A home away from home for our international boys

Fancy a full-on cultural experience without leaving the comfort of home? Blackfriars is looking for homestay families for some of our international students.

And International Students Program Officer Angela Honner says the homestay families get just as much out of the experience as the boys they host.

“It’s just a wonderful thing to do,” says Ms Honner, who has opened her own home to dozens of international students over the past 30 years.

“It’s learning about another culture. We’re all so very closely connected with technology … nothing’s very far away.

“But this is first-hand. Learning different things about how they get on at school, what they do with their parents, their parents’ way of life.

“And I think it’s also really good for the children of those homestay families to be able to understand a different culture.”

Many of Blackfriars international students, from countries such as China, Vietnam and Korea, live with family or friends in Adelaide.

However, Ms Honner says as well as learning English more quickly, living in a homestay environment provides huge benefits to the international students.

“Dipping into the local culture and improving speaking skills are some of the most rewarding experiences for students living in homestay,” she says.

“But there are many more positive things, including having a home away from home, making life-long friends and becoming a valued family member.

“Without knowing it, in no time at all, the boys develop a sense of belonging.”

Homestay families must be able to provide:

• a safe, caring environment;
• a private bedroom, including a wardrobe and drawer space;
• a desk and chair;
• internet access; and
• meals and snacks.

Anyone interesting in learning more about hosting an international student can contact Angela Honner at [email protected] or 8169 3921.