Homestay - International Students
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Strathmore SC has been taking fee-paying International students for over 18 years, but only from Years 10-12, so the minimum age is 15 but most are a bit older. We provide homestay to these students while they are enrolled at the school. Students usually stay at the homestay for at least a year, even more. Quite a few move out when they turn 18. Very occasionally a student may come for only 2 terms. There is no contract, so if things aren’t working out for the family or the student, or if circumstances change, we can change the homestay family.
As of January 2020, students pay $310 per week for accommodation and 3 meals a day. This money does not have to be declared on a tax return as it is considered “reimbursement” not income. Most students come from China, but we do have a few Vietnamese students. Very occasionally we enrol a student from South America or Europe, and they usually stay only 2 terms. Homestay families can state a preference for a boy or girl, but many don’t have a preference. Most students arrive at the beginning of a school term, but most arrive in early July for term 3 or late January for term 1. Some students become “part of the family”, but some are more reserved and stay very independent. Many of the Chinese and Vietnamese students attend a local English Language Centre (at either Hume Central SC or Brunswick SC or Essendon Keilor Senior Campus) for their first 2 terms (20 weeks) but Strathmore SC is their host school, and we are their “guardian” from the moment they arrive. We organise airport pick up, homestay and schooling. Every homestay is visited and we have a strong relationship with all our homestay families. They ring us whenever they have a concern that they feel they can’t handle, or just need to talk about any issues. Please also refer to our Homestay Guidelines which may answer many of your questions. 
As well as my ongoing support for each student and homestay family, we have a Homestay Coordinator, Jan Maas, who visits every family to see the home, write up a profile and to explain the program. All people in a homestay who are over 18 years of age must have (or apply for) a Working with Children Check, but there is no cost as this is considered a volunteer role. Please note that we have all kinds of families, and all kinds of homes and units and apartments. What matters to us is the care the student is given, that they have their own room, are fed and safe.
If you would like more information or to apply as a homestay host, please contact me through the email form below. Ms Cathy Di Battista
International Student Manager Mobile: 0417 301 835 Phone: (03) 9379 7999 |
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