City of Darebin in association with Australian Homestay Network (AHN)
Aim
To offer citizens (and friends) of the City of Darebin the opportunity to meet, host and mentor new international students arriving for study in Australia and assist the student(s) with orientation to the local area as well as general safety, accommodation and welfare information.
Australian Homestay Network Management
The Australian Homestay Network (AHN) has been appointed by the City of Darebin to manage the project.
AHN will deliver free online training to all project participants and will be responsible for interviewing all applicants as well as inspecting premises ensuring suitability for the hosting required.
Applicants will be required to meet AHN standards before being selected to host a student.
How you can take part
- Do you have a spare room?
- Do you live near public transport?
- Would you be a good mentor for a new visitor in Australia?
- If you answered “YES” to any of the above questions then you may qualify to join the City of Darebin and Australian Homestay Network – boarders without borders initiative.
Professional Support Provided
Opportunities exist now for friendly individuals and families to become an Australian Homestay Network (AHN) host and share a unique cultural experience with Darebin’s visiting international students.
Homestay is a cultural exchange between a local individual or family (called a host) and a visiting international student.
The International Student lives for a period of time (from 2 weeks) as a guest in the host’s home.
AHN supports all hosts with a range of services such as:
- Full training
- Professional 24/7 support
- Full Administration support (payments and receipting)
- Tax free host payments to cover all anticipated expenses
- Appropriate Insurance Cover for both students and hosts
- Assistance with student management and support
AHN is considered to be the leading Australian Homestay Manager, and welcomes you to be part of this Homestay program.
It’s Interesting and Fun
Enjoy everyday activities with your visiting student including:
- showing your student around your community
- guiding them on the basics of Australian culture
- listening to them talk about where they are from
- teaching them some basics like establishing a phone, buying transport tickets, where the local shops are, how to access banking and personal safety tips
- helping with English and ‘Aussie’ words and phrases
- following the AHN guidelines provided regarding hosting an international student
It’s really easy to do and usually lots of fun!
It’s Easy
AHN hosts provide a clean and basically furnished bedroom for their guest. This includes items like a bed, desk, wardrobe, chair and a study lamp.
The visiting student will need to have access to bathroom and laundry facilities and hosts can choose a range of AHN options in regard to meal inclusions.
General Expenses Are Covered
AHN Homestay provides a weekly allowance that covers all anticipated costs.
Hosts have the option of being available for:
- traditional full meals homestay
- dinner only homestay or
- no meals homestay
Further details are provided on application.
AHN manages all student placements, student fees, institution liaison, management support, insurances, and payment administration.
