Homestay
Homestays come in all shapes an sizes. Australia is a multi-cultural country. There are many nationalities found in Queensland giving visiting students an amazing experience to learn not just about Australian culture, but about a number of different cultures.
In most cases Australians live in nuclear families (families consisting of a mother, father and children) as opposed to extended families that include grandparents, aunts and uncles. In recent years the number of single parent families and childless families has also increased.
Upper Coomera State College homestay families are local families that are chose and monitored by our Homestay Coordinator, Karren Hackling. Homestay families must meet a number of strict criteria including:
- Maintaining a clean, caring and friendly home
- Every adult must have a "Blue Card" issued by the Commission for Children and Young People and Child Guardian. This ensures the person does not have a criminal history.
Our Homestay Coordinator visits every home and family. As she does this she asks herself the question "Would I place my son in this home?". Karren takes her role very seriously and considers each placement as if she was placing her own child.
When placed with one of our homestay families, each long term student has their own room and a place to study. Students are provided with three meals per day and have access to facilities in the home such as the laundry and main living areas. Our families give their host students an opportunity to experience Australian culture and sometimes a multi-cultural experience within a caring family environment. You become a part of their family. Our host families are very understanding of the cultural differences between you and their family. You also need to try and understand these differences so that your homestay experiences is a positive one.
When you arrive in Queensland, Karren will talk to you about the many ways you and your homestay family can help you settle in to life here on the Gold Coast. Karren and the rest of our International Department, plus your homestay family, are on hand to help you settle in quickly at your homestay and at school.
Homestay Family Testimonials
Coming Soon
Interested in becoming a homestay family?
If you live locally and are interested in hosting an international student with your family for either short term or long term stays while they study at Upper Coomera State College, please contact Karren Hackling via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or phone the College Administration on 07 5580 7555.
Click here to view the Homestay Family Guidelines
Click here to view the Homestay Family Code of Conduct