Central Queensland University is asking Capricorn Coast families to open their homes up to international students studying in the region during the Christmas period.

Families are being encouraged to take part in CQU’s Homestay program which aims to provide international students with family-style accommodation.

CQU’s study tour coordinator Helen Stewart said families from Yeppoon and surrounding districts were needed to host university-age Korean students from 21 December to 5 January. Twelve female and three male students require accommodation while they are participating in a study tour program at Rydges Capricorn International Resort.

Homestay families are required to pick-up and drop-off students at particular points and are required to participate in welcome and graduation ceremonies.

Homestay is a program operated out of the CQU Language Centre. The Centre runs short study tour programs throughout the year for Japanese, Korean and Thai students. These programs run from one to six weeks and include English classes and tourist and cultural activities.

“Homestay provision is an integral part of the programs and assists in the development of the students’ English skills,” explained Ms Stewart.

“Families participating in Homestay also benefit from the experience. They often receive a different perspective on their own culture and lifestyle by having international students living in their homes.

“Host families enjoy understanding different ways of life and are often inspired to travel themselves. There are also financial benefits too.

“There are responsibilities in being a host family, but these young adults are fairly independent and self sufficient.” Families interested in hosting a Korean student should contact Helen Stewart on 4930 9314 or Dee-Anne Emblem on 4930 6422.

Photo: Study tour coordinator Helen Stewart and CQU International’s Dee-Anne Emblem need families to host Korean Students studying in the region.