We call on the Daramalan College Board and Executive to reverse the decision to remove homestays from Language Tours.

Homestays are the core of our cultural exchange program. They provide real immersion, genuine connection, and meaningful learning that hotel‑based travel simply cannot offer. Many families hosted Japanese students this year with the clear expectation that their children would receive the same opportunity — making the sudden cancellation extremely disappointing. 

While safeguarding and duty‑of‑care obligations are important, other ACT schools continue homestays safely. Daramalan can do the same. A Reciprocal Homestay Agreement (MOU) with our sister schools in Japan, France and Germany — outlining shared vetting, safety protocols, and accountability — would allow the program to continue responsibly.

Removing homestays diminishes the educational value of the tour and will reduce student participation in both the Language Tours and the Language program more broadly. 

We urge the Daramalan College Board and Executive to explore workable safeguards and reinstate homestays!