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Most students studying in Australia either live with an Australian family in homestay or in a share
house with friends. If you are considering share accommodation, it is recommended that you take
at least 4 weeks of homestay while you adapt to Brisbane.
Homestay
Homestay is accommodation with an Australian family. It is the best way to experience Australian culture,
practice your English and make lasting friendships. Viva College conducts police checks on all adults in
the host family and regular visits to the home to ensure your safety and comfort.
If you’re planning to study in Australia, we recommend that you take at least 4 weeks of homestay
to help you adapt to the change and to give you time to look for alternate accommodation.
Living with an Australian family is the best way to improve your English and make lasting friendships
during your stay in Brisbane. All of our hosts will treat you as a member of their own family.
Your host family will:
- Welcome you into their home and treat you like a family member
- Provide you with Mon to Fri: Breakfast & Dinner / Sat & Sun: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Provide you with a private bedroom, comfortable bed, study desk, chair, lamp, wardrobe and linen
- Have clean bathrooms, showers and toilets
- Wash your laundry and clothes once a week
- Welcome you to join in all family activities
- Teach you a lot about the Australian way of life
All of our homestay homes are visited by a Viva College staff member before they are accepted
as a host.All homes are within walking distance from a bus or train station. Some homes are
near Viva College while others are in zones 2, 3 and 4. At most you will travel a maximum
of 30-50minutes to Viva College by public transport. Homestay is $AUD220 dollars per week
for Adult and $AUD260 under 18 years old per week. Please select the homestay option when
you enrol if you would like Viva College to arrange homestay accommodation for you, the
homestay placement fee is $AUD210.
  
Share Accommodation
Most students take up homestay for one month before onto share accommodation.
Share accommodation will cost around $100-$150 dollars per student, depending on how many people
share the premises. You will find information on share accommodation on your school notice boards
and commonly used websites.
Airport Transfers
Transport can be arranged if needed from Brisbane airport to your homestay accommodation at a cost
of $100 each way.
Popular suburbs near Viva College
Brisbane City, Spring Hill, South Bank, South Brisbane, West End, Highgate Hill, New Farm, Rosalie, Fortitude Valley, Kangaroo Point, Windsor, The Grange, Kedron, Lutwyche, East Brisbane, Stones Corner, Albion, Toowong, Milton and Paddington.
Useful Websites
www.domain.com.au
www.realestate.com.au
www.sunbrisbane.com
www.ourbrisbane.com
www.guildonline.net
HOMESTAY FAQ
Q: What is homestay?
Homestay is a form of accommodation where a visiting international student lives with an Australian family. The student will eat with the family and contribute to the daily routine of the house.
Q: What is an Australian family like?
Australians are very multicultural and diverse. An Australian homestay family could be a mother, father and children, mother and children, father and children, a single person or just a couple. As Australia is so multicultural, your family may be 1st generation Australians or more. No matter how long the family have been Australian, they all speak English extremely well.
Q: What do I call my homestay family?
It is best to ask your host family what they would like to be called. This may be their given name or on occasions ‘Mum’ and ‘Dad’.
Q: What is included in my homestay fee?
While in the homestay accommodation, you will have your own bedroom with a bed, desk, chair and plenty of cupboard space for your clothes. You will receive two meals (usually breakfast and dinner) on week days and three meals on weekends. There is always internet access and sometimes this is included for free. The homestay host will do your laundry for you and will wash your bed sheets at least once a week.
Q: Will my homestay have internet access?
All our homestays have internet access however each home is different. Not all families in Australia have unlimited access and may have a limit to the amount of time spent on the internet. Some families may also choose to charge an extra fee for internet use, however, if this is the case, you will be told before accepting a family placement.
Q: What do you eat in an Australian homestay?
When you live in an Australian homestay, we expect the student to experience the Australian culture, including the food. Many Australian families eat food from all over the world including Italian, English, French, Mexican and many types of Asian food.
Q: Can I go out for dinner with my friends?
Yes. You are welcome to stay out with your friends. We just ask you call your homestay family to tell them what you are doing so they don’t worry about you.
Q: What are my responsibilities as a homestay student?
As a homestay student, you are treated like one of the family. Families in Australia share the household duties. Therefore, you will be expected to keep your own room tidy and clean, as well as help with smaller duties around the house, such as tidying up after dinner or taking the rubbish out.
Q: Can I stay in a homestay with my friend?
Yes, you can. At Viva, our aim is to help you improve your English as fast as you can. Living with an Australian family will help you do this as you will be forced to speak English every day. Usually we don’t place two students with the same language in the same homestay, however if both students are happy, then we can place you with a friend.
Q: Can I have friends over to my house?
If you would like to have friends over, you must always ask your homestay family first.
Q: What is the minimum number of weeks I can stay in homestay?
We can accommodate you for as little as two weeks. However, we recommend at least four weeks in homestay as it usually takes two weeks to settle in and get comfortable in a new home.
Q: Can I change my homestay if I am not happy?
Yes, however we require two weeks notice of a change or cancellation. To change or cancel, speak to the homestay coordinator.
Q: How far from the school are the homestay families?
All our homestays are within 50 minutes travel time from the school. Brisbane is a very large city (geographically) with all our homestay providers being in zones 1-4. (see map)
Q: What is a “List of House Rules”?
House rules are the rules particular to the family you are staying with. These rules may include reminders to lock the doors at night or when you leave for school, to turn off lights when you are not in the room, or to not use the phone after a certain time at night. These rules are usually for all members of the family. The homestay family will either tell you the rules when you arrive or they will leave a note in your bedroom.
Q: Can I get picked up from the airport?
Yes. We can arrange airport transfer for you to your homestay. You will need to add this to your homestay application form.
Q: How do I apply?
To apply, download the Accommodation Application Form, and complete with as much information as possible. Then, send your application form in with your enrolment.
Q: How does the application process work?
Once a student applies for homestay, the homestay coordinator will find a family based on the students requests. The coordinator will then send the homestay profile to the student to read and approve. If the student approves, all the arrangements will be made by the coordinator. If the student does not approve, the coordinator will find another homestay provider.
Q: What support do I get from Viva College?
Our homestay coordinator is able to assist with all homestay inquiries during business hours. There is also a 24/7 telephone line for emergencies which occur after business hours and on weekends.
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Accommodation
