How to apply to become a Homestay Family?
Becoming an International Homestay family can be a very rewarding culture exchange experience.
International Students choose to pay a fee to live in an Australian host family as they wish to become a part of an Australian family, to experience how we live in our culture, to improve their English skills and be a valued family member within your family unit.
Meridan College are now recruiting new Homestay families for our International students, if you would like to enquire and receive further information please contact us via email MSC-International@meridansc.eq.edu.au
Testimonials
Homestay
Family References
The Larnach Family
Nick and I have had so many positive experiences through hosting students. Even though our son has left home, we get to continue to nurture and shape young people into more mature and independent young adults. We get to learn about life in other countries and have relationships all over the world. Sometimes parents come to visit the students while they are here and we get to know them too. We love teaching them about Aussie lifestyle and taking drives and showing special places we like to visit. Most of all we just love hosting to provide a home away from their home that they can be themselves in.
The Shevelling's
Being a homestay family is very rewarding and fun for our whole family. It is super busy but working with the team at Meridan SC makes doing all of this easy and possible. The care and commitment to the students from the school makes having students in our home more enjoyable due to the detailed inductions, communication and approachable personalities of Fleur and Dee!
For us as a family, we are excited about welcoming new 'sisters' into our home and lives and make the most of this amazing experience. Why do we do this? Our purpose is to ensure that students coming abroad are provided with a caring and loving environment to live, where they feel safe and can be themselves. We also love sharing what our beautiful country has on offer and make sure we fit as many adventures in as possible while we have international students with us!
Markham Family
We have been lucky enough to host international students for Meridan for a number of years now. During this time we have had the pleasure of welcoming various young people from several countries into our family. We enjoy sharing cultural experiences and learning about the different food norms relevant to each country. Not only does it increase our knowledge of the world outside of Australia it also increases our international family and we love to stay in touch with past students as they grow and graduate.
The Cowell Family
I have been hosting international students through Meridan State College since 2018. This experience began as a suggestion from a friend and I have not regretted the decision since. My son was only 5 years old at the time and I thought this experience would enrich our lives culturally. Not only did we open our home to new people, we opened our hearts. We have made lifelong connections with these students who truly became a member of our family, and by extension their families became ours as well. I would have to admit that the hardest part of the program, is honestly having to say goodbye. Our positive experiences are a credit to the International Coordinators, Fleur and Dee at Meridan State College. They put considerable thought and effort into finding the best fit for the students and the host family. They continually support everyone and keep families and students informed throughout the program.