More than just beds for students, say homestay providers

The University of Tasmania’s Homestay program, which pairs students with a host family, is giving students more than just a roof over their heads.

UTAS homestay host Christiane Smethurst, left, with international law student Sunethra Goonetilleke and her husband Nandana Talagune. Picture: RICHARD JUPE

The University of Tasmania’s Homestay program, which pairs students with a host family, is giving students more than just a roof over their heads.

The program, in which domestic and international students live with hosts through part of or all of their university studies, is about building relationships and providing support for students living away from home.

There are 100 active homestay hosts in Hobart with around 30 residents expressing interest to host a student.

UTAS came under fire last month after directing students living in its residential accommodation to real estate websites because it received more applications than it could service, which led to the university prioritising first year and regional enrolments.

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Homestay host Christiane Smethurst, of Mount Nelson, who has housed students for the past 14 years, said opening up her home had been a rewarding experience.

“We’ve mostly housed two students and it’s been a really good time for us since starting out when our own students [her children] moved overseas,” she said.

“My husband travels a bit with work so it’s nice to have a bit of company.”

Mrs Smethurst’s student resident Sunethra Goonetilleke from Sri Lanka said she was pleased to find accommodation through the Homestay program after first trying to find city accommodation.

“It’s been great and my husband and I have been made to feel very welcome,” she said.

“It’s nice coming into a family-style environment and we enjoy the quiet lifestyle.”

UTAS Homestay co-ordinator Camille Hoffman said it was pleasing to see so many Hobart residents expressing interest in hosting students.

“Homestay is not about renting rooms, it’s about matching hosts with students in unique accommodation,” she said. “It’s not just about having a room available, but more relationship-focused.”