Students Arriving June - July 2010

Here are just a few of the students arriving in Australia in June - July 2010. They will be here for programs lasting 2 -10 months. They will live with a host family and attend a local high school. They are all eagerly awaiting news of their host families and schools.

If you think you might be interested to host one of these students please call our office on 1300 135 331 (in Australia) or 0800 440 079 (in New Zealand) or fill in the form for more information. No obligation.

Emil comes from Denmark and will be 15 when he arrives in Australia. He lives on a farm outside a small town in Denmark and describes himself as a happy and outgoing guy. He regularly helps his family out in the house and outside with the pigs and is looking forward to helping out his host family when he arrives. Emil is always curious to learn new things and is very much looking forward to learning about the Australian culture with his family.

Leoni comes from Germany, is 16 and has two older brothers back home. She enjoys playing the bassoon, dancing and a range of sports including horse riding, snowboarding and European handball. She loves animals and is also looking forward to discovering some new Aussie sports during her time here. Leoni has wanted to come to Australia ever since she got a toy kangaroo as a present from her parents as a child.

Geoffrey comes from a town north of Paris in France and will be 16 when he arrives in Australia. He considers himself to be rather athletic and loves to play tennis and go skiing while he also enjoys water-sports in summer. Geoffrey has a close bond with his family and friends back home and he is looking forward to meeting a whole new group of friends in Australia. He also likes to play the guitar and would like to learn to surf whilst on exchange.

Louise will be 16 when she arrives in Australia and comes from Copenhagen in Denmark. She describes herself as a friendly, honest and ambitious person who is also a bit extraverted. She enjoys travelling, playing volleyball and is also quite creative – she has illustrated a children’s book. Louise considers herself to be easy to get along with and has travelled extensively across Europe with her family and has also visited Australia when she was younger.

Tim comes from Holland and will be 17 when he arrives in Australia. He hopes to improve his English whilst in Australia and to also learn how to play cricket. He describes himself as a creative, spontaneous, independent and social person. His interests include hockey, golf and hanging out with friends. When Tim finishes school he plans to study business economics at a major university in Holland.

Laura is an open-minded person and comes from a town in the west of Germany. She will be 16 when she arrives in Australia. Her favourite subjects at school are English and biology and she is looking forward to discovering life as an Aussie high school student. She is also a member of the school orchestra, having played the viola for 6 years. Some of her household chores include helping with the cooking and taking her dog for a walk.

Sofie will be 16 when she arrives and comes from Denmark. Sofie’s hobbies include dancing and singing and she also likes being outdoors and playing with animals. She enjoys an active and healthy lifestyle and likes to go jogging to keep fit. Sofie is very excited about coming to the other side of the world to live in Australia and she is looking forward to having an Aussie Christmas with her host family during the summertime.

Who can host an exchange student?

Our host families come in all shapes, sizes, backgrounds and ages. Retired couples, single parents with or without children, couples with primary school children, couples with teenagers and a family pet…all can apply to become a host family and all can benefit in many ways from the exchange experience.

Do the students speak English?

Students have all been tested and speak English well enough to attend classes at a local school. As with any non-native speaker, there may be a period at the beginning of the exchange where they need extra help and patience as they get used to speaking and hearing English.

How are students selected?

We work with partner organisations around the world with which we have long standing relationships. Every new student is interviewed, their medical and academic records are checked and references are always required. Students come from over 15 countries, are usually aged between 15 and 18 years old and their natural parents must have the financial means to support them while on exchange. Each student comes with a passport and return ticket plus money to cover personal expenses and school costs.

Why does the program use volunteers?

We are a registered, non-profit student exchange organisation. Exchange programs like these depend on the good will of a number of participants. Volunteers help to look after the students while they are here and provide additional support services. The combined result is that many more students from around the world can share in the experience of living and studying in another culture.

What are our responsibilities as a host family?

Your basic responsibility is to welcome the student as a member of your family and to provide the same care and support you would give to your own children. We ask that you provide a bed and two to three meals a day. Students assume the normal responsibilities as a member of your family and are expected to undertake the same simple chores you would expect your own children to do.

What are the student's financial responsibilities?

Any school expenses incurred by exchange students are their own responsibility –school fees, uniforms and all equipment required by the school. Students are expected to have access to a minimum of $150 to $200 a month to cover personal expenses and all ongoing school costs. Students are responsible for the cost of all personal telephone calls they make and internet charges if applicable.

Where do the students go to school?

Exchange students will go to the local secondary school in your area. Our local coordinator will arrange the initial approval after discussion with your family and then we ask you to assist with finalising the enrolment details when the student arrives.

Can we select our own student and how do we choose?

We will provide you with profiles of students which will include information on their interests and family background, and a ‘letter’written to you as a prospective host family. This will often give you a special insight into the student which will help your decision. You then make a decision based on the students available.

Do the students have health insurance?

All students have overseas student health insurance cover with the same benefits to the student as Medicare.

What role do we play?

We provide a local coordinator who will live nearby. Trained by us, this person provides support to the host family and the student. Full time staff are available 24 hours a day in case of an emergency. We arrange transport for the student to the nearest main airport when they arrive. We also provide you with handbooks and other information.

Is it really as good as you say?

We’re probably biased, but YES! We can have you talk to families who tell us how their lives changed by participating in student exchange. Having said that we wouldn’t dare say your semester or year would be without its problems –after all you are welcoming a teenager into your home. But we find host families cope well and help students through any problems they have and we are here to support you locally and at the national level.

I'm ready to learn more. What's next?

Please telephone us on 1300 135 331 (in Australia) or 0800 440 079 (in New Zealand) to request more information. We’ll send you details on students who will be coming to Australia and New Zealand soon and as well as information on how you can become a host family.