Australian Homestay Standards
The following are considered the minimum standards required by Australian Homestay providers to comply with both Government and Industry expectations:
1. An online portal for both registering, tracking and monitoring all placements with secure log in access available to Education Providers, Agents, Hosts, Students (and their Parents). The portal is to show live ‘real time’ data and be able to provide relevant and detailed stakeholder reports as appropriate for that stakeholder.
2. Appropriate Compulsory Insurance Cover ensuring cover for both hosts and students, including:
| Student legal liability (which include damages) | $20M |
| Host liability insurance for student personal injury and property damage | $20M |
| Student’s contents insurance covering students’ personal effects within the host’s home | $10,000 |
3. Local Representatives in all Operating Regions to ensure that there is local support to assist with any requirements and/or issues face to face as appropriate.
4. Compulsory Host Background, Host Room Checks and Host Training for approved host families and supporting data to demonstrate the training has taken place. This ensures that all approved Hosts have the appropriate personal clearances and meet the required standards of homestay accommodation.
5. Student Orientation which is documented and comprehensive. This ensures that the student has access to adequate and appropriate information prior to their arrival.
6. Comprehensive Policy Documentation – outlining expectations and responsibilities of student, host family and Homestay provider. This includes a confirmed Host Agreement signed by all Host families outlining appropriate policies and the host obligations.
7. Professional 24/7 Emergency Support and critical incident strategy where professional staff are fully trained to triage the call and follow documented protocols.
8. Accountable Host Payments – ensuring that there is ongoing transparency, management and accountability for all payments made on behalf of the student to the Homestay host.
