Homestay - for Local Families
Becoming an International Homestay family can be a very rewarding cultural exchange experience.
International Students choose to pay a fee to live with an Australian host family to experience how we live in our culture, to improve their English skills and be a valued family member within your family unit.
If you have considered becoming a host family and would like further information please don’t hesitate to contact Karen O'Shea our International Student & Homestay Coordinator on 07 4096 7111 or email koshe22@eq.edu.au and she will gladly send you an information pack including:
- EQI Homestay Application Form
- EQI Homestay Terms & Conditions
- EQI Homestay Handbook
- Malanda State High School Homestay Bank Details Form
- Blue Card Application or renewal form/Exemption Application
- EQI Risk Assessment Policy
Or alternatively you can download these documents on the right hand side of this page to complete. Once all forms have been completed Karen O'Shea will arrange a suitable time to meet and discuss this rewarding opportunity with you.
Homestay Program for International Students
Student Homestay Guide
Living with an Australian host family during your stay at Malanda State High School is a great way to experience the Australian lifestyle and culture. Our International Student & Homestay Coordinator Karen O'Shea will place you in one of Malanda State High School host families, who will offer you a caring and supportive environment in a safe community.
Living in an Australian family also allows you to enhance your English skills and make lifelong friendships and connections forever.
The welfare of our International students at Malanda State High School is a top priority to us at all times to ensure our International students have a wonderful and memorable experience during their stay with us. All of our Homestay Families are screened by a police and a criminal history check is undertaken to ensure they are a suitable host family for our program.
We know from experience that the placement of your host family is one of the most important aspects of your program, this is why our International Student & Homestay Coordinator encourages our future International students to write a letter of introduction to their prospective host families, so she can do her best to place you in the most suitable and compatible homestay family.
This may be a family with common interests and hobbies or perhaps a host sibling of a similar age to you or a family that can cater for your dietary requirements or individual needs.
Should our students experience any concerns in the homestay, our International Student & Homestay Coordinator will assist you with the matter so it can be resolved.
It is normal to feel uncomfortable at the beginning in your new host family, but our Malanda State High School host families are here to support you and make you a part of their family and educate you about our Australian culture and lifestyle.
So it is important you also try to make an effort in your family to fit in and become a valued family member.
Here are some helpful hints to consider
- Always speak English
- Learn about our Australian culture and try new things - even vegemite!
- Share information and facts about your culture to educate your host family
- Make Australian friends
- Offer to help out in your Homestay with household chores or tasks
- Go on outings with your host family when you can
- Tell the host family about your day each night at meal times
- See all that the beautiful Malanda and Atherton Tablelands has to offer
- Make the most of every opportunity
- Always be respectful