Global Experience

FAQs - General

1. What is in your bedroom?

Each bedroom has a comfortable bed, a desk for studying, wardrobe and adequate heating if needed. Please let your host family know if you are cold and need more blankets. You are responsible for keeping your room neat and tidy, Australian families do not have servants.

Do not to leave valuables or large amounts of money in your room. You can put any large amounts of cash in the bank. Back

2. What about food in the Home Stay?

Breakfast and dinner are provided for you everyday.

Breakfast – is usually self-serve.

Lunch – is provided on the weekend if you are at home. Your family will normally serve a light salad or a sandwich with tea, coffee or other drink. Please note that Australian families usually eat a very light and quick lunch, as it is not considered as the main meal of the day.

Dinner – will be cooked for you, and will be the largest meal of the day. This is a good opportunity to have a chitchat with your host family.

If you will not be home for dinner, or if you will be late, it is important that you notify your Home Stay family so they know where you are. Also, if there is any food that you do not like, do inform your Home Stay family ‘as soon as you arrive’. Back

3. Is the Internet included in the accommodation fee?

No, it isn’t. There will be extra charges involved and you need to make the arrangement with the family and pay them directly (normally $10 per week).  
Please be aware that internet in Australia can be very expensive if you download movies, music and games, and you will be required to pay these charges if you use them. Back

4. Will I have my own bathroom?

No, you won’t. However, if you want to have your own bathroom, you may choose VIP Home Stay Accomodation, which has the option of your own bathroom. Back

5. How can I go about requesting for Halal food?

Not all families are familiar with Halal food. If you must have Halal food, you need to select VIP accommodation and state this requirement in your application form. Back

6. Are there any rules about my Home Stay house?

These are the general rules.  Please check with your host family if they have specific rules.

All families share the following guidelines:

• When you use the bathroom, make sure you leave it clean and dry afterwards.
• Try not to use the bathroom for a long time as there might be other people waiting.
• Your Home Stay family will provide you with clean sheets, towels and washing powder regularly. However, please bring your own toiletries.
• You will be able to use the washing machine in your Home Stay. Check with your Home Stay hosts first how to use it. We are very careful with water usage in Australia, so do not use the washing machine for only a few items, a full load once a week is more practical.

7. Do Australian homes have servants?

No they don’t. Although it is not required it will be appreciated if you could assist with the housework. The more you participate in home activities the sooner you will adapt to your new environment. In some cultures the guest is expected to be served, in Australia the guest is encouraged to participate. Back

8. Are there water restrictions in Australia?

Australia is the driest continent, and has one of the most variable rainfall climates in the world. Our current drought is the worst on record. One of the measurable impacts of drought is a reduction in water storage levels. Changes in water storage levels can lead to the introduction of water restrictions, which limit the volume and way users can utilise water, especially in urban settlements.

Please assist your host family in conserving water as much as possible. Below are some guidelines you can follow:

• Taking short showers not longer than 10 minutes.
• During the drought period, do not take baths.
• Keeping the tap closed while you brush your teeth.
• Washing only full machine loads (not one or 2 items).
• Ask your host if they have other rules regarding water conservation.

9. What should I do if I have a problem?

Global Experience has staff available 24 hours a day to deal with emergencies, so there will always be someone available to help you. If you have a problem, please tell us about it. We want to help and assist you.
Usually, if you speak about the problem, it is possible to find a solution. Try speaking to your Home Stay family first.
If this is not satisfactory or if you do not feel comfortable about doing this, please phone Global Experience on Ph: 02 9264 4022 during office hours (Mon-Fri, 10am-5.30pm) and we will try to help you. Back