Why host an overseas student?

Hosting an overseas student is rewarding experience for the whole family and a unique opportunity to share your way of life with an enthusiastic young person from another part of the world.

By opening your home your family is making a positive difference to both your children and the Japanese student.

Hosting an international student offers many rewards and benefits, including


•  Learning first-hand about another culture and language

•  Developing lasting friendships

•  Sharing your culture

•  Enjoying fun activities and excursions with your host student

•  Receiving 24 hour support from our bi-lingual staff


Testimonials

Dear Jason,

We are all already missing Nichika. she was such a lovely girl that fitted in perfectly with our kids. Friendships have definitely been made and tears were shed at the goodbye. Once again, thank you for this lovely opportunity to host a student. The whole exchange program was very well organised and as a host family we felt well looked after. The information booklet was a great help and the knowledge that there was always someone available to speak to (for both the student as well as ourselves was great). Thank you again for helping establish this great new friendship.

Jenny Atkinson
Falls Road Primary School

 

Dear Jason,

I’d like to let you know how much we loved having Rikko and Nayato. They were fabulous kids and the whole family enjoyed the experience including the dog.

Cheers

Lesa Landy
Kapinara Primary School

 

Hi Jason

We loved having the students and would be keen to take more students in the next intake.

Our family loved it and learnt some amazing things!! My husband was quite reluctant in the beginning and amazingly in the end he was supportive and was googling their homes, playing piano and trying to translate!! Yutsuki can come back anytime to stay with us - she was an absolute delight!!

It was fantastic to have your interpreter speak to MIO on the second day for me - this helped to clear up things that we both needed to say to each other - please pass on my special thanks, as your interpreter was nurturing, respectful and friendly.

Thank you for a wonderful opportunity.

Regards,

Marianne Baker
Wembley Downs Primary School

 

Hi Jason,

Again we had a great time being involved with Japanese host program, Kousuke was a wonderful child and it was a pleasure to have him in our home.  The Japanese children are wonderful and I have to say that this year’s program of arrival and departure routines worked extremely well.

We have truly enjoyed the experience and want to say thank you.

Kindest regards,

Michelle & Scott Adamson
Ardross Primary School

 

Hi Jason

We had a great time with Tsune and we have already had contact with his  family and will continue the friendship, already they have invited us to  stay with them in Japan!

Max and Tsune , although both quiet boys in nature got along very well and  albeit conversation was limited they both had an awesome time together.

This was our first experience hosting a student and it was very successful  for our family.

Thank you

The Kingsbury family
Ardross Primary School

 

FAQ

What support do we have?

Gold Tours & Education has trained and experienced Japanese speaking staff who are responsible for helping the student, host family, and teachers resolve adjustment challenges, to answer questions and, basically, guide everyone as needed along the way. We also offer a 24 hour emergency line to host families.


What are our responsibilities?

The responsibility of a host family is to ensure the wellbeing of the host student’s emotional, intellectual and      physical needs.

Emotionally they need: a caring and friendly home environment family members eager to learn about another culture and to share their own

Intellectually they need: lots of opportunities to speak English in an encouraging atmosphere

Physically they need: a clean, healthy and friendly home environment three wholesome meals a day transportation to and from school each day.


How much will we know about our student before arrival?

Gold Tours & Education will give you detailed information about your student before their arrival. Often your student will write a letter or email you before they arrive.


What sort of things should we do in the time we have available?

Involving them in the usual family activities is probably the best suggestion. They are here to experience our way of life, so you do not have to alter your daily routine. Just encouraging them to use English to talk about their day, the things that are different between our two countries, their family in Japan and other such everyday things is of great value. On weekends you may choose to show your visitors some of Perth’s sights, take them on a picnic or include them in whatever plans you have made.


What sort of accommodation should we provide?

Students can either stay in the same room as their host brother or sister or in their own room, whichever is more convenient for the host family.


Do we have to take the student back to the airport?

No. Our staff arrange for the student to be picked up and taken back to the airport.