What can I expect from my experience?

Every participant has a unique experience. Be open and communicate with the person/family you are matched with, about what you would like to gain from your experience.

Study Geelong will run a couple of events for participants, but it is up to the international student and local person/family to arrange when and how they will catch-up during the program .

Matched students and local community members may choose to connect online or meet face to face if mutually agreed, and in line with State mandated COVID-19 guidance and regulations. 

 Please note that International Friends is not a live-in hosting program.

The aims of the program for international students are to:

• Learn about Australian culture
• Practise English in a non-classroom setting
• Make friends and share your culture, language, interests and hobbies
• Develop important intercultural skills helpful in your studies and future career
• Increase your local knowledge and experiences

What is the time commitment?

It's up to you and your matched person/family, to decide how often to connect, but we ask that you commit to at least fortnightly catch ups over the 12 weeks. Decide which  communication method works best for everyone. Matched students and local community members may meet face to face if mutually agreed, and in line with State mandated COVID-19 guidance and regulations.

Is there an application deadline?

The next matching will be March 2022. You may register now and you will be placed on the waiting list. Matches are generally made at the beginning of March and August each year. All participants must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

Is there any cost to participate?

The International Friends program is free. If you and your local person/family undertake an activity where there is a cost, it needs to be very clear at the beginning who will be responsible for paying the costs. It is not our intention for this program to be costly to either students or participants.

Who will I be matched with?

You will be matched with a local person or family of any age over 18. A family may be with or without children or grandchildren, with or without pets. There are people of all genders in the program. We will match you with someone who meets your preferences as per the application form, whenever possible.

How will my local person/family be assigned to me?

The International Friends coordinator will match students and local community members based on information provided in the application form. This helps us understand your interests and goals for the program. You and your local person/family will attend an orientation to understand program expectations. This orientation also provide guidance on building friendships that cross cultural borders. Expectations and boundaries for participants are clearly set for the program

What's Expected Once I Join?

You are encouraged to communicate with your matched person/family to determine what kinds of activities you would be interested in doing in line with State mandated COVID-19 guidance and regulations.We match people together based on the application you completed. There will also be 2 whole group activities organised by Study Geelong for all participants. 

Can I be reassigned to a new friend or family?

We do our best to pair students with local community members with similar interests. If you have any concerns about your pairing, please contact us as soon as possible.

What if I become too busy with my studies?

Communicate with your matched person/family if you feel your schedule is too busy. They may be able to help you or work around your schedule to continue interacting with you. This open communication will help your relationship to be meaningful.

If the program becomes too much of a time commitment and you need to withdraw from the program, please let the International Friends coordinator know.