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International students Tasmanian government schools, colleges and TasTAFE enrol hundreds of international students every year. Some come to Tasmania for a short term visit, to learn English and/or to experience life in a different country. Most come to obtain a TCE qualification or an Advanced Diploma at TasTAFE. International students under the age of 18 require homestay accommodation and many older students also prefer homestay. A rich experience for students and hosts Opening your door to an international student can be an extremely rewarding experience for you, as well as the student. International students will bring features of their own culture, lifestyle and language into your home, and lifelong friendships will be formed. Homestay host families are also rewarded with a sense of achievement at having helped young people to achieve their goals, learn a new language, and learn about living in Australia. Pay rates for homestay hosts For years 7 – 12, homestay hosts are paid by Government Education and Training International (GETI). The fees are set at a fair estimate of the expenses involved in hosting an international student. $252 per week for students in Years 9-12 $273 per week for students in Years 7-8 For hosting TasTAFE students, there are more accommodation options available to you - “room only” or “full board”. Contact GETI for more information. Supporting and providing for students To be approved as an international student homestay host you need to provide the following for each student: • a fully furnished bedroom • study area with desk, chair and lamp • three meals a day if full homestay • laundry facilities, and • a key to your home. Homestay hosts also need to be prepared to support each student with: • family, community and cultural activities • transport • learning and education programs, and • health and welfare care and services. Internet All students use the internet for study and to keep in touch with family and friends. GETI does not require homestay host families to provide internet, however most families do so. Students are responsible for all internet costs and GETI’s Homestay Coordinator will provide you with guidance if required. A busy and happy home “International homestay is a wonderful way for my family to gain insight into other cultures & make lifelong friends around the world. It provides a global perspective while experiencing all that a regional area such as Tasmania has to offer. Each student’s unique attributes add a new dimension to our own extended international family. Our home is definitely busier and happier!” Robyn Kupsch, Bellerive Homestay host, 7 years
