Below is a list of the items that should be supplied by the host of a homestay.
1) A private room with; a bed, a desk or a table, a chair, a lamp, storage space for personal belongings
2) Breakfast, Lunch and dinner every day (if arranged - this can be negotiated with the student)
3) A house key
4) Bed linen
5) A safe environment
Additional Useful Information:
The following information should help avoid any issues or misunderstandings
with your guest.
Please read this carefully prior to signing the following page.
HOLIDAYS
If you intend going on holiday during the guest’s stay, it is essential
to advise sydneyhomestay.com of then arrangements made for the guest’s
welfare.
MEALS (only for hosts who agree to provide full board)
Breakfast and the evening meal are to be provided for the guest during the week
and all meals during the weekend.
Breakfast might consist of cereal, fruit juice, toast, tea or coffee. If it is the practice for the family to get their own breakfast, this should be explained to the guest. The guest should be advised that it is the practice for the family to eat the evening meal together.
The guest should be asked to be punctual at meal time and to always contact the family if they expect to be late or miss a meal.
Indicate to the guest if they may “help themselves” to food and drinks at any time.
Ask the guest if there are any foods he/she does not eat - sometimes there could be religious restrictions.
BEDROOM
The guest should be provided with a comfortable bed, wardrobe, drawers and a
study desk or table with a reading light and a chair.
The guest’s privacy should be respected by all members of the host family
and the guest should reciprocate. The guest should keep the bedroom clean and
tidy.
EVERY DAY DUTIES
The guest should be shown how to securely lock the house if they are the last
to leave.
Sheets and towels should be provided although generally the guest has their
own beach towel for swimming.
The guest is not living in your home as a hotel guest and so therefore can reasonably
be encouraged to assist with home duties such as clearing the table, washing
or drying up.
Explain to the guest any hot water restrictions; when they should shower or
bathe and ask them to keep the bathroom clean after use. If necessary inform
them to turn off lights and appliances when not in use.
WASHING
Explain about the washing of clothes - whether you are prepared to do their
washing or whether they should do their own.
VISITORS
The guest should ask your permission before bringing friends home and they should
ask where they can entertain them. If you wish the friends to leave by a certain
time indicate this to the guest.
TELEPHONE
The rules regarding the telephone should be given priority - indicate your desires
regarding local and overseas calls, the latter can usually be made “collect”.
Also encourage the guest to use a phone card.
It is your responsibility to collect any monies owed by the guest for telephone
calls.
VALUABLES
Encourage the guest not to carry large sums of money when they leave home. Also
stress the need for guest to be careful of all their valuables, including passport.
OREIENTATION
Be prepared to explain to the guest how to get to a certain location. They may
need to be shown the closest train station or bus stop and how to buy a ticket.
WHAT SHOULD BE PROVIDED
1) A private room with; a bed, a desk or a table, a chair, a lamp, storage space
for personal belongings
2) Breakfast and dinner every day (if arranged)
3) A house key
4) Bed linen
5) English speaking with the host on a regular basis (casual conversation)
6) A safe environment