Homestay

Being in a homestay means you'll get lots of time to speak to the family you're living with.

Even though you might not be confident in using English at the beginning, try to speak as much as you can and don't be afraid to ask questions – it will help you to understand each other better.

Remember to also be polite, using 'thank you' and 'please' so people don't mistakenly think you're being rude.

Your bedroom will be furnished with a comfortable bed, a desk, a light and a chair. If needed, you can have a heater too but you might be asked to pay an additional cost for using it. In Australia, we don't keep heaters on during the night as it can be dangerous. Remember to also turn lights and heaters off before you go out.

You're expected to buy your own toothpaste and shampoo, but the following items are usually provided by your host: 

• toilet paper
• soap
• washing powder/liquid
• towels
• bed linen.

You can have three meals a day at your homestay. Breakfast and lunch are usually meals you'll prepare yourself (using food provided) and dinner will be cooked by your host.

If you have any allergies or dislikes with food, let your host know – you could even tell them about meals you enjoy or would like to try.

If you'd prefer to buy your own lunch, just let your host know. Similarly, tell them if you're going to be late for meals or plan to eat elsewhere.

Homestays have handy laundry facilities, although you'll likely have to do your own washing and ironing. Avoid using the washing machine for a small load as it's not very economical. Clothes are usually dried outside on a clothes line or clothes horse.

In Australia, everyone pitches in around the house as most people work and we don't have servants or maids.

That means it'd be great if you helped out with small jobs like washing dishes, putting out the rubbish or helping your host with preparing a meal.

It'll help you feel like part of the family and you'll be able to get to know each other better.

Remember to also keep your bedroom clean and tidy up after yourself in the kitchen and bathroom after you've used either.

If you need to use the phone in your homestay, first check with your host that this is OK.

You're responsible for paying for your calls so depending on where you're calling and how often, the amount could quickly add up.

To try and keep costs down you could:

• buy a phone card (to use from public or private home phones)
• visit an internet cafe to call home, using a service like Skype
• buy an Australian SIM card if you have an unlocked mobile phone. It'll help you make low-cost local calls and you can also connect to wi-fi services to access apps like WhatsApp and Viber to keep in touch with friends and family from home
• use reverse charges to keep in touch with your family (although this can be expensive for the person you're calling).

You can usually have friends visit you in your homestay, but always check with your host that they don't mind, and whether they'd like visitors to leave by a certain time.

Melbourne is a very safe place to live but it's important to stay security conscious and close or lock windows and doors when you leave home. Check with your host to see what they'd prefer you to do security-wise.

You should also let your host know of your whereabouts and keep them posted if you'll be home late or staying elsewhere overnight.

This is because if you're away from your homestay for more than 24 hours and haven't been in touch with your host, they're obliged to call the police.

Leave a contact number with your host if you can, so they can reach you when they need.

If you're bringing expensive items with you to Australia, like a laptop, digital camera or jewellery, you should apply for personal property insurance. This will insure your belongings against loss or theft. Home insurance that your host has doesn't cover visitors or students staying in their house.

Check with your host about the rules on smoking. In most households smoking isn't allowed inside.