Code of Conduct

International Homestay Students

This Code of Conduct is intended to provide information to international students participating in a homestay program and undertaking short or long term studies through the English Language Centre (ELC), University of Adelaide. Its aim is to identify expected ethical conduct during the homestay period and their association with ELC.

The Code of Conduct is based on the vision “to be a great life long learning centre providing our clients with a positive and enriching experience that will have a lasting impact on their lives.”  The Code will enable international homestay students to engage with the intent of the Vision by taking responsibility for ensuring that they have a positive and enriching homestay experience.

International homestay students are expected to have the following attributes:

  • Good communication
  • Positive and realistic expectations
  • Open minds
  • Tolerance and appreciation of cultural differences
  • Self motivation
  • Positive regard for others
  • Sense of humour
  • Adaptability and flexibility.

The Code of Conduct creates an obligation for international students to:

  • Actively participate in the homestay program with the primary motivation of sharing their daily lives with a local family for the purpose of cultural exchange.
  • Take responsibility for communicating in an honest and respectful way thus developing positive relationships within the homestay based on mutual trust and open communication.
  • Follow the expected code of behaviour within the homestay and take responsibility for their own behaviour and needs.
  • Follow and respect the homestay family’s household rules and respect the household property.

This may include, but is not limited to:

  • No smoking
  • No alcohol
  • Limiting showering to 3-5 minutes* and leaving the bathroom tidy
  • Helping with and engaging in minor household chores
  • Keeping noise to a minimum
  • Asking permission before inviting friends over
  • Advising of social activities and when they will be home
  • Restricting internet usage to agreed limits.
  • Accept that there will be cultural differences within the homestay and embrace the differences.
  • Attempt to resolve any misunderstandings (language or cultural) by sitting down with the homestay family and trying to work out an agreeable solution. Please note, that in order to resolve any differences, we are not able to assist without communicating with the host parent
  • Be aware and abide by the laws of Australia.

* water restrictions may apply in South Australia