Our International Student Program is supported by wonderful Homestay families who provide international students with a welcoming ‘home away from home’ and an authentic experience of the 'Aussie' lifestyle. Both Homestay hosts and students share in a meaningful cultural exchange learning more about each other’s heritage and build lifelong friendships.
Each year, Indro welcomes international students from many different countries including China, Vietnam, Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Papua New Guinea, Colombia, Taiwan, and Hong Kong.
The Kiger family have been hosting international students in their home for ten years.
Becoming a Homestay family has been one of the most rewarding decisions we’ve made, and we’re incredibly grateful for the connections and memories it has brought into our lives. Hosting has profoundly enriched our lives, broadened our worldview and given us lasting friendships across the globe including the joy of visiting our first Homestay student in Japan and seeing firsthand the remarkable adult she has become. Jason and April Kiger, Homestay Family
Hina says living with the Kigers has been a wonderful experience.
They always make me feel welcome and comfortable, and they treat me like member of their family. Thanks to them, I have been able to improve my English every day. I also enjoy spending time together, having meals, watching movies, playing board games, and talking about our days. Living in Homestay has made my study abroad experience much more meaningful, and I’m very happy to have met the Kiger family. Hina Tanaka, Indro Homestay Student
Judy is a Homestay host for Indro international students Daisy, from Hunan - China, and Marine, from Tokyo - Japan.
My original motivation for becoming a Homestay host was for my own children - I wanted them to make friends with children from different backgrounds and experience a broader range of cultures. Looking back after more than 10 years, throughout this journey, it has been incredibly rewarding to watch the young people settle in my home, grow in confidence, and adapt to life in Australia. The support from Indooroopilly State School has been consistently wonderful. The staff have always been approachable, responsive, and genuinely caring, which has made my role as a homestay provider so much easierand more enjoyable. I truly appreciate being part of such a supportive school community. Judy, Homestay Host
Homestay students, Daisy and Marine say Judy is a wonderful and caring host, and they love their Homestay experience.
When I first met Judy, my current Homestay host, it felt like fate and it was as if we had known each other for a long time. She is incredibly kind and always takes great care of me, making the house feel warm and welcoming. I am also very lucky to have such a lovely roommate, who is also studying at Indro. We are around the same age/year level, so we help each other like family. Living in this Homestay has given me a real sense of belonging. Everyone helps each other and the atmosphere is full of kindness. I feel very grateful to have met such amazing homestay families and wonderful friends in Australia. Daisy, Homestay Student
Tasmania was my first journey to learn English in Australia and living there for a year built the beginning of my experience abroad. Later when I arrived in Brisbane everything felt completely different and the change was a little overwhelming at first. My host mother Judy was incredibly kind and comforting helping me settle in until I felt safe and comfortable. She also speaks Chinese so sometimes she teaches me new words and phrases which has become fun way to experience another culture. It has been a good experience to live with roommate who also attends Indro and in the same year level, because we can help each other and share the challenges of studying. Living in Judy’s house stopped feeling unfamiliar, and instead has become a place where I feel safe, welcomed and truly at ‘home’. Marine, Homestay Student
FIND OUT MORE
If you are interested in becoming a Homestay host contact Deborah Oakden, our International Homestay Coordinator, via phone 3327 8301 or email. For more information visit the Homestay page.