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TAKING IN AN ASIAN STUDENT BOARDER

I’m considering taking in an Asian student to bring in a few more dollars.

Does anyone know the name of the scheme.. and does anyone know someone who has had experience with it?

I’m trying to work out the pros and cons.

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Permalink Reply by Karen on June 29, 2008 at 1:04pm

Hi PJF, taking in any sort of boarder can be a great way of earning money, but if the wrong person can turn your world upside down. Years ago one of my friend's parents had a string of students from various countries, and in general things worked out well. There was this onestudent... Not sure who they used... will look into it...

Karen

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Permalink Reply by PJF on June 29, 2008 at 1:09pm

Thanks a lot for your insight, Karen.. Yes, it was the screening and matching that concerned me. I would appreciate it if you could please help me with the name of the organization. I've searched the net and can't locate anyone.
Jill

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Permalink Reply by Kylie on June 29, 2008 at 1:43pm

Hi PJF,

You could try contacting your local university as they probably have students from o/s who need somewhere to stay.

Good luck

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Permalink Reply by PJF on June 30, 2008 at 12:51pm

Hi Kylie,
I followed your advice and was guided to an agency that co-ordinates the boarding out of overseas students - apparently 93% of whom are Chinese.
If anyone is interested the agency is Homestay (www.homestay-australia.com).
Thank you to everyone who has provided input.
Jill

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Permalink Reply by JG on June 30, 2008 at 12:35pm

Why an Asian student specifically?

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Permalink Reply by PJF on June 30, 2008 at 12:39pm

Ahh.. Good question.. Simply because I'd heard that there is some sort of a scheme relating to boarding Asian students and I thought that it might be kinda interesting to get to know another culture first hand.. So I guess I'm looking at how it will serve both of us. Why do you ask?

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Permalink Reply by JG on July 1, 2008 at 9:49am

Curious.

Not sure housing a moody home-sick teenager is the best way to experience the glories of another culture but you've got to start somewhere I guess!

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Permalink Reply by Manish Dev on July 1, 2008 at 2:21pm

Yes, I was wondering about the Asian part too. Is this Asian in general, South-East Asian, Central Asian?

JG is right, a homesick teenager doesn't sound like too much fun, nor the best way to experience a culture. Best to visit the country, start learning a language, or even go to a cooking class. The experience is likely to be more as that of a parent, than a cultural one...

But if it's money you're after, then it might be a good option. You've got to weigh up whether an intruder in your house is worth the money coming in.

Manish

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Permalink Reply by JG on July 1, 2008 at 3:16pm

Without wanting to put words into PJF's mouth when an Australian says "Asian" they often seem to mean "from Asia-land".

You know, where all nationalities names end in -ese? Yellow skin, funny eyes, write in characters that look cool on a t-shirt?

The billion odd in India, plus the middle east and central asia are of no regard and make dud spring rolls to boot.

Whereas Briton's use the term almost exclusively to refer to Indians and Pakistani's.

Funny things stereotypes.