Open Your Home 

Chelsea Zhou

International student Coordinator

 

Hosting an international student is more than just inviting someone new into your home - it’s a fantastic opportunity for everyone involved.

Here is why hosting an international student can be such a valuable experience.

Cultural Exchange

When you host an international student, you get a front-row seat to another culture. It’s like having a live tour guide who can share stories, customs, and even recipes from their home country. This makes your world bigger and more interesting, all while having fun learning about new traditions.

Making New Friends

The bonds you form with an international student can turn into lifelong friendships. You’re not just hosting someone; you’re gaining a new friend who brings a fresh perspective and might even become a part of your extended family. Plus, this connection can open doors for future travel and more cultural adventures.

Personal Growth

Hosting isn’t just great for the student; it’s a fantastic learning experience for you and your family too. It encourages you to see things from a new angle, be more adaptable, and embrace new ways of thinking. For our young people, it’s a chance to develop empathy, flexibility, and problem-solving skills in a real-world setting.

Boosting Education

Living with a host family gives students more than just classroom knowledge. They get to experience daily life in a new country, practice their language skills in everyday situations, and understand local customs firsthand. This hands-on experience makes their education richer and helps them feel more at home. This works both ways too - a host family can share the  challenge of learning a new language  from their guest (it is like having a live-in tutor and much more fun than using the Babbel app!)

Promoting Global Understanding

In today’s connected world, understanding different cultures is crucial. Hosting an international student helps break down stereotypes and build bridges between people from different backgrounds. It’s a way to contribute to global harmony and make the world a friendlier place.

Strengthening Community

When you host an international student, you’re also enriching your community. You help local schools and programs that support international exchange, making your neighbourhood a more diverse and welcoming place. Your involvement helps spread a message of inclusion and acceptance.

Hosting an international student is a win-win! It opens up new cultural experiences, builds lasting friendships, and helps everyone grow. It’s a chance to make a real difference while having a great time and learning about the world.

 

If you are interested in becoming a homestay host family and would like more information about the process before you make a decision, have an informal chat with our International Student Coordinator, Chelsea Zhou. 

Chelsea will provide you with the information that you need to make an educated and informed decision about whether hosting an international homestay student is right for your family. No obligation!

Email:  chenxin.zhou@education.vic.gov.au or Tel: 03 9387 6133.

 

Together we can build lasting friendships and cultural understanding at Brunswick Secondary College.  So let's explore the possibilities – join our international journey today!

 

Sheila Calwell

Student Administration

My family hosted an international student from China for twelve months. We really enjoyed the experience; Wei-Han brought a new dimension to our family life! From being introduced to new foods, to learning about the Chinese culture, to helping him to learn about our way of life - it was a fun and enjoyable experience across the board.  We also found that the experience helped our children learn to be more flexible and considerate of others, and widened their horizons and knowledge of the world beyond their doorstep. 

When it came time for Wei-Han to move on to more independent living arrangements, we helped him to pack, move and settle in to his new residence. We were both pleased for him and sad to see him leave our home.  As a family we are so proud to see his confidence and determination to make Australia his home, and proud that we were a part of his exciting journey.