John Paul College took the brave step to open John Paul International College (JPIC), exporting international educational services globally and operating a very successful study abroad and study tour business, with accommodation provided in local homestay families.
This year, JPIC celebrates its 25th anniversary as an export business that is proud of the contribution that our programs have made to Logan and Queensland, financially, economically, culturally, and socially.
Originally founded to help international students meet academic entry standards and develop study, language, and cultural skills to ensure a smooth and successful transition to Australian mainstream classes, today, our operations have expanded to include edu–tourism, accommodation and welfare services.
Export endeavours, particularly in the under 18 market, are underpinned by the many Logan families who support our students as homestay families.Â
Living in a local Australian Homestay is a valuable opportunity for students to experience Australia’s fantastic lifestyle and practise their English language skills in a safe, caring, and supportive home environment.
The college’s long–established JPC Accommodation Program provides 24 hours a day, seven days a week support, not only to our students but also homestay providers. The college has bilingual staff available to assist international students.
The college provides ongoing training to homestay providers and gives them the latest information on current government regulations as well as an understanding of the background of international students.
Homestay families really are fundamental to the college’s edu–tourism success. The Student Support Services Team gives host families the comfort level (safety net) to host these students especially in times of Covid. They are indeed our Logan tourism heroes!
This year, JPIC was very excited to welcome back the girls and teachers from Hijiyama Girls’ High School. Hijiyama first visited our campus in 1997 and have been visiting every year since, except for 2021.
In early 2020, they were the last group to visit us and managed to depart the day before borders closed, and in 2022, they were the first Study Tour group to return. The College and our Homestay families really look forward to their return in 2023.
Being a Homestay Host for students like the girls from Japan is a rewarding experience and we are always happy to receive expressions of interest from members of the community.
It is a privilege to witness students graduate and move on to successful careers globally, but it is especially moving when students return to visit their first homestay family where their journey first started.
Anyone interested in being part of the Homestay Program should contact the College on 07 3826 3474 or email homestay@jpc.qld.edu.au.
