Where do I go on my first day?

All first-day details are shared on your specific Brisbane Junior Camp Program page and in your pre-arrival information. The Junior Camp Program team will tell you exactly where to go and who will meet you.

Who meets students at the airport?

ILSC–approved drivers meet students at the airport and take them safely to their accommodation.

What if my flight is delayed?

If a student’s flight is delayed, the agent should inform ILSC as soon as possible. The airport transfer will be updated accordingly, and staff will monitor the flight and arrival time to ensure the student is met safely.

Can students arrive early or leave later than the program dates?

No. Students must arrive and depart on the official program dates. Early arrival or late departure is generally not permitted.

What is a typical day like?

Students usually have English classes in the morning, activities or excursions in the afternoon, and time with their host family in the evening. There are activities on Saturdays, and Sundays are generally time that can be spent with the homestay family or friends.

How big are the classes?

Classes are kept at a size that allows teachers to give individual attention and support to each student. This helps students feel comfortable speaking in class, asking questions, and making good progress in their English.

What English level is required?

Students complete a placement test on arrival and are placed in the right level. A basic level of English is recommended.

Will students receive a certificate?

Yes. Students receive a certificate of participation or completion at the end of the program.

Are students from different countries mixed together? 

Yes. The Junior Camp Program is international, and classes usually include students from different countries and cultural backgrounds, giving you the chance to make friends from around the world. 

However, because enrolments vary by season and by country, we cannot guarantee a specific mix of nationalities in every class. In some cases, there may be a larger number of students from one or two countries. Regardless of the class mix, all students study together in an English-only environment and are encouraged to communicate in English at all times. 

Who looks after students during the program?

Students are supervised by trained Junior Camp Program teachers, activity leaders, and welfare staff during classes, activities, and excursions.

Is there staff available in an emergency?

Yes. A 24-hour emergency contact number is provided for students.

What happens if a student gets sick?

If a student becomes unwell, Junior Camp Program staff will check on them and provide support. If the student is in homestay, the host family will also help care for them at home and inform the school. If medical attention is needed, staff will help arrange a visit to a doctor or hospital and will accompany the student if required. Parents and agents will be informed if the illness is serious or if ongoing care is needed.

What insurance is required?

All students must have valid overseas travel and health insurance for the full duration of their stay. This ensures they are covered for doctor visits, hospital treatment, and any medical emergencies while in Australia.

Is the city safe?

ILSC campuses are located in major cities that are generally very safe. Students are supervised during classes and activities and stay with carefully selected homestay families. They are also given guidance on how to travel safely, be aware of their surroundings, and know who to contact if they ever feel uncomfortable.

Where do students stay?
Students stay with carefully selected homestay families. All host families are screened under Working With Children requirements and must hold a valid clearance. Homes are inspected by the school, and each student bedroom is checked to ensure it meets safety, comfort, and basic living standards.

Host families work closely with the school and are experienced in welcoming international students. They understand the needs of young learners, provide a supportive home environment, and help students settle into daily life in Australia.

Are boys and girls placed separately?
Yes. Boys and girls are generally placed in different homestay families and, where this is not possible, they are always provided with separate bedrooms. All placements follow strict child-safety and safeguarding regulations to ensure privacy, comfort, and appropriate supervision at all times.

How far is accommodation from school?
Homestay is usually within 40–60 minutes by public transport, depending on the city and availability. Homestay locations are selected to provide a reasonable and safe commute, and families help students learn how to travel confidently to and from school.

What if there is a problem with the homestay?
If a student has any concerns, they should speak with the Junior Camp Program team immediately. The accommodation staff will look into the situation, speak with the host family, and arrange a change if needed to ensure the student feels safe and comfortable.

Are there house rules?
Yes. All students must follow their Homestay’s house rules, including curfews, safety guidelines, and expectations about behaviour and respect for the host family. These rules help create a safe, supportive, and well-structured environment for everyone.

Is there a curfew?
Yes. All Junior students have a curfew of 6:00pm and are expected to be back at their accommodation by this time each day. Students must always tell their host family where they are going and inform them if they are delayed, for example due to public transport issues. Repeatedly missing curfew is a breach of the Student Code of Conduct and, if it continues after warnings, may result in removal from the program.

Can students go out on their own?
Students may travel independently between their homestay and the school if they are not placed with another Junior student and if this travel has been approved by the school and host family. Outside of this, independent travel during free time depends on local child-safety regulations. In general, ILSC expects Junior students to remain with the group, their host family, or under staff supervision, and not to go out alone in their personal free time.

Do students need to have a smartphone?
Yes. A smartphone with mobile data (internet access) is essential so that Junior Camp Program 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.

Social Media Use for Brisbane Junior Camp Program Students

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 Program team will always be able to contact students through approved communication apps.

What happens if a student breaks the rules?
Serious issues (alcohol, drugs, unsafe behaviour, bullying) may lead to disciplinary action or early return home. Expectations are outlined in the Student Code of Conduct, found on our Booking Policy page.

Why must students speak English all the time?
Using English as much as possible helps students learn faster and feel more confident. When students use their own language, they miss chances to practise and improve. Speaking English in class, during activities, and with their host family helps them build real communication skills.

How are allergies or medical conditions handled?
All allergies, medical conditions, and dietary requirements must be declared at the application stage. This information is essential for placing students in a suitable homestay and ensuring their safety and wellbeing. It also helps teachers and activity staff understand how best to support the student during classes, excursions, and daily activities.

What if a student feels homesick?
Homesickness is normal. Staff, teachers, host families, and student advisors are there to listen and support. Students are encouraged to read our Practical Tips for Homestay before arriving to help with transitioning to life in Australia. 

How do students adjust to a new country?
Adjusting to a new country can be exciting, but it can also feel a little overwhelming at first. Students may experience jet lag, miss familiar food, or feel tired or emotional during the first few days. This is completely normal and usually passes quickly as they settle into their routine. Junior Camp Program staff, teachers, and host families are there to support students and help them feel comfortable and confident in their new environment.

How much spending money should students bring?
Students should budget around $40–$50 per week for public transport, plus extra for personal shopping and snacks. If lunches are not included in the homestay program, students may spend up to around $75 per week on meals. There are many affordable and healthy food options available near the campuses.

Why is public transport not included?
The best and most cost-effective transport option depends on the length of the student’s stay and local travel needs. For this reason, transport passes are purchased after arrival. Homestay

How can parents send money if needed?
Students can use credit cards or international debit cards, such as a Wise card. Wise allows parents to send money easily and lets students withdraw Australian dollars from ATMs or pay by card with low international fees. It is a safe and convenient option for managing spending during the program.

Australia is a very digital country and most places accept credit and debit cards, including public transport, shops, and restaurants. Students do not need to carry much cash, but having a small amount is useful for emergencies or small purchases where card payment may not be available.

Should students bring valuables?
We recommend not bringing expensive items. ILSC is not responsible for loss or damage.

What should students pack?
When packing, students should bring enough clothes for about 10 days, as laundry is usually done once a week at the homestay. It is best to bring layers so you can stay comfortable in both warm and cool weather, as well as a rain jacket and comfortable walking shoes. Students should also pack all personal toiletries, any prescription medication, and a reusable water bottle.

For school, students should bring basic supplies such as a backpack, notebooks, pens, a pencil case, and a small folder to keep papers organised. A mobile phone with charger, an external battery pack, headphones, and a travel adaptor are also recommended for daily communication and study.

A full packing checklist is provided in the Welcome Guide.

How can parents contact the school?
Parents are encouraged to contact their education agent first, unless they are not using an agent. Educational agents communicate directly with the school and can quickly follow up on any questions or concerns. For urgent matters, a 24-hour emergency contact number is also provided. Emergency contact details are shared with students in their homestay profile and pre-arrival information so support can be reached at any time.

Will parents receive updates during the program?
Junior Camp Programs are short-term (between 1 and 4 weeks), so there are no regular progress reports sent directly to parents. However, student attendance and wellbeing are closely monitored. If a student is absent, late, unwell, or if there are any concerns, the school will immediately inform guardian or the agent who will then contact the parents. This ensures that parents are kept informed whenever it is important, while allowing students to focus on their learning and experience.

Can parents contact the host family directly?
The school works very closely with all host families and is in regular contact with them. While students and parents do receive the host family’s contact details as part of the homestay profile, we encourage any questions or concerns to be shared with the school first. This allows our accommodation and Junior Camp Program teams to support both the student and the host family quickly and ensure that any issues are handled smoothly and appropriately.