Types of Facilities Students Want in a Homestay
How to Increase Chances of Home Placement With an Exchange Student
Sep 13, 2009
For families who depend upon homestay students for income, a home and lifestyle that attracts students is a necessity. While reputation may go a long way to ensuring a steady supply of students, there are a few things that will make students more likely to request your home.
Good Internet Access
Most homestay programs do not require the host family to have Internet access – however, broadband and high-speed Internet access are definite assets. To students who are used to regular, hassle-free Internet access, dialup seems painful and antiquated, and no Internet at all unthinkable – even if those students have unlimited Internet access at their university. Parents who wish to limit their children’s Internet access can still do this by means of password protection and parental controls.
A Separate Bathroom or En Suite
While families can share a bathroom and toilet with their exchange student, separate rooms are a plus for privacy and convenience. Some students may prefer to clean their own bathroom, although this is expected of the host family in most cases.
Multiple Homestay Students
Some families choose to host exchange students en masse, taking two or three students at a time or overlapping students (often one long-term placement and several short-term placements). This practice requires a large house, as each student needs a separate room; however, it can make the situation more appealing to students.
Overseas students may feel less awkward with other students in the family, particularly if both students share a language and culture. Care must be taken, however, to ensure the host family does not neglect its duty of encouraging the students to interact with the host culture and speak English.
A Handy Location to Town or the Student's University
Exchange students may find an unfamiliar city intimidating. Living close to their place of study makes for an easier transition as well as being convenient in the long run. Similarly, students who want to experience the host culture may prefer to be close to the shops, restaurants and nightlife of the city.
Host families in handy locations will be preferred; next in line will be those close to handy bus, train or tram routes. Families in out-of-the-way districts may find it more difficult to find placements. Remember than exchange students often do not have their own cars.
A Bilingual Host Family
It is not necessary for a host family to be bilingual, as students are expected to practice their English with the family as part of the exchange program experience. However, a multi-lingual household is worth mentioning in a host application form. Younger exchange students in secondary school may particularly appreciate a bilingual host family.
Other Desirable Household Facilities for Homestay Students
Other conveniences and luxuries may raise the host family’s chances of continuous placements. When describing the residence, a host should mention any features the house possesses such as a swimming pool, separate study for the student, cable television, BBQ area or deck. Some hosts specify things like “modern furniture”, "traditional Australian home" or “character villa”. If the homestay program allow, hosts may be able to upload photos of the house for students to view – it’s worth making these look as professional as possible, with good lighting and tidy rooms.
Honesty is also important. Homestay programs are dependent on feedback, and lying about the size of a room or quality of the furniture will only result in a poor match and blackened reputation. Whatever their luxury level, host families should only try to advertise what they have! While larger rooms, fancier furniture and a good location may help a family's chance of placement, providing a welcoming environment is ultimately more important.
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