Homestay Students Celebrating Easter In Australia

Homestay Hosting During the Holidays

At the Australian Homestay Network (AHN), we know that people will take time off from work around Easter and Christmas/New Years to catch up with friends and family, go on a trip, or recharge. Most students will have a few days off from their studies too thanks to designated public holidays or the end of term/mid-semester break.

If you’re a homestay host, it’s best to plan ahead so you can enjoy the celebrations without any last-minute stress.

In this blog post…
Are you going on holiday?
Is your guest is going on holiday?
Hosting over the holidays
Are you available to host over the holidays?

Are you going on holiday?

If you’re planning to travel or be away from home during the holiday period, please notify your local AHN Team so we can make the appropriate arrangements for your guest. Holiday guidelines vary depending on the guest’s age:

Under 18s:

Under 18 guests cannot stay alone while you’re away. If you will be travelling, we’ll need to arrange a temporary transfer to another host family.
Considering taking your guest with you? This will need to be approved by their school and parents first. Please discuss the trip and any related expenses with their parents beforehand. If their parents are happy for them to join you, please let us know so we can assist with the necessary approvals.

Over 18s:

Over 18 guests can stay in your home alone while you’re away, if both parties are comfortable and agree on the arrangements.
If your guest is staying at home alone, it’s important to clarify any important safety or household instructions (e.g. using appliances, security measures) and ensure emergency contacts are in place while you’re away.

If your guest is on a meal plan, please ensure they have access to groceries or prepared meals for the time you are away from home. Alternatively, we can assist with temporarily adjusting their meal plan.

If your guest prefers not to stay alone, we can assist in finding them a temporary homestay during your holiday.

Considering taking your guest with you? Discuss the trip and any related expenses with them beforehand. If they’re interested in joining, please let us know so we can assist with any necessary approvals.

Is your guest is going on holiday?

If your guest has travel plans during the holiday period, whether domestically or internationally, please encourage them to notify us as soon as possible. This allows us to manage any necessary approvals with their school and coordinate airport transfers if needed.

Room Holding Policy

If your guest will be away for 7 days or more, our Room Holiday Policy applies.

– The guest needs to provide AHN with 2 weeks’ notice to have the Room Holding rate applied.

– If your guest is Under 18, they need to make sure they’ve submitted their holiday leave application to their education provider so the school can notify AHN of the approval within the required notice period.

Under the AHN Room Holding Policy:

– The guest’s fees will be reduced to 50% of their normal homestay fees for the nights they are away.

– Guests are welcome to leave their belongings in their bedroom while they are away, which will remain exclusively for their use during their absence.

Hosting over the holidays

If you’re not going away, we encourage you to share your celebrations and traditions with your student! For international students who are far from home, family and friends, your hospitality can make a world of difference in helping them feel included.

Here are some meaningful ways to include your student in your celebrations:

Invite them to join your holiday meals. Sharing your favourite holiday meals is a wonderful way to introduce them to Australian traditions and make them feel like part of your family.
Involve them in holiday activities and attend local festive events.Set up an Easter egg hunt or make some homemade hot cross buns. Treat your guest to an Australian Christmas by decorating a tree, exchanging gifts and experience and Aussie Christmas lunch or dinner (prawns, anyone?!).
Celebrate cultural exchange. Your student might celebrate holidays differently or not at all! Sharing your own traditions while learning about theirs can create a meaningful connection and leave both of you with lasting memories.

By including your student in your holiday plans, you’re not only enriching their experience in Australia but also creating special memories that they’ll carry with them for years to come.

Don’t forget to share your holiday pics and stories on Facebook.

Are you available to host over the holidays?

With many host families travelling during the holidays, we’re often looking for hosts who can accommodate a guest while their current homestay family is away.

By opening your home, you’re offering more than just a place to stay – you’re giving a student the chance to experience the warmth and joy of the holidays with your family. This can make a lasting impact during a time when they may otherwise feel far from home.

Please contact your local AHN Team if you’re available and we’ll let you know if we have a guest in need of a holiday homestay.