Australian Homestay Network Recognised as International PIEoneer

BRISBANE, Australia – 31 July 2017: After a decade advocating for quality student homestay standards across the globe, leading homestay provider the Australian Homestay Network (AHN) has been recognised for its contribution in transforming the international education sector.

AHN’s parent company, MyStay International (MSI), is in the running to be named the Accommodation provider of the year at the 2017 PIEoneer Awards.

Hundreds of entries were received across 12 categories for the awards which acknowledge outstanding innovation and achievement in international education.

Founded in Brisbane, the business has built its reputation on providing world-class homestay accommodation and support services, improving the student experience and contributing to what has become Australia’s third-largest export earner.

AHN Founding Director, David Bycroft, said being nominated for a PIEoneer Award in its inaugural year was an honour.

“The PIE is an authority when it comes to what’s innovative and influential in international education, so to be recognised by them is phenomenal,” Mr Bycroft said.

“The PIE has shortlisted 39 entries as the best of the best; we’re one of seven nominees based in Australia. Showcasing that excellence on a world stage really helps cement Australia as a destination of choice for international students.”

The company is one of three shortlisted entrants in the Accommodation provider of the year category (the University of Sydney is also vying for the award). Winners will be selected by an independent 15-person judging panel made up of industry professionals from five continents.

Mr Bycroft said AHN has a mission that goes beyond finding international students a place to sleep and eat.

“Our goal has always been to raise the standards and set the benchmark for others to follow,” he said.

“The students we look after come from all over the world – China, Saudi Arabia, Latin America – and for some of them it’s their first time away from home. We’ve worked with government agencies and industry bodies to make international student accommodation safer, better managed and more affordable so that integral part of the student experience is a good one.”

Mr Bycroft believes the group’s full-service approach, range of homestay offerings and unique placement program were key to being named on the PIEoneer Awards shortlist.

“Homestay is an opportunity to establish lifelong relationships in a world without borders,” Mr Bycroft said.

“We consider our hosts as ambassadors; people who help international students experience the local culture firsthand, develop a support network and really become part of the community.”

While winning a PIEoneer Award would be an “incredible achievement”, Mr Bycroft said AHN still had its mission to find more quality hosts in Australia to welcome as many international students as possible to the country and help them successfully settle into their new life.

The PIEoneer Awards will take place at the Royal Institute of British Architects in London on 8 September.

SHORTLISTED ENTRIES – AUSTRALIA

MyStay International, Australia/USA – Accommodation provider of the year

University of Sydney, Australia – Accommodation provider of the year

ISANA, Australia – Association of the year

Dunya Alruhaimi, Iraq – University of New England, Armidale, Australia – International alumni of the year

Abari, Nepal and Laika Academy, Australia – Progressive education delivery award – Nepal Innovation Program

Australian Government Dept of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Australia – Championing diversity award – New Colombo Plan

Study Queensland, Australia – Marketing campaign of the year – #summerlifeqld campaign

MYSTAY INTERNATIONAL PIEONEER AWARDS SUMMARY

MyStay International unifies two operations offering hosted accommodation in the USA and Australia, and is using best practice approaches to expand and improve this provision globally. It evidences high international student satisfaction and is innovating with the student in mind – developing a new booking platform for standard room rentals and contributing to wider discussion with key stakeholders on international student welfare.

CONTACT

Erin Webb
Media Relations – Australian Homestay Network
ewebb@homestaynetwork.org
0411 036 280

ABOUT AHN

Australian Homestay Network (AHN) is Australia’s largest and most recognised international student homestay provider. We match AHN-certified hosts with visiting international students to provide the highest quality homestay experience while they study in Australia. Since 2008, we have placed over 40,000 students from 169 countries in homestay accommodation.

As an industry leader, our services continue to evolve. In 2012 we introduced the Community Placement Project (CPN), working with the Australian Government to place 600 refugees in Australian homes. AHN has also been named as an accommodation partner for the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games.