On the weekend, the international education industry lost one of its industry stalwarts from the 2000’s – Sylvia Lewohl.
Through her work, Sylvia became known as the ‘Accommodation and Homestay’ industry expert and was the inspiration and mentor for the formation of the Australian Homestay Network (AHN) and their original standards back in 2008.
From 1990 to 2007, Sylvia was employed by Griffith University to establish a homestay program for international students. She was committed to making the experience the best it could be for incoming students. Sylvia set about establishing policy, introducing orientation programs, and carrying out home interviews for each and every family involved in the homestay program. Griffith Homestay became nationally recognised for the high standard that had been set, not only for homestay hosts but also for student behaviour.
Sylvia’s years as the QLD President of ISANA International Education Association, and as spokesperson for the National ISANA Homestay Working Party, was distinguished by active collaboration with different sectors of government: Queensland Education and Training International (QETI); Education Queensland International (EQI) for government schools; and the Independent Schools sector. As part of her collaboration with government, Sylvia was invited to work with the Commission for Children, Young People and Child Guardian (CCYPCG) for her expertise in the homestay and Under 18’s areas of international education. During her time with the CCYPCG, she developed a risk management policy document to be used as a guideline for all homestay environments in Queensland.
Sylvia was awarded the inaugural ISANA award for an outstanding contribution to the organisation in 2006 – an award that she treasured and displayed proudly until the day of her passing. She was also awarded ISANA Life Membership in 2013. Sylvia encompassed a spirit to which many of us still aspire – a collegial, sharing approach amongst education professionals for the betterment of the international student experience.
By Melanie Duncan, Co-Founder IEP Advisory and David Bycroft, Founder Mystay International.
