ASC International

AS C

INTERNATIONAL

Part of The Anglican Schools Commission (Inc.) ASC INTERNATIONAL

A HOME AWAY FROM HOME

With a passion for mentoring young people and making international friendships, hosting an international student was an easy choice for Lisa Sampson.

While Lisa’s daughter was studying Japanese at university, she decided to sign up as an ASC International (ASCI) homestay host and in 2020 the family welcomed Shinnosuke Nakai, a Year 10 student from Japan.

Lisa said their experience hosting Shinn was a highly positive one for all the family.

“It was lots of fun sharing stories and experiences and a chance to learn and teach the English language,” she said.

“Shinn was a very studious and polite boy who helped with household chores such as emptying the dishwasher and folding the laundry daily. I really appreciated this about him. He fit in perfectly with the family and it was a great experience for the whole family to make connections and help shape a young person’s life.

“Shinn also gave us many insights into his way of life and we really loved showing him how beautiful and great Western Australia is. It gave us an excuse to get out and do more things together as a family. The additional income was also handy.” The warm and caring hospitality of the Sampson family left a lasting impression on Shinn, who fell in love with Western Australia.

Before leaving Perth last December, Shinn asked to be a lifelong student ambassador for ASC International. As a student ambassador, Shinn is keen to return to Australia and share more about the Aussie lifestyle with his entire family and hundreds of school mates, who eagerly followed his adventures on social media.

ASCI Director of International Programs Amanda Fritz said living with a local Australian family provided a wonderful immersive learning experience for students and hosts, with many lifelong friendships being formed.

“The benefit of managing our own homestay program in ASCI means we work together as a team with our host families and schools to ensure students feel welcome and supported,” Mrs Fritz said.

“There are many options for hosting, including shortterm programs, starting from two weeks, as well as hosting opportunities in regional locations.”

If you are interested in becoming an ASCI host family, please contact ASCI Accommodation Coordinator Lia Simmonds on homestay@asci.edu.au