ACCOMMODATION

Accommodation and Student Welfare

Appropriate accommodation arrangements play a vital role in the overall success of the overseas study experience for International Students. Billanook College carefully selects and manages Homestay Accommodation through the professional work of our dedicated staff. The Homestay family not only meets the everyday needs of the international student but also provides a supportive social network and source of cultural advice as the international student is adjusting to life in Australia. The Billanook College Homestay program provides an opportunity for students to be immersed in English language, beyond the school classroom.

Potential Homestay families are carefully screened for their suitability to host our international students with Homestay facilities being checked for approval, and all adults within the Homestay family undergoing the (mandatory) national Working with Children Check (WWCC).

In accordance with Victorian Government regulations, Homestay Accommodation is not available to students under the age of 13 years at the date of commencement of studies. Any student below this age, accepted by Billanook College, must reside under the direct care and welfare supervision of a Guardian Parent or an adult living in Melbourne approved by the Australian Government Home Affairs Department.

Billanook College will not approve the accommodation of international students living alone or in shared accommodation with other students regardless of student age. Billanook College does not provide any on-campus Boarding facilities.

Important Links

Billanook College International Student Support

Billanook College Policies

Billanook College Homestay Guidelines Booklet

Bilingual Local Support Persons

Billanook College implements a unique model of bilingual local support with service provision for families on-site and on a full time basis.  This service is provided by the College and negates the need for employment of a separate student guardian service.

The local support person assists with a range of functions including, but not limited to:

• Assisting with communication between the College and the student’s parents.
• Being an advocate for the student and the parents on any matter related to the student’s academic progress or welfare.
• Provision of guidance to the student on effective study habits, community safety and cultural adjustment in Australia.
• Receiving and interpreting School Reports.
• Assisting the College with management of any critical incidents related to that student.

Health Cover

As a condition of student visas, international students must have Overseas Student Health Insurance Cover (OSHC) for the duration of their stay in Australia. The initial education provider is required to collect the OSHC insurance fees at the point of enrolment and accepts responsibility for arranging that insurance cover for the student. Billanook College utilises the services of a nationally accredited Private Health Insurance company (BUPA) for this purpose.

If a student, transferring from another education provider already holds Overseas Student Health Cover (provided by an accredited company), Billanook College will recognise the insurance cover once proof of membership is provided.

In the event that an international student requires medical attention in Australia, the initial payment of medical costs must be funded by the student. Billanook College provides administrative support to assist students to claim a reimbursement, of a percentage of the costs, through the OSHC provider.

Australia has one the most advanced Health Care systems in the modern world. In addition, Billanook College offers a full time College Nurse and a full time College Psychologist to support the health of all our students.

It is vital condition of enrolment that parents provide full and accurate details of the Medical History of their child. These records are to be updated on an annual basis. The College reserves the right to cancel an enrolment in the event of non-disclosure of important medical information.

For further information, please refer to Billanook College International Policies and Procedures.