King's Christian College
Accommodation for International Students
Homestay is a popular form of accommodation, providing international students with the security and comfort of a real home while away from their family. It also offers the opportunity to experience Australian family life firsthand.
Homestay Arrangements
Students who indicate on their application form that they require a homestay will be placed in a College-organised homestay by King’s. All homestay conditions must be agreed to prior to moving in. A placement fee is charged to arrange a suitable homestay.
International students have two approved living arrangements, regardless of age:
- Live in a College-organised homestay approved by the College, or
- Live with a close family member approved by the Department of Home Affairs (DHA).
Please refer to the international student fee schedule for homestay costs. Homestay fees are paid directly to the College in advance, either per semester or per year, from the commencement of enrolment.
Student Responsibilities
While living in homestay, students may be asked to participate in minor household tasks, such as:
- Keeping their room tidy
- Preparing their own breakfast or lunch
- Helping with dishes after meals
Homestay Family Requirements
All homestay families are carefully selected by the College’s Homestay Officer and must comply with government regulations. The well-being of our students is a priority, and the College strives to ensure a positive experience for all international guests.
Students are generally expected to return to their home country during the summer vacation (approximately two months, December–January). Any alternate arrangements must be approved by the College’s Homestay Officer in advance.
Expectations for a College-Organised Homestay
Homestay families organised by the College's Homestay Officer are expected to provide:
- Three meals per day
- Inclusion, where possible, in all family activities
- Supervision and monitoring of homework and behaviour
- Checking that homework and assignments are up to date
- Regular communication with the College regarding any issues (e.g., after-school functions, detentions)
- Liaison with subject/year level teachers, including attendance at partnership evenings
- Informing the College of student illness and absence
- Washing and ironing of clothes and uniforms (older students may do their own ironing)
- Minor clothing repairs where possible
- Heating in winter and fans in summer
- General care, guidance, discipline, and support
- Supervision of social outings and activities, particularly on weekends
- Provision of meals during family outings
- Transport to a doctor or hospital in the event of an emergency
- Providing transport when reasonably requested
- Reporting any socially unacceptable behaviour or extended absences to the College’s Homestay Officer
- Hosting no more than two homestay students at a time
Two weeks’ written notice must be provided to the College’s Homestay Officer if exceptional circumstances require a student to leave the homestay. Any such move requires the approval of the College’s Homestay Officer.
