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 Dear host,
We've been busy these last few months and there's a lot to share in this Newsletter. Firstly -Congratulations to Sirglinda's family, the host family of the month. She has done a terrific job with the students that have come to them. All the students made particular mention of how much they enjoyed their time with her.
Those Hosts who have been involved with our Study Tours I want to say thank you. The feedback from you and the students is heartwarming and is what Homestay is all about - learning and sharing each others culture and customs. I expect we'll have more study tours in the months to come and we'll be looking to work with those Host families that have enjoyed the experience and looking to bring on more new Hosts families into this special experience.
Now we've got some exciting news about our services; Global Experience has expanded into Newcastle, Wollongong and Melbourne. So any of you with friends in those areas that would be interested in sharing their homes, please have them contact us.
Which brings me onto the next point - we've also updated our website - globalexperience.com.au . We invite you to have a look and let us know your thoughts. There's a lot of additional functionality, you can register for newsletters or read the archived editions and we've also got lots of information online - like the emergency contact numbers.
Please let us know your thoughts and your feedback, we tried to think of everything but the more input the better.
I look forward to sharing more news with you next month.
Sonia Ortega
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Host Family of the Month - Sirglinda Gonzalez |
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Sirglinda was so surprised when we called to notify her about her achievement, to be awarded title of the host of the month. She said that she had never won anything in her life. She was so happy to be recognised as one of the families in Sydney who are very caring; making the new students feel safe and welcome in their new environment.
Sirglinda is originally from Uruguay, a small country in South America; the population is around 3 million at the present. They are very family oriented and appreciate simple way of life; however political issues remain unsettled which creates a very uncertain economy.
Sirglinda has been working as a teacher's assistant for the past ten years and finally retired last year. She has a wonderful daughter who was born in Australia and got married last year.
She has been an excellent homestay host with Global Experience and always receives good feedback from her students. Her tip on how to assist students with culture shock is to integrate them as family members as much as possible. It is also important to engage them in daily conversation and share household chores with them. By doing that, she believes that she's creating a good environment and a giving them the opportunity to learn from each other in a relaxed comfortable atmosphere, minimizing "culture shock" in a gentle way.
Sirglinda said that she really enjoys having students in her home. She loves what she does and always tries to do her best. Being patient in communicating with the students is also a vital element in making a succesful homestay. She also makes an effort to cook something that will suit the students' taste whenever possible. Another thing, she has the house rules displayed on a small board, somewhere visible inside the house. This saves a lot of time explaining to the students what she expects from them. Her tip is to make sure that the house rules are written in a simple and conscise way.
She also said that students enjoy getting together in the kitchen to assist preparing meals. They can have a relaxing conversation and practise their English.
Sirglinda joined Global Experience on September last year and we are very grateful she did!
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Arabic World |
 The Arab world stretches from Morocco across Northern Africa to the Persian Gulf. The Arab world is more or less equal to the area known as the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). It can also be defined as those countries where Arabic is the dominant language. Arab countries are religiously and ethnically diverse with Islam being the dominant religion in most countries.
22 Arab countries are Algeria, Bahrain, the Comoros Islands, Djibouti, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Mauritania, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates and Yemen. Iran and Turkey are not considered as Arab countries. There are over 200 million Arabs worldwide and to be an Arab you are not required to come from a particular race or lineage. The Arab world includes Muslims, Christians and Jews. Arabic is the official and the original language of the Qur'an, the Islamic holy book.
 Arabs usually believe that many, if not all, things in life are controlled by the will of God (fate) rather than by human beings. Arabs, tend to express emotion in a forceful and animated fashion.
Arabic communities are tight-knit groups made up of even tighter family groups. Family pride and honour is very important .
The family is the key social unit to an Arab. This loyalty influences all aspects of an Arab's life. Arabs honour and respect their family. They highly value friendship, however family and kin's honour are the most important. Large families provide the father with the prestige of virility. Male offspring are favoured, since a son is expected to care for his parents in their advanced age, whereas a daughter becomes part of the son-in-law's family. Also, a son can bring a family honour, whereas a daughter not so. Women typically have a private area in the household separate from men, especially in rural areas.
 Most Arabs DO NOT share the Western concept of "personal space" in public situations. It is considered offensive to step or lean away. Women are an exception to this rule. Do not stand close to, stare at or touch a woman. When conducting business, it is customary to first shake the hand of all males present, taking care not to grip too firmly. Allocate plenty of time for refreshment before attempting to engage in business. It is important to first establish respect and trust.
Arabs are restricted by Islamic conventions from eating pork, most carnivorous animals and unscaled fish. Alcohol is forbidden. Meat must be butchered in line with Qur'anic ritual (known as Halal = permitted). The staple of the Arab diet is dark pita bread and lamb is the most common meat.
Always offer snack foods to visitors and accept what is offered to you as a guest. It is assumed that guests will accept at least a small quantity of drink (tea usually or sometimes Arabic coffee) offered as an expression of friendship or esteem. It is considered rude to decline the offer of drink. When served a beverage, accept with the RIGHT HAND ONLY! When eating, drinking, offering or passing use right hand only. When eating with Arabs, especially when taking food from communal dishes, the left hand must never be used, it is considered unclean. Not eating everything on one's plate is considered a compliment. It is a sign of wealth when an Arab can afford to leave food behind.
If you are invited to an Arab home, leave shortly after dinner. The dinner is the climax of conversation and entertainment. Avoid discussions on political issues (national and international), religion, alcohol, and male-female relations over dinner or tea. Personal hygiene is extremely important to Arabs for both spiritual and practical reasons. As meals are frequently eaten by hand, it is typical to wash hands before and after eating. Formal washing of face, hands and forearm required before daily prayers or fasting. Some interpretations of the Qur'an suggest that all flowing water is clean, to include that coming from open air canals within the cities that are sometimes garbage or sewage clogged.
 The marriage ceremony is often conducted by the Imam. The celebration can last several days. Marriage and other ceremonies can include the firing of weapons into the air. Typically a marriage contract is signed prior to the ceremony. The contract covers what both the bride and groom will contribute to the marriage and possible division of property in case of divorce. The husband is expected to provide the house they will live in. He is also expected to provide the food and clothes to support his wife and future family. Below are some common misconceptions about Arabs: - All Arabs are Muslims and all Muslims are Arab. Arabs are religiously diverse group. There are significant numbers of Arab Christians in Egypt, Lebanon, Syria, Palestine, Jordan and Iraq. Arabs make up between 15-18% of the Muslim world.
- The Arab world is backwards and uncivilized. Actually represents a highly developed culture and civilization where modern cities mingle with ancient ones.
- The Arab world is one big desert. The truth is that it is geographically complex and diverse.
- Stereotypes of Arab males:
* All are 'oil-rich Sheiks'. As in the West, there are economically diverse segments of the population.
* Mad dictators. There are various types of political systems in Arab world.
* Terrorists. Overwhelming majority are law abiding citizens with families and a wide variety of occupations.
- Stereotypes of Arab females:
* All are oppressed by men. This is not true.
* All are veiled. According to Islam women are supposed to wear veils. In some countries like Lebanon, Syria and Egypt, it is no imposed upon them and women are free to choose whether to wear veils. However, in other places, all women, even non-Muslims, wear veils out of fear of mistreatment by fanatics or those who pretend to be guardians of Islam.
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GE Latest News |
We proudly announce that our new website is now online...
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"Ask GE" |
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HF: Do we need to pay tax for doing homestay program?
GE: No, you don't. ATO has indicated that you don't have to pay tax for having up to two students at your home whilst doing "homestay". Visit ATO at www.ato.gov.au for further information or call 13 28 61.
HF: This is my first time of doing homestay. I am aware that you happen to have quite a lot of Middle Eastern students who need accommodation. I want to give it a shot, but I am quite reluctant as I am not so familiar with their culture. Can you give me some advise?
GE: It is common to feel this way especially if you have never done homestay before. However, below are some tips to welcome your Middle Eastern students at your home and make them feel welcome:
1. They come from big family and they are very family oriented. Therefore they like to be treated as part of family members. Please make sure that you DO converse with them daily.
2. Respect their religion
As part of their religion beliefs, they must practice prayer (sholat) 5 times a day. Let them know that they can do that privately at their own room. That way, you show that you do have some interest with their cultures.
3. Try to be accommodating with their meal preferences. As you know, in their country, they only eat Halal food. Whilst in Australia, it may not always be possible due to limited Halal shops. However, try to be as accommodating as you can by letting them know about this fact and perhaps try to cook them some 'simple middle eastern food'.
4. Be open minded
This is very vital in order to having a memorable experience with your Middle Eastern student.
Below are some positive comments from our host families who hosted United Arab of Emirates tour group:
Boyle's family: "It's been great experience with the UAE student. We had good time and never had complaints with each other."
Stanislav's family: "We thank you for the opportunity to host these most respectful students."
Hanoun Khilla's family: "It has been an interesting and worthwhile experience to hosting the UAE student."
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Are you New to our Homestay Program?
Having difficulties in coping with your students?
Ask Us How to Solve those Problems....
We are here to Assist You!
Email your question to:
enquiry@globalexperience.com.au
We will post our reply in the next month's newsletter.
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Dubai City |
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 Dubai is situated on the Persian Gulf Coast of the United Arab of Emirates and is roughly at sea level (16 metres, 52 feet above).
Dubai lies directly within the Arabian Desert. Seismically, Dubai is in a very stable zone - the nearest seismic fault line, the Zargos fault, is 120 kilometres from the UAE and is unlikely to have any seismic impact on Dubai. Experts also predict that the possibility of a tsunami in the region is also minimal because the Persian Gulf waters are not deep enough to trigger a tsunami.
Dubai is the second largest Emirate in the United Arab of Emirates and probably the most well known. Under the guidance of Shaikh Mohamed bin Rashid bin Maktoum, it has forged a reputation as one of the most significant and vibrant cities in the Middle East.
 Dubai's geographical proximity to India made it an important location. The town of Dubai was an important port of call for foreign tradesmen, chiefly those from India, many of whom eventually settled in the town.
Dubai has a hot and humid climate with many months recording temperatures of over 40°. Rainfall is generally light with a mean of about 150 millimetres per year. However, heavy rain is common in Dubai during the winter months and in January 2008 there was a record indicated of 120 milimetres of rain falling in just 24 hours. The mean humidity in Dubai is about 60 per cent and is higher during the cooler winter months.
Dubai was named as one of the world's top 50 cities that are the hubs of the new worldwide economy. Dubai's ranking positions the city as a leader in the Middle East, offering a strong business climate that supports further development.
 Dubai International Airport is the hub for Emirates Airline, services the city of Dubai and other emirates in the country. A third terminal and a new concourse are currently under construction and are both due to open in mid 2008.
Dubai has a diverse and multicultural society. The city's cultural imprint as a small, ethnically homogenous pearling community was changed with the arrival of other ethnic groups and nationals; first by the Iranians in the early 1900s and later by Indians and Pakistanis in the 1960s. Although Arabic is the official language of Dubai, but English, Hindi, Malayalam, Persian, Urdu and Tagalog are widely spoken. In Dubai, non-Muslims groups can also own theur own houses of worship so that they can practice their religion feely by requesting a land grant and permission to build a compound.
The diversity of cuisine in Dubai is a reflection of the cosmopolitan nature of the society. Arab food is very popular and is available everywhere in the city. Fast food, South Asian, Chinese cuisines are also very popular and are widely available.
 The sale and consumption of pork, though not illegal, it is regulated and is sold only to non-Muslims in designated areas. Similarly, the sale of alcoholic beverages is also regulated. Alcohol is available in bars and restaurants within four or five star hotels. Dubai is known for its nighlife. Clubs and bars are found mostly in hotels due to the liquor laws. The New York Times listed Dubai as its travel choice for partying in 2008. |
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Recipe of the Month - Samak (fish kebab) |
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Modern Egyptian cuisine is much influenced by Greek, Turkish, and Syro-Palestinian cooking. It is generally agreed that kebabs of any kind in Egypt are a Turkish influence. This recipe for fish kebabs, which comes from Egypt's Mediterranean coast, demonstrates its Turkish heritage in the spicing, too, in the use of cumin and bay leaves, which are native to the Mediterranean. As in Lebanon, grilled foods are often restaurant and street foods, and one is likely to find such a preparation in one of the delightful seaside grill restaurants in Alexandria, Abu Qir, Damietta, or Port Said, where the sea bass is typically used.
Ingredients
- Juice from ½ lemon
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 medium-size onions, 1 very finely chopped and 2 quartered and layers separated
- 2 teaspoons freshly ground cumin seeds Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 pounds firm-fleshed fish steaks or fillets, such as swordfish, marlin, shark, or sea bass, skin removed and cubed
- Eight 10-inch-long wooden skewers
- 1 green bell pepper, seeded and cut into 20 to 24 sqare pieces
- 18 bay leaves, soaked in tepid water to cover for 30 minutes (no need to soak if using fresh)
- Lemon wedges for garnish
- Chopped fresh parsley leaves for garnish
Methods
1. Whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, 1 chopped onion, cumin, salt, and pepper in a large ceramic or glass baking dish and marinate the fish cubes for 4 to 6 hours, covered, in the refrigerator, turning occasionally.
2. Skewer the fish, putting a piece of quartered onion and a piece of green pepper between the pieces of fish and using 2 to 3 bay leaves per skewer. Continue in this manner until all the ingredients are skewered.
3. Prepare a charcoal fire or preheat a gas grill on high for 20 minutes. Grill the skewered fish for 10 to 12 minutes brushing with the marinade and turning once. Serve garnished with lemon wedges and parsley.
Makes 4 to 6 servings.
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Garlic Health Benefits |
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Garlic is one of the most valuable and versatile foods on the planet. Garlic belongs to the Allium family of vegetables which also includes onions, chives, shallots and leeks.
The active component in garlic is the sulfur compound called allicin. Allicin is the chemical produced when garlic is chopped, chewed or bruised. Allicin is quite powerful as an antibiotic and a potent agent that helps the body to inhibit the ability of germs to grow and reproduce in fact.
 Garlic also has germanium in it. Germanium is an anti-cancer agent and garlic has more of it than any other herb. Another benefit of garlic is it helps regulate the body's blood pressure. Thus if you have problems with low or high blood pressure, garlic can help equalize it.
In addition, garlic helps strengthen your body's defenses against allergies, helps loosen plaque from artery walls, helps regulate your blood sugar levels and the best choice for killing and expelling parasites such as pin worms from the human body.
Garlic Home Remedies
Garlic is an invaluable medicine for asthma, hoarseness, coughs, difficulty of breathing and most other disorders of the lungs, being of particular virtue in chronic bronchitis, on account of its powers of promoting expectoration.
An older remedy for asthma, that was most popular, is a syrup of garlic, made by boiling the garlic bulbs until soft and adding an equal quantitiy of vinegar to the water in which they have been boiled and then sugared and boiled down to a syrup. The syrup is then poured over the boiled garlic bulbs, which have been allowed to dry meanwhile and kept in a jar. Each morning a bulb or two should be taken, with a spoonful of the syrup.
 Below are some tips on how we can make use of garlic for remedies: 1. For each infections, we can wrap a small piece of garlic in some tissue and insert it into the ear. Leave it there overnight if possible. Pain is almost immediately removed and the infection tends to start clearing up overnight.
2. For scratchy throats, put a small slice of garlic in your mouth and suck on it for 10-15 minutes. You can put it between your teeth and cheek, then scratch it with your teeth a little to help stimulate juice from the garlic slice. The juice slides down your throat and removes the pain.
3. It heals the pain caused by insect bites like those of scorpions and centipedes. The juice of fresh garlic mixed with salt can be applied to bruises, sprains and ringworms.
4. At the first sign of cold, chop up four cloves of raw garlic and eat or use it as a garnish in soups.
5. Cut raw garlic and rub the cut edge on the tooth and gums a couple of times a day to stop toothache.
6. Take fresh garlic cloves and crush them, apply to warts until they dissapear.
7. To clear sinuses, melt some butter and add minced garlic cloves, spread on toast and eat.
8. Use raw garlic juice on rashes and bug bites, it stops the itching immediately.
9. 8-10 of garlic juice mixed with 2 tablespoon of honey four times a day cures a persistent cough.
10. Garlic for tonsillities, peel a clove of garlic and cut them in half lengthwise. Boil for a couple of minutes in about 1.5 cup water and add a pinch of salt, teaspoon of butter, a pinch of pepper and sprinkle with nutmeg.
11. To cure bloating, stomach cramps and constipation, cut a garlic clove into small pieces and then swallow them all in one go with a little water.
12. 10 drops of garlic juice with 2 teaspoon of honey cures asthma.
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