The University of Queensland is seeking an additional 200 Brisbane families to provide homestay accommodation for international students, particularly in July and August.
The University's Institute of Continuing and TESOL education is expecting larger than usual numbers of student tour groups from a variety of Asian, European and South American countries this year.
Among groups expected later this year are students from Kyoto University of Foreign Studies, Tokyo Colleges Association and Hannan University, the Monbusho teachers (Japanese Education Department), and Tokyo Seitaku College in Japan; teachers from Shanghai Municipal Education Commission and Shanghai Municipal School Number Three in China; mechanical engineers and student groups from Taiwan; and students from Colegio Banderates in Brazil.
"We're looking for families within easy reach of the St Lucia campus - no more than three quarters of an hour away," ICTE accommodation and activities officer Rosemary Aggs said.
"Homestay families earn extra money while being enriched by visits from adult students aged from 18 to 60, with richly different cultural backgrounds.
"The opportunity to live with an Australian family is an experience that is valued by most overseas students, who gain a more realistic impression of Australian life than from living in an apartment or dormitory."
Margaret Jacklyn, also an ICTE accommodation and activities officer, said the Homestay program had been operating at UQ for 15 years, with 350 families currently participating.
"We know some wonderful friendships have developed, with Australian families visiting the homes of their international guests, and sometimes even being invited to the weddings of the students," she said.
Among Homestay host families are the Heffernans of Kenmore, with parents Paul and Janelle sharing their home with half a dozen students in the past five years, and currently hosting Isabel Calle from Spain, and Nathan Le from Taiwan.
"It's a good experience and I'd highly recommend it," Mrs Heffernan said. "My sons Ben and Sam also enjoy having a larger family, and they have grown up cheerfully sharing their Disney books with international visitors to help them learn English.
"We've learned lots of things and some of the students have kept in touch long-term.
Homestay families have a duty of care and are paid $200 per week. They are expected to provide meals, accommodation and to welcome the homestay student as a valued member of the household.
People wishing to find out more about the program can contact Jane Clarke (07 3346 6737) or Liz Caverswall (07 3346 6738).
