By searching within the region that their institution is located, a student is automatically presented with a list of hosts that match their specific needs. We'll go into further detail of the search and matching criteria that the system relies upon in another post. For now, please have a look at the following two screen captures of the Homestay Network mapping system in action.
Homestay Network mapping tool
This page displays a map of Brisbane Australia with a number of 'placemarks' listed. The main placemark that is open is a brief introduction to a Host's profile. The student can click the link in this window to view the full profile of this Host.
Important placemarks and other local amenities
Other placemarks are listed on the map to give the student a better idea of the features and amenities that are located in the surrounding area. This will help the student in choosing which Homestay to stay with. These placemarks may include local shopping centres, public transport and sports/activity venues.
We're sure you'll agree that the introduction of interactive mapping will have huge benefits in the placement of students in Homestay throughout Australia, and also of giving the students a much clearer understanding of the homes they will be living in during their stay.
If you have any feedback or questions, please use the comments link below.
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4 comments:
Won't this sort of access to information mean that students are moving between homestays more often than necessary? It may be great for incoming students but could potentially be a headache for those who manage the homestays.
Students do not have the ability to see all the homestay hosts in their region. The mapping function is used to highlight a selection of hosts that have been matched by their supervisor based on their detailed profile data, from which the student then selects. Once matched and in a homestay placement, if the student wishes to transfer to an alternate host the application is done through their supervisor and a transfer fee will be incurred.
Congratulations on submitting our first question!
AHN
What if you have great families that are not in the closest position to the schools but are very good at what they do.
Will this mean they will not be chosen by students?
Excellent question! It is true that ease of access to their institution will be one of the factors that students are able to consider when viewing the profiles of Homestay Hosts. However, ultimately a student’s role is only to exclude the potential Hosts they find unsuitable. Final control for making the placement always rests with the supervisor, and institutions are able to customise how much emphasis they put on the mapping system. If you simply make sure your families have friendly and welcoming profiles that reflect their hospitality we believe this will mean much more to potential students!
AHN
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