Public Policies.

AIRPORT TRANSFER SERVICE TERMS AND CONDITIONS

*Transfers to hotels, hostels and student accommodation is 24 hours.
Please note that if you have booked a homestay family, drivers are unable to transfer you directly if your flight arrives between 10.30pm and 5.00am

Students are met in the airport by their driver who will be holding a sign up with the school’s name and/or personal names.  The student’s airport confirmation letter includes the driver’s name and contact details and where to find him/her depending on the airport terminal, and Talkabout Tour’s 24-hour emergency contact phone number. All vehicles are fully insured, and drivers are appropriately licensed, and police screened.

  1. All requests for airport transfers must be made in writing giving full flight details. We will not accept responsibility where incorrect or insufficient information has been provided.
  2. Airport transfer services must be paid for in advance unless they are paid for by the school. Payment cannot be made on arrival.
  3. Transfer details, including instructions on meeting the driver, are provided in writing in the form of a booking confirmation when the booking is made.
  4. Students are strongly advised not to accept transfers from any unauthorised taxi/ride share drivers that operate at the airports as Talkabout Tours drivers will carry the student’s address and a board with the student’s name clearly displayed. We will not accept liability if our drivers are not used.
  5. If students cannot find or have been unable to contact their driver, they must not leave the airport without calling our 24-hour Emergency line. If they do so, payment is non-refundable and we take no responsibility whatsoever for any alternative measures the student may take to transfer themselves to their accommodation.
  6. Where incorrect information has been provided no refunds will be issued.
  7. Students must inform Talkabout Tours if their flight has been cancelled or a flight has been missed. You must let Talkabout Tours know, before your original flight’s expected departure time, that this is the case. Talkabout Tours will make alternate arrangements to collect you from a later flight. If this is not possible, Talkabout Tours will issue a full refund less bank fees.
  8. Drivers will wait up to two hours after an international flight arrival. If there is a significant delay in customs (more than 1.5 hours), students must inform their driver or Talkabout Tours.  This can be done via WhatsApp using the airport’s free wifi if you are unable to use a sim card.
  9. Students must inform Talkabout Tours if they intend to bring more than 2 pieces of luggage or any large items (surfboards etc.)
  10. This service is for the person making this booking only, and no additional passengers will be permitted to board the transfer vehicle, unless Talkabout Tours has been previously advised.

 

Homestay Student Terms and Conditions 2024 – International Students

All students must agree to abide by the following terms and conditions, which may be varied by Talkabout Tours PTY LTD (TAT) at its discretion.

  1. PROVISION

1.1 Homestay Hosts are to provide students with:

  • Breakfast (self-serve) and dinner seven days a week and provision for lunches on weekends during the period of homestay. (If standard homestay requested) Weekday lunches can be provided for an extra fee.
  • A fully furnished private bedroom.
  • Use of utilities (within reasonable limits as set by the household for all household members).
  • Internet (for study purposes only).

1.2 Students are liable for the cost of excessive use of electricity, water and gas (refer to 6.5) incurred during the homestay period.

  • Students are liable for personal internet costs (entertainment, streaming, gaming etc)
  • Students will be liable for an extra weekly surcharge if they have special dietary requests ie. Kosher, Halal and Vegan

1.5 Students are entitled to 24-hour emergency contact with TAT.

  1. FEES

2.1 The placement fee for homestay is non-refundable once the placement has been made.

2.2 The homestay fee is calculated on a nightly basis. Divide weekly fee by 7 to arrive at a daily rate.

2.3 Homestay fees are to be paid in advance.

2.4* The confirmation of Homestay placement will not be provided until payment of homestay fees has been received –normally a minimum of 21 days before the homestay start date. TAT reserves the right to charge an administrative fee of $80 for late payment. Please inform TAT if you are having difficulty paying homestay fees.

2.5* Homestay payments are to be made to Talkabout Tours PTY LTD by direct deposit, electronic funds transfer (EFT) or credit card. EFT (incurs a $15.00 Bank Fee if transferred from overseas and credit cards incur a 2.5% Fee)  Local bank transfers are free of charge.

A copy of the payment receipt should be emailed to [email protected]. Money is to be converted to Australian dollars before transfer.

2.6* Applications should be made at least four weeks prior to the arrival date. Late applications will be considered at the discretion of TAT.

  • Items 2.1 and 2.3 to 2.6 may not apply to Study Group programs. These programs will be subject to conditions specified in the individual agreements between TAT and the participating institution.

2.7 Students will be invoiced for their homestay dates requested on their application form.  Students can opt for 10-weekly invoices or 5-weekly by special arrangement. A new invoice will be sent out every ten weeks and will need to be paid by the Due Date, which is two weeks before each block.

  1. ACCOMMODATION

3.1 The minimum period of homestay available is 2 weeks for all students except study group programmes

3.2 Students who leave early and require a refund are subject to a $40.00 administration fee.

3.3 Student placement can only be guaranteed for the period of the original time requested. Extension of the original placement is subject to availability.

3.4 Students are required to stay with their host family for a minimum period of two weeks to give themselves and the family time to adjust to each other. However, if exceptional circumstances require the student to be relocated within this period, this will be arranged promptly at no charge.

Note: After one free relocation, subsequent relocation requests may incur a placement fee, unless otherwise agreed to by TAT

3.5 Students or families need to give 2 weeks’ notice before parting company and must inform TAT at the onset of this.

  1. REFUNDS*

In the event of the need to cancel homestay accommodation at any time, the following conditions will apply to refunds offered:

4.1 No refund of the placement fee will be made after work has begun on your request. *

4.2 Full refunds of accommodation fees, less placement fee will be given if a booking is cancelled nine days (9) or more days before your arrival.

4.3 Partial homestay refunds will be given if your booking is cancelled within eight (8) days of your arrival. You will be charged:

One (1) week accommodation fee (4 to 7 days)

Two (2) weeks accommodation fee (0-3 days)

4.4 A full refund applies if TAT refuses the application for homestay

* May not apply to Study Group programs. These programs will be subject to conditions specified in the individual agreements between TAT and the participating institution.

*Special Circumstances:

We appreciate that there are sometimes special circumstances where a guest must cancel due to events beyond their control. Guests and/or their agents are to immediately contact our office to discuss the circumstances with our staff.

     5 CANCELLATION & INTERIM BREAK

5.1* A student is entitled to a full refund (less an administration charge of $40) of any remaining homestay fees in the event they cancel or reduce their term of homestay provided they inform TAT in writing no less than 28 days before their amended homestay end date. If less than 14 days of written notice is received by TAT, an administration charge equivalent to 1 week’s homestay fees will be deducted from the balance in the student’s homestay account. This fee will apply to any application submitted. This fee will also apply to students applying for homestay within 14 days of arrival. The placement fee is non-refundable.

5.2 Any reimbursement will be forwarded to the student, or the person nominated by the student within 28 days of the amended homestay end date.

5.3 Students going away for 1 week or more are liable for ½ the normal Homestay weekly fees for their bedroom to be held. This is a ‘Room Hold Fee’ and students must complete the appropriate link included in their Student Homestay Contract.

* May not apply to Study Group programs. These programs will be subject to conditions specified in the individual agreements between TAT and the participating institution.

       6 MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING

PREPARATION POINTS FOR HOMESTAY

6.1 I understand that Homestay is not a hotel service. I am prepared to be treated as any other member of the Homestay and respect all rules, advice, and judgment. I will ensure I clearly understand the rules of the Homestay through discussion in the initial stages of my stay.

6.2 I will make every effort to interact with the family members and be proactive (a positive and active family member) within the household. I will communicate to my homestay host, foods that I cannot or prefer not to eat. I will also try to try different foods.

6.3 I will try to behave in a manner consistent with my immediate environment and community. I will try not to be excessive in the use of electricity, water, gas etc. If there is any difference of opinion on this, I will discuss the issue with my homestay host. If an agreement cannot be reached, I will refer to the Dispute Resolution* below.

6.4 I am willing to accept any reasonable household rule that my homestay host sees fit to impose for my welfare. I understand that I must contribute to the household duties as other family members do. I will abide by the Homestay rules in regard to keeping my room tidy, washing dishes, laundry etc.

6.5 I will respect the property and privacy of my host homestay host’s personal belongings and affairs and acknowledge that I will be liable for all costs incurred by me during the homestay period which are not included in the homestay fee (refer to 1.3). Any excessive use of utilities will be defined as above and beyond normal usage for the household as evidenced by utility bills for comparable periods. If an agreement cannot be reached, I will refer to the Dispute Resolution* below. I acknowledge and agree that I will be liable for any loss or damage I deliberately cause to my host family’s property.

6.6 I will inform my homestay host of my whereabouts and plans each day. I will be punctual for meals and be home by the agreed acceptable time of return. I will contact my homestay if I am going to be late. I will seek permission well in advance from my homestay if I want to invite friends over.

6.7 I am aware that I should offer to pay for myself if my homestay host takes me out (meal, movie, zoo etc) or away (e.g. overnight or weekend trip). If I feel that the cost and/or frequency of outings are excessive, I am aware that I can decline my homestay host’s invitation.

6.8 I will not compare my homestay with that of other students/participants, nor will I comment on Homestays other than my own. I will not discuss any homestay problems/issues with other students/participants. I will discuss any problems with my family. Failing this I will contact TAT staff if I have any concerns about my homestay.

6.9 I will abide by Australian law at all times and be aware that laws and penalties may differ from my own country. I will also abide by the rules my home and school have set.

6.10 I will communicate any issues/problems with homestay staff during office hours (9.00 am to 5.00 pm Monday to Friday). Only in the case of an emergency will I contact Talkabout Homestay after hours.

6.11 I understand that a homestay environment is not limited to a traditional family structure (mother, father, and children) and that most Australian families have pets. I also understand that Australia is a multi-cultural society, and I cannot discriminate on grounds of race, gender or religion.

6.12 I will submit to TAT staff an evaluation of my homestay host family at the end of the homestay period.

6.13 I am aware that TAT reserves the right to remove me from homestay without further responsibility to relocate me if I do not abide by this Memorandum of Understanding / Preparation Points for Homestay.

6.14 By submitting this form I acknowledge and agree that I have read and understood these terms and conditions and I agree to be bound by them.

  1. DISPUTE RESOLUTION

Students are encouraged to work through issues with their homestay host directly. This is one of the important challenges presented by the Homestay experience. Should those issues not be resolved satisfactorily then students should speak to a TAT staff member. TAT staff will endeavour to resolve the issue by encouraging the student and family to discuss the issue. If it is not resolved, TAT staff will speak to both parties and try to reach a resolution. If there is still no resolution, TAT staff will take any further action required.

  1. COVID -19 / INFECTIOUS DISEASE POLICY

Talkabout PTY LTD and Booking Conditions

In accordance with Talkabout Tours PTY LTD’s duty to provide and maintain a workplace that is free of known hazards, we are adopting this policy to safeguard the health of our students, families, visitors, our employees, and the community at large from infectious diseases, such as COVID-19.

All students shall agree to comply with all Government (Federal and State) COVID-19 vaccination or testing requirements and isolation procedures to access the homestay family premises. Where the student does not meet a vaccination or testing requirement: prior to departure from the students’ home location, the customer will forfeit any monies paid.

While students are absent from school and require weekday lunches, they will pay $10 per day to cover lunch while at home. (if not already included in the homestay package)   If medication is required, and families purchase this medication on behalf of the students, students are required to reimburse the family  the costs, upon receiving a receipt.

  1. AIRPORT TRANSFERS

9.1 If an airport transfer is requested, students will be met by a TAT driver with a sign with the student’s name on it.

9.2 Students will be transferred to accommodation in a suitably licensed and insured vehicle.

9.3 If the student does not show up at the airport or cancels the transfer in too short a time to contact the driver, the pick-up fee will be forfeited

     10.  LIABILITY

You acknowledge that during the homestay period my person and my property will be at my own risk and I will not hold TAT or my homestay host liable for any personal injury or loss of property caused by any act or omission of TAT or my homestay host. Please Note: TAT seeks to ensure that the participants in the homestay program are adequately protected against injury or loss or damage to property. However, accidents do happen, and property is at times lost, damaged or stolen and students will not always be totally covered for such injury, loss or damage in all circumstances. Students should consider obtaining their own insurance cover for injury, illness and loss and damage to property for the duration of their participation in the homestay program.

 

Homestay Family Agreement & Terms and Conditions 2024

All families must agree to abide by the following terms and conditions, which may be varied by Talkabout Tours Australia (TTA) at its discretion.

Talkabout Tours—Homestays is a Homestay and Accommodation Settlement Service dedicated to the provision of a high quality of service to our international students and guests.

Talkabout Tours maintains a database of suitable families to host these students and visitors.

Talkabout Tour’s priority is to supply local families who can offer a warm, caring and safe home environment and who take a genuine interest in their student. This agreement sets out the terms and conditions on which Talkabout Tours retains persons on its register and the terms and conditions of board arrangement between the Homestay family and any guest who may board with them. Upon receipt of your application, we will contact you to arrange a suitable time to meet with your family at your home

to discuss your application further.

We are confident that the Homestay experience will be mutually rewarding for both your family and your guest alike. With thanks, The team at Talkabout Tours Australia

 

1.0 TALKABOUT TOURS FAMILY REGISTRATION

1.1 The Talkabout Homestay host family registers on the condition that the applicant agrees to the terms and conditions set out in this agreement. Talkabout Homestay will place the host family on the Talkabout Homestay Family database.

1.2 Talkabout Homestay has the right to retain the host family on its register and to refer guests to the host family.

1.3 Talkabout Homestay cannot guarantee a regular supply of students to registered families due to factors beyond Talkabout Tour’s control e.g. international economic factors, visa regulations, educational policies or border closures.

1.4 Talkabout Homestay will inform Homestay families of their student’s travel plans, however is not responsible for the late or non-arrival of a guest who is referred to the Homestay family.

1.5 Talkabout Homestay reserves the right to remove any student from the Host family at any time if we feel a situation is serious enough to warrant early termination. This is entirely at Talkabout Homestay’s discretion. When students are here for a very short time, as is the case with Study Tours, we may not have time to mediate and so reserve the right to move students without notice if there is a problem.

2.0 WARRANTIES AND UNDERTAKINGS BY THE HOMESTAY FAMILY

2.1 The Homestay family must disclose to Talkabout Tours if any household member who will be staying in their home, whilst a student is residing there, has been charged or convicted of any criminal offence. Each permanent household resident over 18 must possess a current Police Clearance which is to be provided to Talkabout Tours. If hosting students under the age of 18 years, each household member over 18 must have a Working with Children Clearance. Working with Children Application Forms can be provided by Talkabout Tours and can be lodged at most Australia Post branches.

2.2 If the Homestay family gives a guest termination notice, or receives notice of termination from a guest, the homestay family will immediately inform Talkabout Tours to ensure their inclusion in our room availability list, therefore assisting Talkabout Tours in the on-going provision of students to the Family. Either party can give 2 weeks’ notice (for over 18yrs students) at any time, for any reason, to terminate the Homestay arrangement. If the student is under 18 yrs, Talkabout Homestay requires written notice explaining why the Homestay family would like to terminate this agreement and Talkabout Homestay will strive to assist with resolving any issues. If a mutual agreement cannot be reached, Talkabout Tours will relocate the student to an alternate Homestay family.

3.0 TALKABOUT TOURS ACTS AS AN AGENT

3.1 This document sets out the terms and conditions which will regulate the relationship between the Talkabout Homestay family and any guest/s who may board with them. However, it is acknowledged and agreed that Talkabout Homestay acts as an agent on behalf of its guests and Talkabout Homestay is not responsible to the Homestay family or the students other than is expressly provided for in this agreement. In each instance when a guest boards with the Homestay family, the parties to that agreement are and shall be deemed to be the Homestay family and the guest.

4.0 HOMESTAY PAYMENT AND PROVISIONS

4.1 Homestay family payments

  • While we hope your main reason for joining the Homestay Program isn’t for financial gain, there is remuneration provided to cover costs. This varies depending on age, inclusions and level of care.

4.2 Talkabout Tours will collect all homestay funds for the duration of the student’s stay and will pass this on to Homestay families by weekly direct deposit, with the first payment made no later than 7 days after the guest’s arrival at the Homestay. It is important that we are informed,should a student wish to stay beyond their requested departure date.

4.3 The homestay payment is calculated on a nightly basis. Divide the weekly fee by 7 to arrive at a daily rate.

4.4 The Homestay family agrees to supply Talkabout Homestay with Bank Account details for us to set up payments.

4.5 Internet must be made available, free of charge, to students and is a pre-requisite for hosting. This is for work and communication purposes only. If students wish to game, stream or download movies, and you need to increase your current internet plan to accommodate, discuss with your student. A reasonable contribution to the increased internet cost can be borne by the student but should not exceed $15 weekly. This will need to be collected directly from your student.

4.6 Standard household utilities are included.  Reasonable use applies.  Please encourage students to have short showers (no more than 10 minutes is good) and turn off lights, heating and air-conditioning while not in use.

 5.0 TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF HOMESTAY

The Homestay family agrees that the relationship between them and each guest of Talkabout Homestay who boards with them will be subject to the ‘Terms and Conditions of Homestay’ set out in the attached schedule.

5.1 Talkabout Tours acts as a mediator

  • Upon request Talkabout Tours will assist either party with any problem they may experience with any Homestay arrangement. Talkabout Tours will assist the guest and the Homestay family by acting as a mediator to facilitate a resolution of any problem. It is acknowledged however that Talkabout Tours is not responsible for any act or omission of either party.

5.2 Insurance – Adequate insurance is a pre-requisite to hosting

5.2.1 It is a legal obligation that Homestay families need to have Public Liability Insurance covering homestay students residing in your home. This covers you in the unlikely event that a student injures themselves in your home, and you are liable.

Please note that some Public Liability insurance policies offered as part of your home insurance package do not cover paying guests. You will need to check with your insurance company. This can be a simple case of changing your insurance code or it may need changing insurers. Talkabout Homestay does not provide insurance but can supply a list of insurers who offer this component. Proof of insurance will need to be provided to Talkabout Homestay on request.

5.2.2 Contents insurance covering students is strongly recommended to guard yourself against damage and theft. House and contents insurance policies do not necessarily include guests or borders. Please check with your insurance provider.  A policy to cover the guests, homestay family members, property and other guests to the Homestay home is the sole responsibility of the Homestay family.

5.2.3 Students will only be liable for a maximum of $300 for any one incident resulting in damage to house or contents. Please ensure that your deductable is less than this amount.

5.2.4 If you feel you do not have adequate insurance, let Talkabout Homestay know and we can advise.

5.2.5 Police Clearance

  • All household members over the age of 18, residing in the home, must have police clearances.  These are valid for 3 years.  Talkabout Homestay can help you obtain these at a discounted rate.

5.2.6 Working with Children Check

  • If you are hosting a student under the age of 18, all household members over the age of 18, residing in the home, must have WWC checks.  These are valid for 3 years.  Talkabout Homestay can help you obtain these at a discounted rate.

5.2.6 The Homestay family shall indemnify and shall keep Talkabout Homestay harmless from and against all suits actions or claims arising from or incidental to any personal damage occasioned to or caused by a Homestay guest, the Homestay family or any of their respective guests.

5.3 HOST FAMILY OBLIGATIONS TO THEIR GUEST

5.3.1 Bedroom

  • To provide to the guest a bedroom in which there is a minimum of the following: a good quality bed, a desk, a chair, a lamp and a wardrobe, plus suitable lighting for study and heating/cooling where necessary. It is important that a good standard of cleanliness and hygiene is maintained within the room. Bedrooms must have an opening window, a door and floor to ceiling walls that provide privacy and insulation from noise.

5.3.2 Sheets/Linen

  • To provide clean bed linen and bath towels weekly.

5.3.3 Facilities

  • To make available to the guest the use of all common domestic facilities including power, water, bathroom, toilet, laundry, kitchen and dining and lounge/family room.

5.3.4 Laundry

  • The Homestay families have the option of teaching the guest how to use the laundry facilities for themselves and giving them free access or to include the guest’s washing (if the guest agrees) as part of the family’s regular load.

5.3.5 Meals Standard Homestay:

  • Provide the student with ingredients for breakfast and to provide a prepared substantial and nutritious dinner (evening meal) every day. On weekends the family is also required to provide lunches for the student (if at home).
  • Full-Board Homestay: To provide the student with ingredients for breakfast and to provide a prepared substantial and nutritious dinner (evening meal) every day. The family will also need to provide nutritious ingredients for all lunches and assist with the preparation, if the student is too young/inexperienced to prepare their own.
  • It is asked that families dine with their students of an evening as an opportunity to practice English and make the student feel part of the family.

5.3.6 Visitors & Telephone

  • To permit the guest to have visitors from time to time and to receive incoming telephone calls if you have a landline.

5.3.7 General 

  • To be courteous, respectful, and friendly to the guest and to make the guest welcome as part of the family. 
  • To ensure the guest can travel independently to and from the school they are attending (This usually means travelling to school with them on or before their first day)
  • To respect the guest’s privacy and property 
  • To encourage the guest to speak English as often as possible and to provide opportunities for English conversation 
  • To assist with homework if required and to be patient in conversation with the guest
  • To care for the guest’s health and well-being whilst staying with the family.

5.3.8 Safety

  • Ensure students have their family’s address and contact number Show students how to lock doors and windows and set security systems. Ensure students know that Perth is NOT safe at night and that they should not be alone after dark

5.3.9 House Rules

  • Families are encouraged to draw up a list of their house rules so that there can be no confusion on the part of their guests. This should be handed to students or displayed shortly after arrival. This can include mealtimes, internet usage, security, use of kitchen, laundry and other facilities, plus the consumption of water and power.

5.3.10 Termination

  • Either hosts or students (over 18 only) may terminate the Homestay at any time on 14 days’ notice by serving written notice or by informing verbally (in a clear and mutually understood manner) to the other party and informing Talkabout Homestay.
  • In the event that a Homestay is terminated because of the Homestay family’s failure to comply with these Terms & Conditions (or any variation of them evidenced in writing and signed by the guest and the Homestay family) the full amount of all moneys paid in advance shall be refunded to the guest or to Talkabout Homestay on behalf of the guest.

5.3.11 Illness and Injury

  • In the event of serious illness or injury outside of school hours, please ensure your guest can obtain medical attention and immediately inform Talkabout Homestay.

5.4 HOST FAMILY OBLIGATIONS WHEN HOSTING UNDERAGE STUDENTS

Hosting an underage student carries more responsibilities than those outlined above

5.4.1 You are the Primary Care Giver and assume the responsibility of providing appropriate care in a safe, nurturing environment. The common sense rule applies here and you are expected to offer the same level of care and attention you would afford your own child.

5.4.2 Curfew Please use your discretion here. Underage students should not be out after dark unless with a responsible adult. Set a time you feel is appropriate for your guest to be home. Talkabout Tours has individual hosting contracts for different schools and colleges which have more detailed information.

5.4.3 Please use your discretion when leaving an underage student alone at home. What would you do if the student was your own child? Under no circumstances is an underage student to be left home alone overnight.

5.4.4 A Working with Children clearance is required

5.4.5 An underage student’s emotional requirements can be greater than an adult’s. Please be patient and understanding and know the difficulties associated with leaving a family behind and coming to a new country with a different culture and language.

5.4.6 Families are expected to attend parent/teacher nights and may be called upon to enrol the student in a school if students are long-term and attending a primary or secondary school.

5.4.7 School Camps Are organized through the school and you will need to sign a permission slip.

5.48 Interstate & International Travel It is necessary for the student travelling to be accompanied by a blood relative, over 21 years, or someone from your family who is over 21 years old, and permission is needed from the biological parent.

5.49 If you are unsure of any of your obligations or have any questions, call Talkabout Homestay

5.5 HOST FAMILY OBLIGATIONS TO TALKABOUT HOMESTAY

5.5.1 Families are expected to report to Talkabout Tours (especially if hosting under 18’s) if their guest is exhibiting: 

  • Excessive homesickness 
  • Unsafe practices 
  • Serious health/medical issues/injuries 
  • Strong behavioural problems

5.5.2 Inform Talkabout Homestay about room availability

5.5.3 Check bank account to ensure correct remuneration

5.5.4 Inform Talkabout Homestay of any change of circumstances. This includes any alteration to your student’s living or sleeping areas since your home was visited by a Talkabout Homestay representative. Talkabout Homestay also needs to be informed if there are any new permanent members in the household. If they are not international students, we will need copies of their police clearances and working with children checks. 

5.6 THE GUEST’S OBLIGATIONS

Students have agreed to the following:

5.6.1 Payment.

  • Students are required to pay a minimum of 2 weeks of Homestay fees, unless underage or on a study tour, to Talkabout Homestay prior to the commencement of homestay. This is then passed on to the Host Family. If a guest wishes to remain in homestay beyond the duration initially requested, and the host family is happy for them to remain in their home, the host family needs to inform Talkabout Homestay as soon as possible.

5.6.2 Cleanliness 

  • To keep any bedroom used tidy 
  • To keep clothes in the wardrobe provided 
  • To make own bed each morning 
  • To change own sheets when required 
  • To leave in a clean and tidy state any facilities after use including bathroom, toilet, laundry and kitchen.

5.6.3 Damage To report to the Homestay Family any accidents in or about the home and to pay for any breakages or damage caused by the guest. This is limited to $300 per incident or less dependent on the family’s insurance deductable.

5.6.4 Visitors To advise the Homestay Family in advance of any proposed visits by a friend or friends and only permit friends to attend when suitable and convenient to the Homestay Family and to ensure that all visitors abide by the reasonable requests and requirements of the Homestay Family.

5.6.5 Telephone To limit phone calls to times that do not inconvenience the Homestay Family and to only make outgoing calls on the landline by prior arrangement with the Homestay Family. Families to use their discretion on how mobile phones are to be used during meal times and late at night.

5.6.6 To advise the Homestay Family in advance if arriving home late or not attending any prepared meal.

5.6.7 Termination Either party may terminate the Homestay at any time on 14 days’ notice by serving written notice or by informing verbally (in a clear and mutually understood manner) to the other party.

5.6.8 If the Homestay is terminated and the Homestay Family has been paid fees which cover a period beyond the 14 days’ notice, those funds will be refunded to the guest or to Talkabout Tours on the guest’s behalf.

5.6.9 The Homestay Family shall be entitled to payment of fees due during the 14 days’ notice period, whether or not the guest continues to reside with the Homestay Family.

5.6.10 The guest will respect the property, personal belonging and privacy of their host homestay host’s. Students acknowledge that they will be liable for all costs incurred during the homestay period which are not included in the homestay fee. Any excessive use of utilities will be defined as above and beyond normal usage for the household as evidenced by utility bills for comparable periods. If an agreement cannot be reached the guest will refer to the Dispute Resolution below. The guest acknowledges and agrees that they will be liable for any loss or damage caused to their host family’s property.

5.6.11 Internet Usage The student agrees to abide by the family rules regarding internet usage.

5.6.12 Water and Electricity Usage Guests are obligated to keep water use within reason. Ie. Keep showers to maximum of 10 minutes and only wash clothes when there is a full load. Electric heaters and air-conditioners are not to be left on continuously.

5.6.13 Security Guests agree to keep the house secure by locking windows and doors and seeking permission before asking friends over

5.6.14 Students agree to abide by family rules 

6 MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING / PREPARATION POINTS FOR HOMESTAY

6.1 I understand that Homestay is not a hotel. I am prepared to treat my guest like any other member of my family.

6.2 I will make every effort to interact and take an interest in my guest.

6.3 I confirm that the main language used within the home amongst family members is English.

6.4 I confirm that we do not accommodate more than 3 students at one time (unless there are exceptional circumstances in which Talkabout Tours is informed and is in full agreement with.)

6.5 I/we agree to inform Talkabout Tours of any alterations in any of the circumstances of the following:

  • Address or contact details
  • Changes to the student bedroom/s
  • Household members living in the house either permanently or temporarily.
  • Occupations or significant lifestyle changes within the household.
  • Smoking or attitudes to smoking
  • Facilities available to the student
  • Loss or addition of pets
  • Contraction of any illness, physical, mental or emotional in the household.
  • Criminal conviction of any member of the household
  • The family/parent(s)plan to go on vacation without the student 6.6 Student placement can only be guaranteed for the period of the original length of time requested (Unless either party opts out having given 2 weeks’ notice.) Extension of the original placement term is decided by mutual agreement between your family and the guest.

6.6 Host families are expected to host their guest for a minimum period of two weeks to give themselves and the student time to adjust to each other. However, if exceptional circumstances require the student to be relocated, this will be arranged promptly by Talkabout Tours

6.7 By submitting an application form hosts acknowledge and agree that they have read and understood these terms and conditions and I agree to be bound by them.

 

7 DISPUTE RESOLUTION

Host families are encouraged to work through issues with their homestay guest directly. This is one of the important challenges presented by the Homestay experience. Should those issues not be resolved satisfactorily, then families should speak to a Talkabout Homestay staff member. If the situation is still problematic, Talkabout Homestay staff will speak to both parties and try to reach a resolution.

If unsuccessful, Talkabout Homestay staff will take any further action required.

 

8 LIABILITY

I acknowledge that during the homestay period my person and my property will be at my own risk and I will not hold Talkabout Tours or my homestay student liable for any personal injury or loss of property caused by any act or omission of Talkabout Tours.

I have checked with my insurance provider and I am covered for public liability for fee-paying students. Please Note: Talkabout Tours seeks to ensure that the participants in the homestay program are adequately protected against injury or loss or damage to property. However, accidents do happen, and property is at times lost, damaged or stolen and you may not always be totally covered for such injury, loss or damage in all circumstances. Families should obtain insurance cover for injury, illness and loss and damage to property for the duration of their participation in the homestay program.

DECLARATION

I understand that the information on the Host Family Application Form is used for the primary purpose of assessing my homestay application. The information collected may be used for correspondence with the homestay family and partner institution / student’s agent, and student and for administrative matters including database entry and family matching, statistical analysis, compliance and legislative reporting requirements. If all the questions on the Application Form are not completed, it may not be possible to process my homestay application.