Homestay Newsletter
University of Otago Language Centre and Foundation Year
all our families for their
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Another new year is up
families we have recently
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ongoing support an
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Happy hosting for 2014!
Frances Ross
Mary Powell
Homestay Newsletter
Public Holidays
Foundation Year will be closed on the following public holidays in 2014:
•
Good Friday 18 April 2014
•
Otago Anniversary Day 22 April 2014
•
Anzac Day 25 April 2014
•
Queen’s Birthday 2 June 2014
•
Labour Day 27 October 2014
•
Christmas/New Year 20 December 2014 until 4 January 2015 (classes resume on 5 January 2015).
Language Centre dates
Mid term recess
Mid term Orientation
Classes start
Term ends
Medical Attention
21 -25 April 2014
24 April 2014
28 April 2014
13 June 2014
If your student requires any medical attention during
9.00am-5.00pm they can make an appointment
with Student Health, corner of Walsh and Albany
Streets, phone 4798212.
After hours and weekends they should visit the
Urgent Doctors at 95 Hanover Street, phone 479
2900 and always keep their receipt to claim back
on their insurance cover.
Foundation Year Dates
Term 1
Classes finish
Exams
Term 2
Classes start
Classes finish
Exams
Classes Resume
13 June 2014
2 - 13 June 2014
23 June 2014
10 October 2014
29 September - 10 October
20 October 2014
University of Otago Language Centre and Foundation Year
Homestay Newsletter
Short Term groups
This year we have had the largest number of groups
attending our English Language Courses to date.
Approximately 90 short term students have spent
the past 1-2 months with us studying. We would
especially like to acknowledge all families who hosted
one of our group students – you can feel totally
proud of yourselves for being such an awesome
ambassador for our city. By offering your patience,
time and understanding you have enriched their time
here in so many ways.
Due to the short time frame the students are here –
they do require a little more of your time and energy.
This is because they would like to experience and
see as much of New Zealand life as possible with
their host families. This can include even simple
inexpensive activities like walking on the beach, the
botanic gardens and maybe short family outings to
view our countryside. Thank you to the hosts that
have managed to fit some of these activities in with
their student.
Short term students are not suitable for every
hosting situation – so if you feel you would prefer to
have a longer term student rather than a short term
group student, just let us know this at the time we
ring you. We understand that not all families have the
time to devote to a short stay student.
Once the students return to their Universities in
Japan they pass on their positive experiences and this
in turn encourages more groups the following year.
University of Otago Language Centre and Foundation Year
Homestay Newsletter
Host mobile phones are essential when picking up your student
Please make sure you have your mobile phone on you when picking up students from the airport or stadium
car park. Sometimes there are unexpected delays and if we have to contact you in a hurry, a mobile phone
contact is the quickest method.
Saving Face - what it means in the Asian cultures
For the benefit of our new hosts we have documented some information to help you understand a little of
the concept of “losing face “.
Saving face is perhaps something that some of you may not be aware of. The concept of “face” pays a part in relationships between all people. Much of the behaviour adopted by
Asian cultures is based on making sure that no one loses face. Asian countries tend to be more formal and
polite and less physical and personal in their everyday dealings than “Westerners”.
To avoid losing face some Asian cultures rarely say “no” directly, nor ask a direct question or give a direct
order. Equally, “yes” may not always mean they agree.
In Western countries, the idea of direct facial confrontation is normal. “Speak your mind” is something
New Zealanders do freely. This is in direct contrast to Asian cultures where being frank or potentially
embarrassing another person is frowned upon.
Asian cultures will try never to do anything to cause loss of face. Therefore, they do not openly criticise,
insult or put anyone on the spot. Face can be lost, taken away, or earned through praise and thanks.
Tip for host families:
“When hosting a student from an Asian country, try to avoid “Western style” confrontation with your
student. It is advisable to stay calm and be aware of saving/losing face. Raising voices, showing facial annoyance
or showing any frustration can be easily interpreted by your student as a very negative experience. Students
often ask the Accommodation staff to move them to another homestay should this happen even once. This
is all due to the loss of face as discussed above.”
University of Otago Language Centre and Foundation Year
Homestay Newsletter
Buses
Catching buses in some suburbs of Dunedin can be frustrating – we heard of one student waiting over
an hour for the bus – which never did arrive! With winter only around the corner it can be a cold and
wet experience for them if they miss their bus. A good idea is to suggest to your student to wait for
the bus perhaps 5 minutes before it is due. It is also a good idea to check your student is standing on the
right side of the road as they can be totally disorientated in their early days.
Many students are used to biking in their homeland and may show an interest in biking here. If this is
the case please be very sure that your student understands the New Zealand road rules and the dangers
involved. Please show your student the safest route to the Language Centre and if possible travel with
them so you can judge whether your student is safe on our roads.
Bedroom Heaters
Electric Blanket Checks
As International students are not familiar with
the different types of heaters we have in our
homes, please take time to explain to your
student how their heater works. Some students
recently said they did not have a heater in their
room but upon speaking with the host family it
was in their room but the student did not recognise it.
As winter is just around the corner now is
probably a good time to arrange to have your
electric blankets checked for your family and
students. As International students are not familiar
with electric blankets please show them how to
use them safely. Please prompt your students as
they are leaving for class in the morning to make
sure they have turned their electric blanket off. If
you are concerned please check to make sure.
Arrival of your new student
If you receive arrival details directly from your
student – not the Accommodation Office –
please ring and let us know. Very occasionally
this does happen and as our office has not been
officially notified we cannot start the payments to
you.
University of Otago Language Centre and Foundation Year