Moving away from everything you know to start university is a huge leap – especially if you’re leaving family behind, or will need to adjust to a new culture. Instead of diving headfirst into what can be a daunting new life experience, partaking in a local homestay is an excellent way to soften this transition.
Why homestay?
For those unfamiliar with the concept of homestay, it’s a short-term living experience that’ll see you live with a local Gold Coast family while you adjust to university and your new surroundings. It takes the pressure off you as you navigate a different city, country or culture, and lets you settle in at your own pace with the support of some friendly faces.
Your homestay host family will welcome you into their home, show you around the Gold Coast, and provide your accommodation. Homestay students generally stay in a single room and are provided with study facilities, as well as regular meals (often breakfast and dinner during the week and a full day of meals of a weekend).
Bond’s homestay programs run through the Australian Homestay Network.