BRIBIE ISLAND STATE HIGH SCHOOL INTERNATIONAL PROGRAM

Editorial by Simone Green, International Program Coordinator at Bribie Island State High School

Ever considered hosting an international student? Well, here is your chance!

Bribie Island State High School’s (BISHS) International Program is gaining momentum and we would love for you and your family to get involved. Hosting an international student is a great opportunity to learn about different cultures and customs whilst providing a safe and comfortable home away from home for some who may be far from their family and friends. By opening up your home, you can make a positive impact on someone’s life and create lasting memories. Plus, you may even gain a new friend in the process!

Below are some frequently asked questions I get all the time around international students:

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN STUDY TOUR STUDENTS AND LONG-TERM STUDENTS?

STUDY TOUR STUDENTS

• Study Tour students are here to experience the Aussie way of life, learn English and have fun.

• Study Tour students are required to be supervised on transport to/from school (if your student attends BISHS they can travel with them on the school bus).

• Students can share a room with your own child of the same gender. However, require their own bed - if you have a spare room that is ideal!

• Homestays are paid to assist with your additional costs of hosting a student.

• Study Tours can be from 3 - 24 nights in length.

UPCOMING STUDY TOUR:

Thurs 13 July to Fri 4 August 2023 (22 nights)

*Possible new tour in November 2023*

Country: Japan Ages: 15-17 years of age

LONG TOUR STUDENTS

• Long Term students are here to attend High School like our own children; increase their English knowledge and make lifelong friends!

• They wear BISHS' school uniform, have a school timetable & attend class, complete homework & assessments.

• Students can travel on the school bus to/from school without supervision.

• Students must have their own private bedroom and somewhere to study (ie, a desk in their room).

• Homestays are paid to assist with your additional costs of hosting a student.

• Long Term students can be from 1 term (10 weeks) to 1 year (4 terms). New Long Term students arriving shortly!

Ages: 15-17 years of age a. Study Tours b. Long Term

DO BRIBIE ISLAND SHS HOMESTAY FAMILIES GET PAID?

Yes. Bribie Island State High School provide Homestays with a nightly rate to assist with your additional costs/ expenses for hosting a student (ie, extra food, water, electricity, gas, petrol). Homestays do not pay for any student items, these are paid by the student (ie, school uniforms, textbooks, pens etc). THERE ARE OTHER COMPANIES ADVERTISING FOR HOMESTAY IN THE LOCAL AREA – ARE THEY AFFILIATED WITH BRIBIE ISLAND STATE HIGH SCHOOL?

No, they are not affiliated with our International Program. Our program is run by the Education Queensland’s International (EQI) department. Through this program, our school receives funding, our staff receive regular training and support, and our homestay families are accredited through our school.

If you are unsure if a homestay program advertised is affiliated with our school program, please contact our school and ask to speak with myself.

Do I pay for items the student needs for Study Tours or LongTerm students?

No, the students arrive with their own spending money and their own travel insurance should they get sick.

No, students arrive with their own: spending money, travel insurance, money for school uniforms, money for textbooks, pens etc, laptops for school work.

What are the ages of students?

Students are aged between 15-17 years of age for both study tours and long term. What types of food do I need to provide?

Students are aware that they are going to be eating “aussie food” and do not expect their own home country’s food each day; however students may have food allergies or dislikes.

Breakfast – cereal, toast, fruit is acceptable.

Lunch – sandwich/wrap, muesli bar, biscuits, fruit, juice/water are acceptable. Dinner – cook whatever you would normally cook for your family.

I hope this information has been informative!

If you and your family are interested, please get in touch with myself – Mrs Simone Green, International Program Coordinator at sgree404@eq.edu.au or mobile 0491 221 593.

Give it a try and see how an international student can enrich your life!

Banana Pancakes

Ingredients

2 Serves*

200 g ripe banana

2 large eggs

1/2 tsp baking powder

1/2 cup quick rolled oats

*Serving size calculator is approximate, feel free to adjust by adding a pinch here and there as needed

Method

Preheat a medium non-stick frying pan over a medium heat.

In a blender, blend together all the ingredients until nice and smooth.

Pour 2 x cup mixture into the pan, forming small pancake circles. After two minutes or when just golden, flip. Cook for another 2 minutes or until done.

Set aside on a plate and repeat with the remaining pancake batter. Serve with your favourite