CULTURAL EXCHANGE: Eastern Fleurieu calls for host families

Local families are being asked to open their homes and hearts to international students.

Eastern Fleurieu will soon say Bonjour, Kon’nichiwa, and Hallo to students from France, Japan, and Germany who will be hopping on board the long flight to South Australia as part of the school’s International Education Program, which has been running for more than a decade.

About 19 students will be flying in from Japan in August for a 12-day study tour, with another two coming from Germany and one from France for longer stays.

To accommodate the new arrivals, the school is seeking host families, who in return, will have the opportunity TO learn about other cultures, customs and traditions, and make long-lasting friendships.

“(The program) stopped for three years due to COVID, so now our borders are all open, we’re trying to source families to come on board to host our students,” International Education Leader, Jennifer Turpin, said.

“When you welcome international students into your family home, you will have the chance to learn more about people whose first language is not English, and are accustomed to different cultural etiquettes.

“Family BBQs and conversations can become opportunities to explore new perspectives and glimpses into foreign cultures far-removed from the laid-back Adelaide lifestyle.”

French student Ombeline Moreau has already been part of the program for almost two terms.

She has enjoyed going horse riding, shopping and visiting many other places with her host family.

“It’s cool,” Ombeline said.

“It’s very different, but I think Australia is better.

“When we compare with France, the (school) days are very short and teachers are nice.”

Host families will be required to provide students with a safe, supportive and welcoming home environment, a clean and appropriately furnished bedroom, food, access to study, kitchen, bathroom and laundry facilities, and will be responsible for their care.

Families will be reimbursed for their participation, and given ongoing support throughout the experience.

To register interest, contact either Jennifer Turpin or Amanda Vivian on 8536 2455.

A helpful homestay family handbook can be found at (https://easternfleurieu.schoolzineplus.com/_file/media/1624/8100563_dec_homestay_handbook_digital_compressed_46_.pdf).