Hosting an international student

Hosting an international student will be an interesting, enjoyable and rewarding experience.  Homestay is an opportunity for people in different cultures and languages to live together and learn together.  

The qualities we look for when selecting our Hosts are:
  • A family that will embrace cultural differences and realise it is an opportunity to learn from each other.
  • A family who has the time to devote to a student and involve them in family activities.
  • A family who is sensitive and realises that students will need nurturing and support as it is often overwhelming to be so far away from home.
  • A family who appreciates that each student is unique - what may work with one student may not work with another, and differences do not mean that one way is better than another.
  • A family that wants to take part in a positive and mutual learning experience. 
  • A family where all members are flexible enough to accept a student with different language and cultural background to their own.
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Our students are looking for a home away from home.  Hosts are not just providing a room and board, but rather a safe, supportive and welcoming environment.  Parents of students you host feel comforted in the knowledge that their child is being taken good care of overseas and they have a warm and safe environment in which to flourish.  
Home environment

Each student bedroom must have:
  • An individual bedroom for each student you host.
  • Furnishings in the bedroom should be clean, fresh and of a good quality, including a bed with warm bedding, a study desk and chair, desk lamp and mirror, chest of drawers, wardrobe or hanging rack.
  • A heater preferably with a thermostat that has adequate heating ability for the size of the room.
  • Electric blankets are optional, and should be checked annually (if provided).
  • Smoke alarms installed in or close the student bedroom, and also throughout the home, and should be checked annually.
Hosting Documentation

Please also refer to the Homestay Handbook for Hosts which sets out a detailed guide for a host family including host responsibilities.

If you are interested in becoming a host, you will need to complete the following documentation:
  1. Online host profile application form OR print a copy of the form here and return it to the address noted on the form.
  2. Police vet form for any person over the age of 18 residing at the property (for 5 consecutive nights or more). See the user guide for assistance.
If you require further information on becoming a host, please complete the contact form below .

    Homestay Contact Form