Email to My Host Family
by Kao Yi-ning · Oct 2026
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Taylor,
My name is Kao Yi-ning, but you can call me Nina. I'm the student from Taiwan who will stay with your family in Brisbane for two weeks this January. My school has just sent me your address and a photo of your house. It looks lovely! I'm very excited, but to be honest, I'm also a little nervous. This will be my first time abroad without my parents, and my first homestay, too.
Can I ask you a few questions? First, could you tell me what the weather will be like in January? It's summer in Australia then, isn't it? The sun there is very strong, I hear, so I want to pack the right clothes. Second, I'd like to know if I need anything for school. Could you what to bring, like a uniform or a laptop? Also, I'm not sure what time your family usually has dinner. In Taiwan, we often eat quite late, so I want to to your schedule.
I also wonder if there are any house rules. For example, how long can I use the shower? I want to be a good guest, and I don't want to anything. Please tell me if there is anything I should doing.
I'd love to share some Taiwanese with you. I can cook tomato and egg, which is a simple dish that every family here makes. I'm also bringing some pineapple cakes from Taichung. Your daughter Emma is fourteen, isn't she? Do you know if she likes drawing? I'm in the art club, and I'd like to bring her a small present.
Thank you so much for having me. I really it, and I can't wait to meet you all!
Best wishes, Nina