HOMESTAY PROGRAMS

World-Class Accommodation and Support

The Australian Homestay Network (AHN) offers three programs, designed to cater for international students of all ages and durations of stay. Homestays are currently available in 17 cities across every state and territory in Australia, and we are continually working to expand our network of quality, certified host families. If you have any questions or special requests, please contact one of our friendly staff members to find out how we can best assist you. Our three homestay programs are:

Homestays for over 18’s (students over the age of 18)

Students over the age of 18 enjoy slightly different services depending on their preferences. A student can choose from several meal plan options, have a homestay located conveniently to their education provider, and arrange a driver through our airport pickup service. Fees vary based on the configuration of choices.

Our welcoming Start With Us package is the best option for students when they first arrive in Australia. This 4-week program gives students of all ages the feeling and support of home as they settle in. Find out more HERE.

Homestays for High School Students (students under the age of 18)

All our homestays focus on international student safety and support, but we place even greater emphasis on this for students under the age of 18.

AHN works with education providers to assist them in fulfilling duty of care obligations and complying with government regulations for younger students. Some partner with us to arrange accommodation for students with one of our dedicated host families, while other schools allow us to coordinate complete homestay and support packages. The education provider maintains responsibility for the student’s welfare and must ensure all arrangements meet the requirements of the National Code.

AHN is able to tailor services to meet your requirements. Our under 18s homestay packages generally include a private bedroom with study space, private or shared bathroom, and 2-3 meals a day. Additional services are also available for special needs and extracurricular activities.

AHN Homestay for High School Students and Under 18s

AHN has a select pool of hosts who have been specially certified to care for overseas students under the age of 18.

An education provider communicates its requirements to the local AHN office to find the most suitable host matches for a student. The host details are sent to the school to review so you can determine which homestay is the most appropriate for each student’s age and needs.

The approved homestay host will:

• Provide a local orientation, introduce the student to Australian culture and help them understand local customs;
• Take the time to ensure students become familiar with their neighbourhood;
• Offer guidance for appropriate behaviour;
• Assist in monitoring the student’s curfew, wellbeing and school attendance; and
• Take responsibility for the student in the event of a critical incident and communicate details back to the student’s parents and school through AHN.

Homestays for Tour Groups

We offer short-term study tour groups the same expertise and best practices of homestay accommodation as our longer term placements. International tour groups receive all the advantages of our homestays, from our emphasis on safety and support to the cultural benefits of living with an Australian family. We work with educational agents and tour organisers to adapt each homestay package to the type, size, and duration of the tour. We even have options for visitors who would like to stay with Australian families during their holidays.