Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Providers

Code of Ethics

Homestay providers are expected to:

• develop positive relationships with students which are based on mutual trust and communication
• acknowledge the uniqueness of each student and the levels of each students’ strength and weakness
• support and assist students to live comfortably within a foreign environment
• respect the students’ right to privacy whilst realising that privacy does not equate to isolation
• acknowledge the significance of culture, customs, language and beliefs in the life of their student and accommodate appropriately for these within the family’s life
• assist, support and nurture where needed or requested, but keeping in mind that a desire to please may be interpreted as interfering by the student.

Good Conduct Guidelines

The homestay provider will be expected to:

• provide a safe environment which will offer the student a total experience of living as a member of an Australian family and which encourages positive study habits
• provide the student with a private, clean and warm bedroom, good healthy food, laundry facilities and a supportive environment
• offer help, guidance, support and encouragement with language practice, studies, planning leisure activities and adapting to living in Australia (this may require patience and empathy and a willingness to show the student more than once)
• provide an orientation within the family home – use of pool area and house facilities and security. Applicable house rules should be explained, ie what time dinner is, telephone protocols, rules regarding smoking, alcohol, guests visiting, curfews, household tasks and bathroom conduct
• offer sincere interest in the cultural background of the student
• respect the students’ need for privacy and allow them space to be alone
• have a duty of care towards their homestay student
• provide breakfast, packed lunch and dinner, during the week and all three meals on the weekends (unless otherwise required)
• only provide single room accommodation. A student is not to share a room with another student or with a member of the family, unless specifically requested
• liaise with International Student Services Homestay program regarding any concerns or difficulties
• notify the homestay coordinator of any change of circumstances in the household
• be responsive to the cultural differences and beliefs of the homestay student by allowing the student to continue familiar cultural practices without criticism
• adhere to guidelines set down by the ISS Homestay Coordinator (ISSHC) and attendance at the homestay providers’ information sessions.