Culture:
Different cultures have different customs. Researching the culture of your student and understanding their customs is the best way to mitigate any issues that may occur while they are in homestay.
Please click here for an online database of cultural profiles. This reference guide can help you and your family familiarise yourselves with the culture and customs of your student prior to arrival.
Bathroom:
International students are generally very respectful of water conservation. Many will use the bathroom to apply makeup and so on, so they may spend long periods of time in there. This habit can disrupt the household, especially during “peak” periods. Explaining that your student may use the bathroom for a set period of time and providing them with a mirror in their bedroom may mitigate this problem.
With a student in your home, your water usage will inevitably rise. To help counteract the extra usage, change your taps and shower nozzles to efficient models to save on your water consumption and spend time explaining realistic water limits to your student.
Some students may take a long time in the bathroom due to the variety of different cultures. Some common customs of wetting the body, turning off the tap while washing, and then rinsing off may not be familiar in your own home. It often seems that too much water is being used, but this may not be the case, because the tap is not running continuously.
Smoking:
International students may not understand that smoking is seen here as a health hazard, and is banned in most public places. Often students do not indicate on their profiles that they are smokers but do in fact smoke.
If your student is a smoker, the easiest thing to do is to give them an area outside with an ashtray and explain that this is where they may smoke. Explain that the ends of cigarettes must be extinguished properly and disposed of correctly. Be firm when explaining your house rules regarding smoking; if you suspect that your student is smoking in their room and is against your rules, speak to your student about it immediately. If the behaviour continues, contact AHN.
Home Telephone:
Most students will have mobile phones. Some will purchase telephone cards upon arrival. It is wise to discuss phone usage with your student and explain that if they make an international call on your telephone, the phone call must be paid for. As a safeguard, ask your carrier for a monthly, itemized account statement to avoid issues regarding telephone calls. Explain to your student that they must seek permission to make a phone call before using the telephone.
Internet:
Internet communication is an easy way for your student to keep in touch with family and friends and provides access to the online study portals offered by most education providers. Having access to a quality internet connection will be an expectation of students and AHN.
Laundry:
You are not obliged to do your student’s laundry; but you are required to allow your student access to the laundry facilities at reasonable hours. AHN recommends that you provide a small laundry rack in a private spot, out of sight of other household members.
Transport:
There is no requirement to transport your student by car every day unless specified in your placement agreement. You are responsible though, for ensuring that your student knows how to get to their regular destination and back to your home. Making sure your student knows how to travel safely is part of your responsibility to build support mechanisms for your student.
Pointing out a landmark is a good resource and making sure that your student knows the name or number of the bus stop or train station is helpful. Give the student a card with your name, address and your telephone contact details so that they can contact you if needed. You may need to check that you have shown the student the shortest journey, as public transport schedules change often.
Parenting:
Some students will want to be parented and others will not. It’s important to determine how much support your students’ wants or needs. Like all children, some students will be more independent than others. This is something that you, as a host, will need to determine after your student arrives.
Some students may need help to be ready for appointments, have their homework checked, and can require more emotional support from you. Others will want to eat meals with you but will have a life outside of your family. Others may not want much interaction with your family besides shared meals. AHN has found that hosts who meet their students’ needs without “under parenting” or “over parenting” will have the best experience with their students.
The AHN system has been developed to minimise any mismatches, and provide hosts and students a mutually beneficial placement.
Night light:
For security and comfort reasons, some students insist on having a light on all night. Change your bulb to a lower wattage or provide a night light and it should not be an issue.
Help yourself:
In the spirit of hospitality, hosts may tell their student to “help yourself,” but this can lead to misunderstandings, as this may be a considered rude in their own culture. Very few students will help themselves in your home until they have been with you for a considerable period of time. You may need to be proactive and offer initially.
