniform, extra-curricular activities and excursions, international calls, outings with school friends, medical and dental expenses
