Homestays involve a single or shared room at the home of an Australian family, and is a great opportunity for you to immerse yourself in the English language and Australian culture, either for the duration of your study, or while you find your own accommodation.
If you are keen to experience the Australian culture, or secure short-term accommodation until you find a suitable place to stay, living with a local family can be a great choice. For all students under the age of 18, it is a legal requirement to stay with an Australian host family until you turn 18 years of age.
Homestay can help you settle in to your new life quickly, providing the opportunity to participate in the daily routine of an Australian family and practice your English language skills.
Weekly costs vary between $360 – $400 for under 18 students, including the carers fee.
Staying with an Australian family, you will be provided with a furnished bedroom generally with access to a shared family bathroom. On some occassions you may share the bedroom with another student.
Two meals per day are provided for students on week days. Three meals per day are provided on weekends.
Our minimum Homestay is 4 (four) weeks. On leaving Homestay the host must be given 2 (two) weeks’ notice or paid 2 (two) weeks in lieu of notice. You are able to stay as long as you and the homestay family are in agreement and comfortable.
Be courteous and helpful in your new environment and you will have a happy Homestay experience, being positive always helps. Commonly in Australian families, all family members help around the home. Each morning you should make your bed and tidy your room. You will be helped to change your bed linen. In Australia most families put washing outside to dry and not in dryers, this is due to Australia usually having very hot summers and mild winters. Never hang wet clothes in your bedroom or bathroom. Always look for ways to help your host family and they will appreciate your willingness and consideration to help and be part of the family.
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.
Students should not use the hosts’ telephone without permission, especially to make calls that incur high fees (e.g. international calls). Most students use their own mobile or internet-enabled calling technology.
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.
You will need to also obey local drinking laws, including the minimum drinking age of 18.
Students will be given house keys, never put your address on the key ring holder. If you are the last person to leave the house, please make sure your window is closed and locked as well as exterior doors for security reasons.
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.
To find out more, please contact the providers below for more information and booking details.
Australian Homestay Network (AHN): Australian Homestay Network
Family Homestay Services: familyhomestay.com.au
Global Experience: globalexperience.com.au
All About Homestay: allabouthomestay.com.au
We acknowledge the Traditional Owners, Custodians and Elders past and present of the Indigenous Nations of the Darug, Gundungurra, D’harawal, Wiradjuri and Bundjalung on whose lands we work.
