FAQ For Students

Homestay is a cultural exchange between an individual or family of any cultural background (called a host) and a visiting international student (guest). A homestay allows an international guest the opportunity to stay in a warm, welcoming Australian household, rather than in an impersonal apartment, dorm, or hotel. It gives guests the opportunity to experience local culture and practice their English in a family setting.

When living in a homestay you will be provided with your own room, with a place to study and meals (if required), in a welcoming and friendly environment. Whilst living with your host family you will communicate and get to know each other. You will learn about the local area, community and customs. Your host family will also be eager to get to know you, learn about your family, country and culture.

AHN have been the industry leaders in homestay standards throughout Australia. In Australia, we’ve earned government commendation for raising the safety and standards of the industry as a whole.

We’re a little different than more direct, peer-to-peer services in that we provide a full service approach to homestay. That means that we know exactly who you are staying with and what their background is. It also means that you have our support 24 hours a day in case there is a problem or emergency. We also handle billing and most collection activities, so if there is a problem with your homestay, we will help you to fix it.
Our processes ensure we prepare you to have the best experience homestay can offer.

Click here for full details of the standards we adhere to.

1. Homestay matching fee: This fee is paid to AHN to confirm that a placement is required. It covers the cost of host training and assessment, and the work associated with the matching process. This fee is usually paid in conjunction with the initial weekly fee of 4 weeks:
2. Weekly fees (normally 28 nights): Weekly fees will vary, depending on the level of service you choose for your homestay. We offer several packages for guests in homestay these include.

• Complete Homestay: Your host will provide you with breakfast, lunch and dinner 7 days a week
• Traditional Homestay: Your host will provide you with breakfast and dinner Monday-Friday, and breakfast, lunch and dinner Saturday-Sunday
• Dinner-Only Homestay: Your host will provide you with dinner 7 days a week
• No-Meals Homestay: No meals are provided by your host

NOTE: You will prepare your own breakfast and lunch, but your host will cook dinner for you (if it is included in the package you book).

Weekly fees cover:

• Meals
• Accommodation
• Utilities
• Insurance
• Emergency telephone support
• Administration fees

Weekly fees will vary according to state/city, find out what the weekly costs are across Australia by clicking here

For full fee details, please see our refund policy

AHN offers a variety of meal packages for guests. Please note that some options are not available in all regions or for all ages.

• Complete Homestay: Your host will provide you with breakfast, lunch and dinner 7 days a week
• Traditional Homestay: Your host will provide you with breakfast and dinner Monday-Friday, and breakfast, lunch and dinner Saturday-Sunday
• Dinner-Only Homestay: Your host will provide you with dinner 7 days a week
• No-Meals Homestay: No meals are provided by your host

NOTE: You will prepare your own breakfast and lunch, but your host will cook dinner for you (if it is included in the package you book).

• Snacks: Your host is required to have fruit available for you to snack on, however, other snack foods are not included in your homestay fees. You will need to purchase these items yourself.

All our packages offer a welcoming home environment including local orientation, in-home support, a comfortable bedroom and the opportunity to improve your English through daily interaction with your host family. We also have a range of meal options to choose from.

VIP Homestay guarantees that you will have a private bathroom for the duration of your stay, meaning you will have a bathroom all to yourself and you won’t have to share with anyone else in the household.

Please be aware the VIP Homestay is subject to availability.

This will depend on the city you are in as some cities are bigger than others, but the furthest you will be placed in a homestay is up to 1 hour on public transport. You may need to take a bus or train, or a combination of both. This will all be explained to you by your host when you arrive. Most hosts are happy to take the journey with you for the first time, to help you get familiar with the route.  It is important to remember that the focus of living in a homestay is not about convenience but about the experience and support you have when living in a foreign country.

We offer homestay to all types of students; high schools, universities, English colleges, TAFE and other private institutions. We accept both short and long term placements. Generally, we do not accept students under the age of 12 years unless travelling as part of a study tour (these will be reviewed on a case by case basis). All new students over 18 years old who are arriving for their first term of study are recommended to spend a minimum of 4 weeks in a properly managed AHN homestay prior to making longer term accommodation arrangements.

While we mostly cater to international students, AHN can arrange homestays for domestic students and guests as well as interns, working holidaymakers, etc. from overseas. If you are in Australia to study, work or participate in other pre-arranged activities – we can find a homestay host for you.

Click here to join as a student.

When you have lodged your application form, and confirmed your email address you will be assigned to your local AHN office. A staff member will be in contact with you with a welcome email and invoice. If you have any questions you can contact them.

When you decide to proceed with your application you will need to make payment of your invoice. It is now a good time to log back into your profile and make sure that any preferences and requirements are listed, along with your arrival details and intended start date for homestay.

Once we receive your payment we will begin looking for a suitable host for you. When we have a host family that matches your preferences we will send to you their summary and your confirmation email. The earlier you make payment the earlier we will be able to begin looking for your family.

AHN homestay placements are initially for 28 nights, with the majority lasting for around three months. Some students decide to extend, whilst others choose to move into their own accommodation. If you wish to extend you will need to make payment of your continuing invoice (this will be emailed to you 14 days before the end date of your paid placement). Once we receive your payment we will extend your placement accordingly.

All students must notify their host and local AHN office that they will be departing from their homestay at least 14 days beforehand. If 14 days notice is not given you will need to pay any fees due to honour the notice period. More information regarding departure and payments can be found in our AHN Refund Policy.

When you register with AHN you will have access to our 24/7 emergency contact centre. They will assist you with any urgent emergency issues you may have, including interpreter services. You will also have the support of your dedicated AHN office and our experienced team during business hours. Please see our Homestay Policy for more information.

When living in a homestay your responsibilities include helping with household chores, as required, and keeping your bedroom and bathroom clean and tidy. You need to show respect for others and follow the house rules outlined to you. You should keep an open mind and be willing to try new foods and experiences. It is important that you communicate with your host family, any issues can generally be resolved be speaking directly with them. Extra information regarding your responsibilities can be found in our Homestay Policy.

We find that students who are courteous to their host family, follow the house rules, and make an effort to learn about Australia’s culture and customs have the most enjoyable homestay experiences.

It’s a good idea to read up on Homestay Etiquette for International Students before you begin your placement. This information will prepare you for your stay and learn how you can help create a positive homestay environment.

It is best to speak with your host about the use of internet. Different families have different internet packages. Some may have limited data available, while others will have unlimited data. Before downloading or streaming content you should be aware of any limitations.

There are other ways you could help. You may be able to take out the rubbish, wipe down the table, or even prepare the table before the meal. It is always better to offer to help than not do anything.

Yes, it is polite to inform your host that you will be heading outside and when you intend to return. You need to inform your host if you will not be home for any meals, and if you intend on staying out overnight. If you are under the age of 18 you need to be home for dinner each night, and are not allowed to stay out overnight.

Ask your host what they prefer to be called. Some hosts prefer to be called by their given name, whilst others may suggest you call them mum/dad.

Homestay is for students only. If your parents are travelling to Australia, they may like to book accommodation nearby so they can meet up with you. AHN always advises students to travel to the homestay alone, get to know your host family, and settle in. You can then speak with your host about meeting your parents, or asking it they can visit, at a time that suits your host family and their schedule.

This will depend on the city and host availability at the time you are due to arrive. We suggest you submit an application for each guest and make a note that you are related and would like to be placed in the same home. The local team will contact you if there are any issues when they process your application. You can also contact the relevant local office before applying if you would prefer to check availability first.

This will be different in each homestay.  It is important that you speak with your host to clarify laundry rules and to avoid any issues. Ask your host where they would prefer you keep your dirty clothes. Some may prefer you keep it in a basket in your room, while others may ask you to place it in a basket elsewhere in the house. Some hosts will ask that you do your own washing, they will educate you on how to operate the washing machine. Other hosts will prefer to do your washing for you.

Ask your host to show you where the iron is located and how to operate it. Your host will be able to give you some guidance on how to iron clothes. YouTube will also offer some handy tips.

As water bills can be quite expensive in Australia and because of drought conditions in some cities, we request that you take showers for no longer than 5-10 minutes.

Some households do not have a bath or do not use it, others will frequently use theirs. It is best to ask your host if you can use the bath, if there is one. If you can use the bath, it is wise to try and limit the amount of water used. If your host prefers that you do not use the bath you will need to respect this request.

This means that you may take something (a piece of food, or maybe a tissue) without asking.

This is referring to the time that a specific meal will be served in the home.

You will need to ask your host if this is okay. If your host is okay with you personalising your room please make sure that nothing is permanently fixed. Only use temporary adhesives.

It is common to wish the person a happy birthday when you first see them for the day. Some people also like to give them a card and/or a gift. This is not expected or necessary when you are living in a homestay.

Bedrooms in the home are regarded as private areas. You should only enter if you are invited, it is always best to knock first. Common areas, such as the lounge room, are not normally private, and can be enjoyed by everyone in the home.

Your room may have space for you to keep your luggage, such as underneath the bed or in the wardrobe. There may also be space available in the household garage, or shed. It is best to speak to your host, they will be able to assist you.

You will need to ask permission from your host first. Some families will be okay with this request, others may not. You will need to respect their preferences either way. You will need to also obey local drinking laws, including the minimum drinking age of 18.

Curfew and quiet times need to be discussed with your host, each family is different. Generally noise after 10:00pm is not appreciated. You may need to negotiate call times if you are contacting family and friends back home. Always refer to your house rules that are given to you by your host at the start of your visit.

If you prefer to stay up late in your room, this is okay, as long as you are quiet. No one appreciates being kept awake at night. Everyone has different sleep and study patterns, you need to work out what works best with your host.

You will need to ask your host if they are happy for you to have guests in their home. Some hosts are okay with you having guests over, as long as you inform them, and with notice. Others will ask that you do not have guests over, and meet them outside, away from the home.

Please contact your local AHN office during work hours to discuss this issue.

You will need to inform your host as soon as you realise your key is missing. You may need to cover any costs associated with losing the key. Contact your local AHN office if this occurs and they will be able to assist you.