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AN INTRODUCTION TO THE AUSTRALIAN LIFESTYLE EXPERIENCEHOST FAMILYAt your Host Family's home you'll be regarded as a member of the family. They will be excited and interested in sharing their lifestyle with you. You may have little confidence in your English but it is important that you try to talk with your family. Don't forget your dictionary and you can always try writing it down. Try to do as they do, try to feel at home, be polite but don't be over-polite or too formal as it may make your Host Family fee awkward. Always offer to help with any housework or meal preparation. It is up to you to put maximum effort into your time with your Host Family and they will appreciate it if you try. Do not slam doors, waste hot water or leave electric lights on in your host family home. Most homestay parents constantly tell their own children not to do this. Don't forget the magic words PLEASE AND THANKYOU when you are dealing with anyone. These words work miracles in Australia. In any situation with people remember that "conversation is the art of asking questions and being interested in the other person". People always love to give advice and appreciate being able to help you... but you must be humble enough to ask for it and appreciate their help. Remember the world gives back what you give ... if you are friendly, people are friendly, if you act independent people will respect that independence, if you talk to people, people will talk to you back. Most people in Australia will always give you a fair go. You will be called by your first name and you should call the children in the family by their first name and your Host Parents Mr..... and Mrs......., unless they ask you to call them something else. Australian children will probably want to sit on your lap, hug and touch you or just follow you around talking to you. They may be excited and talk quickly or loudly. Don't worry if you don't understand them, they are often happy that you are part of their family. Please do not expect to be taken on long expensive outings. Most Host Families cannot afford this. Also do not make the mistake of comparing Host Families. All families are different and some are able to do more than others. In Australia, many of the nicest families, live in small unpretentious houses so never "judge a book by its cover". Most Australians do not show off their wealth and prefer to look ordinary. Many prefer to drive old cars, yet spend their money on educating their children for example. Image is not so important to Australian people as it is in some other countries. If you want to use the telephone ask your Host Family first. Calling your friends in Australia should be kept to a minimum (5-10 mins). If you call your family overseas you should call reverse charges (collect) unless your Host Family says otherwise. When you answer your Host Family's phone you can say.... "Hello, (Host Family's surname) residence, (your name) speaking", DRINKING, DRIVING AND SMOKINGThe legal age for drinking in Australia is 18 years. If you are of age and want to bring alcohol into your Host Family's home please ask permission first. If you are offered an alcoholic drink you may choose to drink it or not. If you want to smoke, ask your Host Family where you may smoke in their home. Smoking on public transport and in many public places is also prohibited so make sure of the rules before you start smoking. TRAVELLING ON TRAINS AT NIGHTAustralia is considered one of the safest countries to visit. If however you travel at night in the train, use the carriage where there is a blue light, this is located near the centre of the train and is a very safe area. Be careful in inner city areas walking alone at night. CUSTOMSShoes: There are a few differences between customs overseas and Australia. Australian people wear their shoes inside, so you don't need to take your shoes off before entering the house or before going to the toilet. Bath: Most Australians have a shower, so some homes may not have a bath at all. If there is a bath it is usually used to wash in unlike your bath where the whole family soaks. If you have a bath you must take it completely inside the bath and not in the tiled area outside the bath. This is for drying only. Often there is only limited hot water and time for the family to bathe, so be considerate to other family members. If you have any doubts, ask your host. Usually about 10 mins. will be OK. And please don't leave the bathroom floor messy and wet. WHAT TO BRINGDepending on the season you should include, jeans, shorts, skirts, shirts, sweaters, coat (winter), t-shirts, sandals and casual shoes for every day wear. Don't forget swim wear for a dip in the swimming pool/beach and you'll need some good clothes for going out in the evening or formal occasions. ARRIVALVisitors can bring their personal effects without paying duty. If you are 18 years or older, 250 cigarettes or 250g of cigars and 1 litre of alcoholic liquor can be carried with you. After disembarking you will proceed through customs. Here you must show your passport and registration form. You should declare anything you are not sure of. Bringing drugs into Australia is prohibited. Quarantine is highly policed. Australia is free from many insects, pests and diseases so the importation of fruits, vegetables, seeds, animals and plants or animal products is strictly controlled. The interior of all aircraft arriving in Australia from overseas are sprayed to control flying insects which could introduce diseases. If you have arranged to be picked up at the airport be patient and don't panic if your driver or airport pick up person takes time to find you. Sometimes the airport can be crowded and you should look for a sign with your name on it being held by somebody. Above all, if you are met by a relative or friend do not go off with that person without first notifying your pick up person, college or agent. Many times students have caused great concern by disappearing with relatives and not informing their airport pick up drivers who themselves start to panic. Homestay Worldwide's airport pick up service offers you the most secure and friendly introduction to your homestay and is the preferred method. People associated with homestay are always more like your own relatives and are very caring for you as they would for their own children or family. |
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