Homestay
The aim of Homestay is to provide overseas students with local, warm and safe environs in which to live while they study.
St John’s Grammar School carefully selects Homestay families located nearby, to provide a safe and secure environment, all food, help with English and settling into Australian culture.
All students can expect to have their own bedroom and be cared for as a member of the host family.
Homestays are arranged by the School for short term (up to 10 weeks) and long term students. Homestay accommodation is arranged and managed by the Homestay Coordinator at St John’s Grammar School.
Selection for Homestay families involves an application form, home visits, and police and reference checks for all household members over the age of 18. 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. Families are selected according to their application, interview, home visit, criminal history screening and suitable student match.
Students wishing to apply for a Homestay are asked to complete the Homestay Student Application and return to the Homestay Coordinator.
How to Become a Homestay
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.
For more information about your role as a Homestay, reimbursement and what to expect, please refer to the Homestay Guidelines and Standards Handbook or contact the International Student Services Officer.
To lodge your application as a Homestay, please contact our Homestay Coordinator.
If you have a current relevant police check clearance, please return this with your application. Teacher Registrations and Catholic School Clearances are also accepted. Otherwise, please complete and return the DCSI Screening Application Form with your application.
(please note: you are only required to complete the sections that are highlighted)
After your application has been received and processed, the Homestay Coordinator will contact you to discuss your application and to arrange a home visit.
Homestay Support
The International Student Services Officer maintains regular contact with the Homestay families to make sure students and families are happy and settled, and to answer any questions or issues that may arise.
Regular activities are organised throughout the year to bring the international students and their homestay families together in a social setting.
Annual meetings take place between key staff members and homestay families for open forum discussions.
Support is available at all times, including the provision of an out of hours contact in the case of emergency.
