TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF HOMESTAY
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- These terms and conditions pertain to international students ('you') who are accepting Homestay accommodation offered by Time Study ('we'). Please be aware that the Homestay service is exclusively available for international students and does not extend to their relatives or associated individuals (such as friends).
- Please be aware that failure to comply with these terms and conditions could render your accommodation arrangement invalid, potentially jeopardising your course and leading to the termination of your studies.
STANDARD SERVICES
- Meals - You will be provided with two meals per day: breakfast (which may be self-served by the host) and dinner, seven days a week. Additionally, if you are at home during weekends, a light lunch will be provided.
- Please keep in mind that cultural differences may result in varying preferences and dietary choices between you and your homestay. It is encouraged to have discussions with your homestay regarding your food preferences, but these changes should be reasonable and not entail excessive demands.
- If you have any food allergies, such as an allergy to milk, please inform your homestay as soon as possible.
- Accommodation - The provided accommodation consists of a single furnished bedroom equipped with a bed, bedsheets, access to a desk, adequate storage space for clothing and personal belongings, sufficient lighting, and proper ventilation.
- As a student, you are responsible for maintaining cleanliness and tidiness in your room and any areas you utilize, such as the bathroom.
- Please ensure you bring your own personal toiletries, including a toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, and other necessary items. However, toilet paper will be provided by the host.
- Laundry - You will have weekly access to the homestay's laundry facilities.
- Regarding utilities, the homestay fee covers the reasonable usage of electricity and gas. However, telephone calls are not included. Internet access is available based on your payment of relevant fees and the availability provided by the homestay.
CONDITIONS OF FEES
- Homestay payments must be made in full at the time of booking the homestay.
- As a student, it is important to provide us with an active email address and check it regularly for invoices and important information. Rest assured that we will only use your email address for homestay-related matters unless required by your college/university/law enforcement.
- You are responsible for any additional charges incurred during the fee payment process, such as international wire transfer or bank transfer fees.
- (Does not apply)
- In the event of an unpaid invoice, we reserve the right to take appropriate action to recover the payment, which may include charging administration fees. Such fees will be communicated to you in writing.
- Moving out notification is mandatory:
- Whenever you plan to move out, it is crucial to notify both your homestay host and us. Specific notification periods apply, as outlined below.
- If you are under 18 years old at the proposed move-out date, you may require permission from your college and/or caregiver. Please consult with them accordingly.
- If the homestay host wishes to terminate the homestay arrangement with you, they are also required to provide the notification period stated below.
- Notification periods required:
Situation |
Notice required |
If you wish to move out at the end of your first 4 weeks of your arrival at Homestay: (Note: minimum initial booking period is 4 weeks.) |
7 days notice |
If you wish to move out after your first 4 weeks of your arrival at Homestay: |
14 days notice |
- Holidays - if you plan to go away and intend to return to the same homestay, you may be eligible for a reduced room-holding fee. The minimum period for holding the room while you are away is 7 days.
- To avail of this reduced fee, it is important to inform both your homestay host and us at least 14 days in advance before your departure for the holidays. Failing to provide this 14-day notice will result in the full homestay fee being applicable.
- However, if during your holidays, you decide not to return to the homestay but still have your luggage in the room, you may continue to be charged the room-holding fee until you can reach an agreement with your host regarding the removal of your luggage. It's important to note that the host is not always obligated to hold your luggage elsewhere in their house. We recommend discussing the arrangement for your luggage with your host directly to find a suitable solution.
CANCELLATION AND REFUND PROCEDURES
- Payment for the placement fee and the first four weeks' homestay fee is required at the time of booking.
- Cancellation procedure:
- The placement fee is non-refundable under any circumstances.
- If cancellation is notified more than seven days before the scheduled arrival, a full refund of the homestay fee and airport transfer fee (if applicable) will be provided.
- If cancellation is notified between 48 hours and seven days before the scheduled arrival, a refund of two weeks' homestay fee and 50% of the airport transfer fee (if applicable) will be granted.
- If cancellation is notified less than 48 hours before the scheduled arrival, no refund will be issued.
- Change of arrival details (but not cancelling):
- If notification of a change in arrival details is given less than 72 hours before the scheduled arrival, a $100 administration fee will be charged.
- However, in exceptional circumstances such as flight delays or cancellations (but not if the student simply missed the flight), this requirement may be waived.
DISPUTE RESOLUTION
- The following dispute resolution procedure is in place to address any issues or conflicts that may arise during your homestay experience. It is important to note the steps involved and the conditions associated with each step:
- Step 0 - Homestay families are advised to establish their own "house rules" and foster open communication with you to ensure mutual understanding and respect for expectations.
- Step 1 - Initially, we encourage you to engage in a private discussion with your homestay family to address any concerns or issues. If you feel this step is not appropriate or it does not lead to a resolution, you may proceed to Step 2.
- Step 2 - If Step 1 does not result in a satisfactory resolution, you should contact us and your caregiver (if applicable). We will work with you, your homestay, and potentially involve your college's welfare personnel to mediate and resolve the issues.
- However, it is important to note that if you experience bullying, discrimination, or sexual harassment, we strongly encourage you to contact us (and your school or caregiver) as soon as possible, skipping directly to Step 2 for immediate assistance.
- If it is determined that the best resolution to the issue is to relocate you to a new homestay, we will either arrange a new placement for you or, if approved by your caregiver and/or college's policy, you may seek your own accommodation. In such cases, no new placement fee will be charged.
- However, if it is determined that the issue can be resolved without the need for you to move but you still request a relocation, a placement fee will be charged.
GENERAL HOMESTAY CONDITIONS
- We understand that for many of you, this will be your first experience living away from home in a foreign country. It can be a time of adjustment and unfamiliarity. Your homestay host is aware of this and will make a special effort to ensure you feel included and welcomed in their home.
- General cleanliness:
- Smoking is strictly prohibited indoors. It may be allowed outdoors if your homestay host permits.
- Kindly refrain from eating in your bedroom and storing food in your room. Doing so can attract insects, cockroaches, and rats, which can lead to problems. Please use designated eating areas.
- It is important to keep your room reasonably clean. If neglecting cleanliness leads to damage, you may be responsible for cleaning fees.
- Cooking in your homestay, unless using simple microwave or toaster appliances, is generally not permitted. Please consult with your host before using any cooking equipment.
- In order to foster a considerate and respectful environment for both you and your homestay host, please keep the following guidelines in mind:
- Communication regarding dinner: If you are unable to return to the homestay for a meal, please inform your host in advance. This helps to avoid food wastage and allows your host to plan accordingly.
- Reasonable shower time: Please be mindful of your shower duration and keep it within a reasonable timeframe. Generally, around 7 minutes is considered acceptable. This helps conserve water and ensures fair usage for everyone in the household.
- Energy conservation: When you are not using lights or utilities such as heaters, please remember to turn them off. This helps prevent unnecessary energy wastage and promotes environmental sustainability.
- Permission for guests: It is important to respect your host's home and privacy. Do not bring family or friends into the homestay without obtaining explicit permission from your host. This ensures a comfortable and secure environment for everyone involved.
- It is important to understand that the use of false identification and the possession of banned substances are criminal offenses, and engaging in such activities constitutes a breach of the conditions outlined in this document.
- Additionally, it is expected that you follow reasonable directions given by both us and your homestay host. This helps to maintain a safe and respectful living environment for everyone involved.
- If internet access is provided to you, it is essential that you refrain from downloading or accessing illegal materials. This includes explicit, pirated, and copyrighted content. Your internet usage should be reasonable, avoiding activities such as streaming movies or events that consume excessive data and potentially impact others sharing the connection.
ADDITIONAL RULES FOR UNDER-18 HOMESTAY STUDENTS
- This section specifically applies to students under the age of 18 residing in a homestay and supplements the conditions mentioned above.
- Curfew times: It is important that you do not remain outside of your homestay beyond the specified times without obtaining permission from your homestay host, college, and/or caregiver. The curfew times are as follows:
- If you are under the age of 16: By 7:30 pm from Sunday to Thursday, and by 9 pm on Fridays and Saturdays.
- If you are 16 years old or older: By 9 pm from Sunday to Thursday, and by 10:30 pm on Fridays and Saturdays.
- Overnight stays: If you plan to stay overnight at any other accommodation, you must receive approval from your college and caregiver. Additionally, it is essential to inform your homestay host about your plans.
- Compliance with Australian laws: It is mandatory to abide by Australian laws, particularly:
- You must refrain from entering licensed premises such as bars, nightclubs, and casinos.
- The purchase of alcohol or cigarettes, as well as requesting an adult to purchase them on your behalf, is strictly prohibited.
- It is expected that you maintain reasonable college attendance and make satisfactory academic progress.
- You are required to adhere to all rules and regulations set by your college.