Faculty of Education - Theses

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Author: Richardson, Kathryn × End date: 2001 × Start date: 2001 × Type: Masters Research thesis × Subject: Australia ×

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    International education: the role of homestay hosts
    Richardson, Kathryn ( 2001)
    This is a qualitative study examining the role of homestay hosts in the international student education industry. It is found that the role and experiences of homestay hosts have been generally ignored in literature and there has been very little research conducted in the area of homestay accommodation. The purpose of this present study is to present an overview of cross-cultural issues homestay hosts face and to develop an understanding of their needs within the homestay context. Data was collected from homestay hosts and homestay providers of one educational institution in Melbourne via a qualitative, mixed method approach. Questionnaires, focus group interviews and a semi-structured interview were utilised. The questionnaire focused on developing a demographic profile of the hosts, and establishing possible issues to explore in the focus group interviews. Homestay providers (coordinators of the homestay program) were also interviewed regarding issues arising from the questionnaire and focus group data. Homestay hosts and providers were asked to suggest improvements for the homestay industry. Analysis of the data reveals that homestay hosts experience varying degrees of culture clash, and friction in the homestay can be caused by differing perceptions of the hosts' role by homestay students and hosts. It was also found that homestay is a legally unregulated industry and, as such, measures should be taken to reduce possibilities of litigation. It is concluded that homestay hosts and providers require training in cross-cultural communication, health and safety, and their legal rights and responsibilities, such as 'duty of care'. It is established that further research is required in order to create uniformity among homestay organisations and to address current ambiguities relating to homestay host and provider roles and responsibilities.