Supporting Our International Students

The Cathedral School is delighted to welcome international boarding students from around the world. As they settle into life in Townsville, we invite our school community to help them feel at home by offering friendship, encouragement and support.

Unlike most students, our international students arrive without family or friends nearby and often know no one in Townsville. Everything is new, including our language, culture, climate, food and way of life. Our school community plays an important role in helping students feel welcome while creating memorable experiences and lifelong connections.

If you have the time and willingness to support our international students, we would love to hear from you.

Community Support Opportunities

Home Visits & Social Outings

A home-cooked meal, a weekend visit or an invitation to a family gathering, such as a birthday celebration or barbecue, can make a lasting difference to an international student. These experiences provide a genuine taste of Australian family life, help students improve their English and build confidence in a welcoming environment.

To express your interest as a Weekend Boarding Host, please contact boarding@cathedral.qld.edu.au.

Please note that some hosting activities require a valid Blue Card.

Supervised Driving

Many of our international students hold a learner’s permit but have limited opportunities to complete the required 100 hours of supervised driving without family support. If you can spare an hour or two on a weekend to supervise a driving lesson, your assistance would be greatly appreciated.

To register your interest, please contact boarding@cathedral.qld.edu.au.

 

Holiday Homestay

When the Boarding House closes during the Easter and September school holidays, some international students remain in Australia and require approved accommodation. The Cathedral School arranges Holiday Homestay placements through approved providers who meet the requirements of the School’s Holiday Homestay Policy, including child safety, accommodation and supervision standards.

A formal agreement between parents or guardians and the homestay provider is completed before each placement. The School continues to oversee each student’s accommodation and welfare throughout their holiday stay.

Holiday Homestay application forms are available below. Fees are outlined in the International Student Fee Schedule.

Holiday Homestay Application Forms

Helpful Links

How to apply for a Blue Card

Term Dates

I am doing very well at The Cathedral School, and am being well looked after. The school is great fun and the first six weeks have flown by. My host family is super nice and we have already done a lot together. I feel very much at home here in Australia. And I could easily get used to the sea in front of the house! There are very nice people at school and I’ve already made a group of friends. They are all great and fun. Townsville is fantastic because it has beautiful weather, a great beach, delicious restaurants, and much more.

Lilian W.
International Student from Switzerland

Boarders’ Travel Day

Boarders’ Travel Day occurs eight times yearly, on the day before and after each term. This day ensures that Boarding and International students arrive or depart on the same day, allowing time for transfer to or from their chosen accommodation.

Depending on flight availability, students travelling through Townsville Airport must book their arrival flight to Townsville Airport in advance, and schedule them for mid-afternoon arrival on Boarders’ Travel Day. The school offers complimentary airport-to-campus transfers for students who send their travel itineraries in advance.

For departures, flights must be booked for a mid-morning departure from Townsville Airport, on Boarders’ Travel Day.

Early or late arrivals and departures are not permitted.

For international arrivals and departures, Brisbane Airport is recommended as the transfer destination in Australia. A direct flight from Brisbane to Townsville takes approximately two hours.

The Boarding Dormitories close during term breaks, so students must return home or arrange alternative accommodation for the holidays.

Enquire
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