Our host families
From our experience, international students studying overseas enjoy staying in Australian homes with a welcoming family. Not only do they get support and encouragement, but there’s no better way to learn the Australian language, customs and culture.
Homestay Townsville’s host families need to go through a comprehensive process before they are selected, including obtaining their blue card (a legal requirement that ensures they are safe to offer care to children) and – once approved – homes are regularly inspected to ensure they comply with standards.
Our families are lovely people and only too happy to welcome students into their homes and lives, often going out of their way to ensure the child has an enjoyable experience during their stay in Queensland.
Host families also find the experience rewarding and learn a lot about the student’s culture and their way of life back home. Often lasting friendships are forged, along with a mutual appreciation and tolerance of other cultures.
Feeling ‘at home’
Most of the homestay houses in Townsville have three to four bedrooms, a lounge room or sitting room, a family room where the TV and internet access is usually located, and a dining or formal eating area.
The kitchen usually consists of an oven with hot plates, a microwave and a dishwasher.
The main bathroom usually has a separate shower or a shower in the bath. The laundry has an automatic washing machine and sometimes an electric clothes dryer but - because of our superb weather - most people hang their laundry out to dry in the fresh air. Sheds or lockups are used for storing bikes, garden equipment and electrical tools, and the cars are kept in either a one or two-door garage or carport.
Much of Australian life is spent outdoors and many gardens have a barbeque and entertainment area, some include a swimming pool.
Host homes often have bikes, helmets and sporting equipment and are close to riding paths, parks and river frontages.
Most of the homes are centrally located to schools, James Cook University, the hospital, libraries, sporting venues, shopping centres and have access to public transport.
Townsville Homestay Hosts are:
- Families with young and school aged children
- Families with teenagers
- Retired couples
- Couples with no children
Interested in becoming a homestay host?
Can you provide the following:
- A safe, clean and comfortable home?
- A separate bedroom, fresh linen and a study area?
- Three healthy meals a day?
- Transport to school or access to a school bus?
- Support while adjusting to Australian culture?
- Kindness and care?
- Airport pickup and drop off?
All hosts are provided with a homestay guidebook, financial support and receive training and advice from Homestay Townsville director Prue Lewis.
Please contact us to register your interest or find out more.
