We carefully select our homestay families by inspecting their homes and interviewing them before accepting them as appropriate families for our Junior Camp students. We advise our host families of our expectations in providing our students with the care and attention they need.

Australia is a diverse country and our host families come from a variety of ethnic backgrounds, races, religions, abilities and sexual orientations. Our host families are also diverse in their structure – two-parent families, single parent families, parents who work from home, or retirees.

A clean home in a safe neighbourhood that provides our students with a private furnished room, shared bathroom, access to laundry facilities, and 2 meals per day.

A home that is accessible by public transportation and is approximately a 45-60 minute commute by bus or train.

Australians typically leave for work between 6:00 AM and 8:30 AM and arrive home around 6:00 PM. Dinner is usually served between 6:00 PM- 7:00 PM. Bedtime is usually between 9:00 PM-11:00 PM.

If you have a problem with your host family, please tell the Junior Camp staff or the Accommodations Manager, and we will help
you.

The Junior Homestay Program typically provides 2 meals a day during the week and 3 meals a day on weekends.

Meals with host families should not be missed. If you have any food concerns, discuss them with your host parents. Tell them if there is a particular type of food you dislike or if you desire another type of food.

In Australia, family members usually help with the household tasks. You may be asked to help with some of these tasks and you will be expected to keep your room and the bathroom neat and tidy.

Breakfast is usually self-serve (prepared by student) and families often do not eat together. Australian breakfasts typically consist of : Cereal, toasted bread with jam and/or peanut butter or cheese or yogurt and fruit. Breakfast is usually between 6:00 AM – 8:00 AM (Monday-Saturday) and 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM on Sundays.

Lunch in Australia is not a large meal and you will usually be expected to buy your lunch at school or on the field trip. Snacks consist of fruit, granola bars, or yogurt. Water is usually the preferred drink choice and is very safe to drink. 

Dinner is the largest meal of the day and is usually eaten together with the host family.

Dinner meals may include meat, potatoes, vegetables/salad, pasta or stir fry and rice. Desserts are not usually offered but your host family may offer fruit.

You will be living in a private furnished room, with a shared bathroom and access to laundry facilities.

If you are tired or just want some time alone, it is okay to go to your bedroom. If you want privacy, close the door to your room. You do not have to stay with the homestay family at all times.

Your Australian shower should have a shower door or curtain. If you have a curtain, make sure it is always inside the bathtub or shower platform, so that water does not drip on the floor. If water gets on the floor, please clean it up. Shower times should not be longer than 7-10 minutes, and bathroom times should not be more than 20 minutes, as your family may share the bathroom with you.

Most host families have a washer and dryer machine and will usually inform you when they explain the house rules if you are expected to do your own laundry or if they will do it for you. If you will be washing your own clothes, please ask your host parents to show you how to use the machines and when is a good time to use them. You should expect to do your laundry once a week.

Internet is included in your homestay.

Be considerate when using your phone or devices in the evening and use headphones rather than the speaker function on your phone or device to avoid waking the family. Phone calls should not be made after 9:00 PM.

Australia has restrictions on social media use for children under 16. Messaging and communication apps are allowed, and students can continue to use apps such as WhatsApp, WeChat, LINE, KakaoTalk, iMessage, and email to stay in touch with family, friends, and school staff. 

Some social media platforms (such as Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, and Facebook) may have age-based restrictions and should be used in line with local laws and school guidelines. The Junior Camp team will always be able to contact students through approved communication apps. 

BUS, TRAIN, CITYCAT FERRY

Taking public transport is the fastest, most economical way of travelling to many exciting destinations in the city. Check out www.translink.com.au for routes.

Single fare    $0.50 for everyone

NOTE: Fares are current as of January 2026 and are subject to change.

MOBILE PHONES

We use the app WhatsApp to communicate with students on their mobile phones.
Students are required 
A smartphone with mobile data (internet access) is essential so that Junior Camp coordinators can communicate with students during the program, especially for safety, schedules, and emergencies. Students should have an international roaming plan so they can access the internet at all times. 

Australia has restrictions on social media use for children under 16. Messaging and communication apps are allowed, and students can continue to use apps such as WhatsApp, WeChat, LINE, KakaoTalk, iMessage, and email to stay in touch with family, friends, and school staff. 

Some social media platforms (such as Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, and Facebook) may have age-based restrictions and should be used in line with local laws and school guidelines. The Junior Camp team will always be able to contact students through approved communication apps.