Terms of Homestay for Study Tours
Fees
NB. Application/Placement fee is AUD$125 (non-refundable)
The homestay accommodation fee is AUD$40 per day starting from date of pick-up which includes a transportation fee to and from the English Language Centre each day. This fee does not include personal transportation during your stay. Payment is deducted from the study tour payment and paid directly to the homestay family by UNE.
Your homestay family will provide you with the following:
- Your own room with a bed and study facilities
- Access to a bathroom
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Access to a laundry
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3 meals a day
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Adequate heating
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Inclusion in family activities
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Advice and assistance with transport
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Informal help with your English proficiency
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Transport to and from the ELC
Living In Your Homestay
Your bedroom - Your bedroom will have a bed and access to study facilities. It is your responsibility to keep your bedroom clean and tidy.
Bathroom - You will need to purchase your own personal toiletries. However, your homestay family will generally supply items such as toilet paper, soap, towels and bed sheets, pillows, blankets, etc.
Meals - Your homestay family will provide you with 3 meals a day. Breakfast and lunch are usually self-service and dinner is prepared by the host. Please let your host know what you can and cannot eat.
Laundry - You will be provided with laundry facilities. You will be responsible for your own washing and ironing, though sometimes your homestay family may offer to do it for you.
Cleaning - In an Australian home all family members contribute to the cleaning of the household. As part of the family, you should help with small jobs such as washing dishes, putting out the rubbish or helping to prepare meals. This will help you feel a part of the family and will also help you and your homestay family to get to know each other better.
Transport - Transport to and from the University is included in your weekly homestay fee.
Telephone - Your homestay fee does not include the cost of telephone calls. You are advised to purchase both a local and International phone card, which are available from the UNE Shop on campus and a number of retailers in town. Ask at the reception area of ELIS for more information.
Mobile Telephone - In Australia, we have two types of mobile networks, CDMA and GSM. If you have either of these types of mobile phones then you may be able to use your mobile in Australia. Pre-paid mobile vouchers can be purchased from the UNE Shop on campus and a number of retailers in town. Ask at the reception area of ELIS for more information.
Computer/Internet Access - Not all Australian families own a computer or have access to the Internet. If your homestay family does have a computer and access to the Internet you will need to ask permission to use it. Discuss with the family their terms for the use of the computer.
Good Manners - Australians appreciate politeness and good manners. The words 'Please' and 'Thank you' should be used appropriately and frequently. People are generally addressed as Mr. or Ms until they tell you to call them by their first name.
Visitors - Please discuss with your homestay family their policy on visitors before inviting guests to visit you.
Security - Although Armidale is a safe place to live, families generally lock up their homes when they go out. You will need to arrange with your homestay family for access to the house if they are not home.
Disclaimer - You should keep all your valuable items secure. Neither ELIS, nor the homestay family take any responsibility for lost or stolen items. You may wish to purchase personal property insurance.
Smoking - Please discuss smoking rules with your homestay family. Generally people do not smoke indoors.
Showers - People in Australia usually have one short shower every day either in the morning or at night. Sometimes they may have a bath. If they do, they do not have a shower, as people wash themselves in the bath.
Electricity - Appliances in Australia work on 240 volts. You will need an adaptor plug to use other appliances. You should always ask before using any appliances in your homestay house.
Temperature Range - Armidale is on the Northern Tablelands of Northern New South Wales. It has cool to cold winters (as low as -10 at night) and warm to hot summers (up to 36 degrees in the day).
Medical Problems -You need to make an appointment to see a doctor or dentist in Australia. If you are unwell at night and can wait till the morning, you should see a doctor or dentist the next day. However, if you cannot wait, you can visit the hospital emergency section, where you will be treated as soon as possible. You will need to pay a fee for any service by a hospital, doctor or dentist, and you may be refunded some of your money (if you are in Australia on a Student Visa however, you will be covered by the compulsory Overseas Student Health Cover you will have paid in order to obtain your student visa). For more information, speak with the International Services section of UNE.
Further Information
For further information on Homestay please email homestay@une.edu.au