At your Host Family's home you'll be regarded as a member of the family. They will be excited and interested in sharing their lifestyle with you. You may have little confidence in your English but it is important that you try to talk with your family. Don't forget your dictionary and you can always try writing it down.
Try to do as they do, try to
feel at home, be polite but don't be over-polite or too formal as it may make
your Host Family fee awkward. Always offer to help with any housework or meal
preparation. It is up to
you to put maximum effort into your time with your Host Family and they will
appreciate it if you try. Do not slam doors, waste hot water or leave
electric lights on in your host family home. Most homestay
parents constantly tell their own children not to do this. Don't forget
the magic words PLEASE AND THANKYOU when you are dealing with anyone. These
words work miracles in
You will be called by your first name and you should call the children in the family by their first name and your Host Parents Mr..... and Mrs......., unless they ask you to call them something else.
Australian children will probably want to sit on your lap, hug and touch you or just follow you around talking to you. They may be excited and talk quickly or loudly. Don't worry if you don't understand them, they are often happy that you are part of their family.
Please do not expect to be taken on long expensive outings. Most Host Families cannot afford this. Also do not make the mistake of comparing Host Families. All families are different and some are able to do more than others.
In
If you want to use the
telephone ask your Host Family first. Calling your friends in
The legal age for
drinking in
Shoes: There are a few differences between
customs overseas and
Australian people wear their shoes inside, so you don't need to take your shoes off before entering the house or before going to the toilet.
Depending on the season you should include, jeans, shorts, skirts, shirts, sweaters, coat (winter), t-shirts, sandals and casual shoes for every day wear. Don't forget swim wear for a dip in the swimming pool/beach and you'll need some good clothes for going out in the evening or formal occasions.
Visitors can bring their personal effects without paying duty. If you are 18 years or older, 250 cigarettes or 250g of cigars and 1 litre of alcoholic liquor can be carried with you.
After disembarking you will proceed through customs. Here you must show your
passport and registration form. You should declare
anything you are not sure of. Bringing drugs into
Quarantine is highly policed.
If you have arranged to be picked up at the airport be patient and don't panic if your driver or airport pick up person takes time to find you. Sometimes the airport can be crowded and you should look for a sign with your name on it being held by somebody. Above all, if you are met by a relative or friend do not go off with that person without first notifying your pick up person, college or agent. Many times students have caused great concern by disappearing with relatives and not informing their airport pick up drivers who themselves start to panic. Homestay Worldwide's airport pick up service offers you the most secure and friendly introduction to your homestay and is the preferred method.
People associated with homestay are always more like your own relatives and are very caring for you as they would for their own children or family.