Brown Family
“We have never had a bad experience with EdVenture, they are always all over it from the time you pick up the students till the time you drop them off and we have been doing this for years. Highly recommended.”
Brown Family
Jason, Donna and family
“It was such a lovely experience that we will treasure for always. We will stay in contact with our host student and his family, and hopefully in the near future we will travel over there to see their part of the world.”
Jason, Donna and family.
Kim, Michael, Amy and Ruby
“Our exchange student, Mihiro, was an absolute delight and pleasure to have stay with us. She was polite and a vibrant part of our house for two weeks. We will truly miss her. Thank you for such a rich and wonderful experience for our family.”
Kim, Michael, Amy and especially Ruby (host sister)
Hughes Family
“We LOVE hosting with EdVenture. The thorough organisation, the regular and detailed communication of expectations of both the student and the hosting family, and the early contact from students means the whole process is easy, transparent and most importantly, enjoyable for our whole family. Our children just love how interactive and friendly our students are, and we love the worldly context this exposes our children too. Can’t wait for our next round of students to arrive.”
Hughes Family
Cultural Connections and Campus EdVentures: The B&S Tour Recap
In February, we were pleased to welcome a wonderful group of students from Kyoto, Japan, for a short-term study tour. As part of their visit, they joined the Buddies and Students (B&S) Tour run by EdVenture.
With their UQ student buddies leading the way, they explored the University of Queensland’s St. Lucia campus, enjoying the stunning surroundings and learning about university life in Australia.
More than just a campus visit, it was an opportunity to form friendships, share experiences, and embrace a new culture in a fun way.
Freame Family
“You are well organised and the communication with us is fantastic it certainly makes it easy to host. Our experience with students from your organisation has always been excellent and this year was no exception, both of the girls we hosted from each group were polite and helpful and an absolute pleasure to have. We enjoy hosting very much and always find it a rewarding experience so, thank you!”
Freame Family
Denita Bird, International Education Program Manager, Sheldon College.
“EdVenture has been bringing international students to our College for many years. They are always very professional in their approach to the planning and execution of each study tour. They support the visiting students and staff every step of the way and do everything they can to ensure a wonderful time is had by all. We hope to continue working with the team at EdVventure to create meaningful and engaging cultural experiences for visitors from around the globe.”
Denita Bird, International Education Program Manager, Sheldon College.
Urgently Seeking Host Families for Corinda and Balmoral
Urgently Seeking Host Families for Corinda and Balmoral!
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Balmoral State High School
We are honoured to be receiving a cohort of Utsunomiya Kita High School students from Tochigi Prefecture.
3 – 17 March, 2024
Ages 14 – 16
One or two students per household
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Corinda State High School
We are honoured to be receiving a cohort of Niigata Meikun students from Niigata Prefecture.
6 – 11 March, 2024
Ages 14 – 16
One or two students per household
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We ask host families to please provide three meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner), accompany students to and from school, ensure students have their own beds (sharing a room is welcome), and to treat students as family during their visit.
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Contact homestay@edventureconsulting.com for more information
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Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Seasons greetings to all our wonderful host families, students and schools. We are looking forward to seeing you again in 2024!
5 best things to see and do in Brisbane
Brisbane is the capital city of Queensland, Australia and is a relaxed and friendly place to visit! With around 283 days of sunshine a year, there is never a bad time to come to Brisbane, and there is certainly plenty to see and do. So, if you are coming to Brisbane for a holiday (or study tour), read on! Here are the top 5 places to see in Brisbane, as recommended by EdVenture staff.
1. SOUTH BANK
South Bank is located in the city centre and has so much to offer in the way of things to see and do – it even has its own beach! You can hire a bike or walk along the riverfront paths and enjoy views of the city. For an ‘up high’ look at the city, The Wheel of Brisbane offers great 360 degree views. Want to take an ‘Instagram Worthy’ photo? South Bank is the location of the Instagram famous Brisbane sign! For culture lovers, South Bank is home to both the Queensland Museum and the Gallery of Modern Art – big bonus is that they are both free to visitors (except for special exhibitions).
VISITOR TIP: visit https://www.visitbrisbane.com.au/South-Bank for information on regular free events at South Bank!
PRICE: free to visit
LOCATION: South Bank is about a 5 minute walk from the end of Adelaide St, towards the river.
2. MT COOTHA
This is a 'must go' location if you are visiting Brisbane! At the very top of Mt Cootha (the name means Honey Mountain in Aboriginal language), there is a great lookout area, for stunning views of the city both day and night! A kiosk, which offers refreshments including some very tasty ice cream, and a souvenir shop for those who want a keepsake of their trip are both open for business at the lookout. Enjoy a meal or snack at the tables overlooking the great view!
https://www.visitbrisbane.com.au/information/articles/activities/things-to-do-mt-coot-tha?sc_lang=en-au
VISITOR TIP: Try one of the many bushwalking trails on Mt Cootha!
PRICE: free
LOCATION: Toowong, in the western suburbs of Brisbane
3. LONE PINE KOALA SANCTUARY
If you want to see Australian wildlife, this is the place to go. Founded in 1927, Lone Pine is the oldest and largest Koala Sanctuary in the world! It's home to Koalas, Kangaroos, Emus, Wombats, Dingoes and so many of our beautiful Australian birds. If you are lucky, you can hear the Kookaburras laughing during your visit. Take advantage of great shows on offer, which are included in the entry price - Wild Lorikeet feeding, a Raptor show and Sheep Dog demonstration. If you want to hand feed a kangaroo, you will have the chance to do so here! https://koala.net/wildlife-au
VISITOR TIP: get there early to feed the kangaroos!
PRICE: Adults $42, children $25
LOCATION: Fig Tree Pocket
4. TAKE A TRIP ON THE RIVER
The best way to see and get around Brisbane via the river is onboard a City Cat. Along the river you'll see great views of the city, South Bank, Kangaroo Point cliffs, Story Bridge and New Farm Park. Seating aboard the City Cat is available inside, or if you want to feel the wind in your hair, out on the decks. Travel from Hamilton to the University of Queensland for an extended tour!
VISITOR TIP: buy a Go Card to save money on the price of tickets https://translink.com.au/tickets-and-fares/go-card
PRICE: varies depending on length of travel
LOCATION: along the Brisbane River
5. VISIT ONE OF THE OUTER AREAS OF BRISBANE:
There is plenty to see and do in the areas outside the city centre! Redcliffe https://www.visitmoretonbayregion.com.au/blog/50-things-to-do-in-redcliffe on the northside of Brisbane is a busy seaside area and was Queensland’s first settlement city in 1824. It has nice calm beach areas, and beautiful saltwater lagoon – Settlement Cove. This spot has BBQs and picnic areas where you can enjoy a meal after having a swim in the lagoon. It’s perfect for a safe swim if you aren’t a confident swimmer! Cleveland on the southside of Brisbane is home to one of Queensland’s oldest lighthouses. Take the Cleveland Heritage Walk (and easy walk of 4klm) past gorgeous heritage listed buildings https://www.mustdobrisbane.com/outdoors-walks-bay-cycling-bay/cleveland-heritage-trail-walk-or-cycle . Both areas have a vibrant café and restaurant scene
VISITOR TIP: visit on weekends to enjoy the Sunday markets in both locations
