Homestay

​Maleny State High School has enjoyed a long tradition of international enrolments from many countries, including Japan, China, Germany, Italy, Norway and Spain to name a few.

The Sunshine Coast is a popular destination for international students due to its stunning natural environment and laid-back lifestyle. Maleny, with its rolling green hills and vibrant inhabitants, coupled with its proximity to both Sunshine Coast beaches and the easy commute to Brisbane means that Maleny is becoming an increasingly desirable destination for students to enrol.

While we have an established register of fantastic host families who already welcome international students into their homes and lifestyles, we are constantly seeking new families to ensure the best possible match for our international students.

A dedicated International Student Program Team was established in 2017 to provide the support and resources needed for this expanding program.  The homestay coordinator works closely with both families and the student to ensure that the best possible experience is had by all involved.  Regular emails and texts are sent to families to keep them up to date with happenings at the school.  There is a 24 hour mobile phone number accessible to both host families and students in case of outside school hours’ emergencies.

Families are renumerated for the cost of hosting students, and you do not need to have students attending the school to be considered as a host family.  All types of family units are welcomed to apply.  Single or double placements are possible, provided the student has their own bedroom (Study Tour students may share a bedroom) and a study area.

The benefits of a homestay experience are many, including establishing life-long bonds with a family from another country and developing mutual cultural understandings.  An added bonus is the opportunity to travel to another country to visit your student once they have returned home.

Click on the link below to peruse the Education Queensland International Homestay Handbook to learn more about the expectations and responsibilities of host families.

Homestay Handbook

If you are interested in sharing the Maleny experience with an amazing young person, please email the homestay coordinator Karen Price kpric80@eq.edu.au , or phone 0417 738699. 

International Student Program Team:

Mr David O’Shea, Deputy Principal: doshe10@eq.edu.au +61 7 54998111

Mr Brad Owens, Int’l Student Coordinator: bowen33@eq.edu.au +61 7 54998128

Ms Ros Presnell, Languages Teacher: rpres37@eq.edu.au +61 7 54998121

Mrs Karen Price, Homestay Coordinator: kpric80@eq.edu.au +61 7 54998161