Homestay
Homestay is accommodation for International students within family homes in Melbourne, Australia. Homestay hosts provide a safe, healthy and caring family environment for students by offering a chance to live in a typical Australian home.
Homestay Hosts
Hosts are friendly and interested in learning about other cultures. They may not be from Melbourne originally but they will be able to tell you about our city and help you to settle in.
We ask that you let your host family know what time you will be home each day so they don't worry about you. Be prepared to become part of the family, as hosts will treat you as they would treat other family members and will expect you to help with household chores.
Homestay accommodation
A furnished single room with linen and facilities for studying is provided. It is your responsibility to keep your room tidy and share the facilities in the house with others. Smoking is usually only permitted outside the house.
You may have to share a bathroom and you should bring your own toothpaste and shampoo. You do not have to pay additional costs for electricity and gas. Australians tend to use water, electricity and gas sparingly due to the expense and, particularly in the case of water, because it is a precious commodity in Australia. Please be considerate with your use of these things and talk to your host family if you have any questions.
All Homestay hosts live within 30 to 40 minutes of Melbourne's central business district where the RMIT University's city campus is located. Your host family will help you learn about traveling to classes by public transport.
Homestay is more than just accommodation – it is an experience in living within an English language environment that exposes students to different food, customs and lifestyle. Staying with a Homestay family is a great way to meet people, learn about Australian culture and improve your English.
Costs
The RMIT English Worldwide Homestay Placement fee is $160 in 2006. Students usually budget for about AUD$225 per week.
Applying
Arrival Service Form and return completed to:
RMIT International
GPO Box 23030
Melbourne VIC 3001
Australia
You will receive a profile of your Homestay host family before your departure for Australia.
