Homestay
St John’s Grammar arranges Homestay accommodation for international students who are 12 years of age or older.
Our Homestay Coordinator will match each student with a host family located near the school. The host provides students with a private bedroom, all meals, and will assist you in learning the local customs and transportation systems, support you with your studies as well as generally helping you to become acquainted with the Australian way of life. Students are encouraged to share information about their home cultures and countries, as our hosts also wish to have a unique cultural experience.
We are proud of the support we provide to both the students and the host families, with whom we formed a caring community.
Homestay arrangements
Students usually study at St John’s Grammar for one of the following time periods:
- 2-10 weeks (study tour)
- 1-12 months (short term)
- 1-5 years (long term)
How to become a student in Homestay
Homestay students at St John’s Grammar receive a high level of care in a family environment. Our students can expect to enjoy a supportive, friendly home while adjusting to Australian culture and the St John’s community.
Our Homestay Coordinator will match each student with a host family located near the school. The host provides students with a private bedroom, all meals, and will assist you in learning the local customs and transportation systems, support you with your studies as well as generally helping you to become acquainted with the Australian way of life. Students are encouraged to share information about their home cultures and countries, as our hosts also wish to have a unique cultural experience.
Read our Students in Homestay Handbook for more information about things to know as a student in Homestay.
How to apply to be a Homestay student?
If you wish to apply for a Homestay are asked to complete the Homestay Student Application and return it to the Homestay Coordinator.
How to become a Homestay host
Opening up your home to an international student is a mutually rewarding experience. It is a wonderful opportunity to experience another culture and to share your own. We will provide you with homestay fees, paid fortnightly by the school, an initial briefing session and a homestay handbook as well as ongoing support from the Homestay Coordinator.
Selection for Homestay families involves an application form, home visits, an interview, and police and reference checks (for all household members over the age of 18). Our Homestay families live near or within easy access of the School, which minimises travel time and enables the international students to integrate well into the School and local community.
Accreditation process
Before you can host a student in your home, you must become accredited. This process involves:
- Completing a Working With Children Check (WWCC) or submitting any Teacher registrations and/or Catholic School Clearances.
- Submitting an application
- A visit and interview by the Homestay Coordinator to meet your family and assess the facilities in your home.
When you host an international student, they will become a member of your family. Your student will be a long way from home and in your care so you will be expected to provide them with a safe, supportive and welcoming home environment.
Expectations of a Homestay family
As a local family hosting an international student, you will have the chance to:
- learn about other cultures, customs and traditions
- make lasting friendships with your student and their family
- explore South Australia
As a homestay, you will be required to provide your student with:
- A furnished bedroom inside the family home (not a separate dwelling)
- All meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
- Use of utilities (ie water, electricity and gas)
- Access to TV, internet
- Use of facilities (eg iron, vacuum cleaner, laundry).
You will also be expected to:
- Support your student in their studies
- Monitor your student’s health and well-being
- Accept duty of care for your student outside of school hours
- Provide a friendly and inviting home for your student
- Speak English with your student to improve their language skills
How to apply as a Homestay host?
More information about your role as a Homestay, reimbursement and what to expect, can be found in the Homestay Booklet. To apply to become a Homestay host please contact our Homestay Coordinator.
