For Lily, a homestay is about much more than having a place to stay — it’s about feeling welcomed, supported and connected while experiencing life in a new country.

Our homestay student Lily, from Taiwan, is staying with Karen in Matraville. Being away from home for the first time, Lily was initially experiencing a whole new environment and lifestyle. She feels incredibly fortunate to have Karen as her host.

Karen has been kind, patient and caring, providing Lily with plenty of support and encouragement. Her warmth and thoughtful care have helped Lily feel comfortable and at ease, making her Australian experience feel a little more like home. ❤️

But Lily’s homestay experience has also given her the opportunity to be part of Karen’s everyday life. Karen runs a dog-minding business, and Lily has enjoyed joining her when she takes the dogs for walks and helps their owners.

For Lily, this has been a fun and interesting experience — but it’s also a wonderful opportunity to meet local people, practise English naturally and become part of the local community.

Through these everyday experiences, Lily is discovering that learning about Australia isn’t only about visiting famous places. It’s also about sharing ordinary moments, meeting people, understanding local lifestyles and experiencing Australian culture firsthand.

🌿 This is what makes a great homestay special — it opens the door to a real Australian experience, creates meaningful connections and gives students precious memories that go far beyond the classroom.

Thank you, Karen, for making Lily feel so welcome and giving her a wonderful home away from home! 🥰🐾🇦🇺