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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APPLY TO HOST

By |2024-01-17T06:27:13+00:00January 15th, 2024|News|0 Comments

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!

By |2024-01-17T06:26:21+00:00December 17th, 2023|News|Comments Off on Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

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.

South Bank Brisbane
View from Mt Cootha in the morning

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

sleeping koala at Lone Pine
City cat on Brisbane River

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

Redcliffe jetty

Whether you find time to do one or all of these, I’m sure you will love Brisbane!

By |2021-03-23T04:45:07+00:00March 8th, 2021|News|Comments Off on 5 best things to see and do in Brisbane

Merry Christmas to all!

Dog looking at Santa's sleigh

Merry Christmas to all from the Team at EdVenture Consulting.

We have missed you all this year!

Whilst 2020 has been a challenging year for all of us, we sincerely hope that you are well and have found “silver linings”, despite these difficult times.

We would like to take this opportunity to say hello and thank you to everyone involved in our study tours and to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a safe and prosperous New Year.

To our Students and Teachers – thank you for your enthusiasm and participation in our programs. We know that like us, many of you were disappointed not to be able to visit in 2020, but with the news of a vaccine and hopefully some better signs soon, we will be welcoming you back before too long! (and we will be ready and waiting!)

To our Host Families – thank you for your dedication to cultural exchange, both in the past and in the future.  Your kindness towards our students is greatly appreciated, and without you, our programs would not be possible.   We will endeavour to keep you posted of any updates over the coming months via a newsletter.  We hope to send this newsletter to families on a monthly basis, so please keep a check on your emails or visit our Website: www.edventureconsulting.com  from time to time. We appreciate all that you do!

Finally, to our Agents – thank you for your ongoing support. To help you during this time we have been working on the addition of new programs such as a virtual homestay program. We have also looked at improvements to existing programs and  have updated many marketing materials  for you. Together we are a team, and we hope to continue  to work with you as soon as able.

During this time, Lisa and Janet are continuing to work on EdVenture Consulting  and keeping up to date with regulatory changes including a new blue card application system. Contact us if you have any questions or concerns.

We hope that everyone continues to stay safe and well.

Contact :

Janet Venturini       Mob: 0413633315  or Email:  janet@edventureconsulting.com

Lisa Ness                 Mob:   0410 534 539   or   Email: admin@edventureconsulting.com

By |2021-03-23T04:48:38+00:00December 21st, 2020|News|Comments Off on Merry Christmas to all!

Real Stories. Real Families. The Jacksons

  • student holding sea slug

Have you ever wondered why people choose to host an international student?   The Jackson family started hosting over 15 years ago, when their eldest daughter was in Prep.  We decided to ask them for their story.

When did you start hosting?
We first started hosting when Dana (eldest child) was in Prep.   That was about 15 years ago.  Over the years we have hosted so many students and each one was a great experience for the family!

Why did you decide to host?
I (Jenni – host mother) was an exchange student when I was in high school, and I wanted other teenagers to have that same experience.  It’s a way of giving back to the community.  The first time we hosted was through my children’s school and we just kept hosting from then on.

What was one of your best memories of hosting?
One time, my children and the student who we were hosting, put on a show for our extended family.  There was singing and dancing, and the student did some traditional games and songs from Japan.  It was a real turning point in the relationship we had with that student – he came out of his shell and really started communicating with us

What is something your family has learned from another culture?
For the children, it would have to be Origami – they loved it.   During one hosting, a student gave the children an Origami book, and they still pull it out from time to time and enjoy making Origami.   We also learned that kids are kids, no matter where they come from.

What kind of activities do you do with your students, and what do they most enjoy?
Every student we host is given the experience of a cookout – BBQ and billy tea.   We encourage them to help with the BBQ cooking.   For many students it is their first experience of outdoor cooking, and they love it.   Apart from that, we like to take them to the beach, or into the city.  Students also seem to enjoy visits to the local markets.  Look in your local area – there are often special events and free activities for you to enjoy with your student.

What advice do you have for future host families?
Encourage your student to come out of their room and join the family.   If they say they have homework, ask them to do it at the dining table – that way you can see what they are learning in class, and help them.  It also works as a way to encourage communication.   Involve them in games such as Uno.  Often students will come out of their room if you ask them to play!  Another good way to involve them in family life and have fun.

Would you recommend hosting?
Absolutely!  For families with young children in particular – give it a try, your children will love it and international students love spending time with the younger children.

By |2021-03-23T04:50:55+00:00November 2nd, 2020|Host Family Stories, News|Comments Off on Real Stories. Real Families. The Jacksons

Why become a Host Family?

Why should you host an international student?  

Hosting an international student is a rewarding experience for both your family and for the visiting student.  When you host a student from another part of the world, you are doing your part in promoting friendship, understanding, and cooperation.  Participating in homestay programs allow us to better understand our differences and appreciate our similarities.  Here are some good reasons to host:

  1. Share our unique Australian Culture
    This is your opportunity to show visitors why Australia is the lucky country. Our lifestyle, the customs we celebrate, and the values we live by. As we enter an increasingly global society, international understanding and respect are becoming increasingly important. Becoming a host family is your opportunity to be a cultural guide.
  2. Learn about another culture
    Host family / international student relationships go both ways. While your hosted student is soaking up our culture, you’ll also have the unique opportunity to learn about theirs. It’s a cultural bonding experience like no other.
  3. Have fun
    Families who have hosted students in the past have told us how much fun the experience was. There are lots of laughs and celebration – and when it is over, most host families agree that the experience was rewarding and enriching.
  4. Reconnect with your Community
    When you’re a local, it’s easy to take every day attractions for granted. But when you host a student, you’ll reconnect with the history of your hometown, the landmarks, the beaches, volunteer opportunities, cuisine and so much more.
  5. Make friendships that last a lifetime
    The hosting experience rarely ends when your international student says goodbye. The connections that are made are real and long-lasting. Many host families plan trips to visit their student in his/her home country, and students often revisit Australia – and their host family – in the future.

Contact us to become an EdVenture host family today!

happy host family with student
A day out for a host family and student at the beach

By |2021-03-23T04:52:43+00:00May 21st, 2020|News|0 Comments