WANTED: HOMESTAY HOSTS FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS ATTENDING UNSW GLOBAL, KENSINGTON
Hosting international students can be a great experience. There are so many great things you can experience as a homestay host:
New friendships
Once you’ve hosted a student, it can be difficult to remember your life without them in it. In a very short time, people from opposite corners of the globe, so to speak, go from strangers to being family. We know from experience that most host families and their host students stay in contact long after the student returns home. Whether it’s phone calls and Skype, email and letters, or return visits to Australia and trips overseas, not a week goes by when we don’t hear at least one wonderful story about how host families and their international family member remain connected for months, years, and even decades after their exchange experiences have ended.
Helping someone start their life in Australia
Although every host family has unique reasons for inviting a cultural exchange student into their homes and lives, we know that helping someone else achieve their dream of living in and learning about life in Australia is often one of the main reasons families choose to host. Watching a young person experience new things, improve their English skills, and have personal triumphs in Australia often gives host families a sense of achievement. Host families are often pleasantly surprised that inviting a student to live with them whilst studying in Australia leaves the family with a collective ‘warm and fuzzy feeling’.
Seeing Australia through fresh eyes
Sometimes it is easy to forget how wonderful Australia is simply because we live here! International students are keen to learn more about Australia and love to experience the things that make our country so special. This excitement of an international student can be contagious and many host families find that hosting reminds them how much they love Australia and helps them rediscover a love for their local community and their country.
Hosting can be fun!
It can be easy to overlook the fact that being a host family can be lots of fun for the whole family. Whether it is re-discovering your wonderful local community, introducing your host student to Australian customs and traditions like Australia Day, Anzac Day, BBQs and backyard cricket, there are countless opportunities for fun and enjoyment when you become a host family.
About homestay hosting
As an AHN homestay host, you will receive attractive fortnightly payments which will compensate you for board, as well as covering the expenses involved with hosting your student such as providing meals. Before you apply as a Homestay host you should be willing and able to provide the following:
- Accommodation: Available, clean and furnished
- Interest: In cultural engagement and exchange
- Guidance: To help a young visitor navigate the American language, culture and lifestyle
- English: Proficiency in conversational English
How much can you earn?
The Australian Homestay Network operates in a number of regions across Australia. Each location has host reimbursement rates specific to the living costs and services available in that region. Host reimbursement rates include the use of laundry facilities and utilities (e.g. power, water).
View our current Sydney homestay host rates here.
The Process
Hosting with AHN is easy, just complete these simple steps:
- Submit our one page application form
- Fill out your AHN profile. ( Host profiles are used to match the best students to your home / family)
- One of our friendly Melbourne staff will conduct background checks and interviews
- You’re ready to host!
More reasons to host with AHN
Lifetime Relationships
Students are excited about learning English and experience Australian lifestyle and culture; and your warm welcome improves their chances for academic success and cultural acceptance while far from home. Many students stay in touch with their host families long after they have finished their study. We’ve even had host parents visit students they have hosted in their home country.
Learn New Cultures
One of the great experiences offered through hosting an international student is learning about another culture as you get to share your own. Students will share their traditions, meals, and beliefs with you, and it is expected that you will include them in yours.
When you apply as a host, it costs you absolutely nothing, and there is no obligation on your behalf to accept a student when offered.
About AHN
Australian Homestay Network (AHN) is the world’s most experienced international student homestay network company, and is affiliated with StudentRoomStay in the United States.
Since 2008, our Group has successfully placed over 68,000 students in homestay environments.
AHN incorporates decades of international experience in homestay operations management to help ensure that every homestay experience is successful.
