What We Expect From Host Families
This page serves as a guide to help you understand the essential homestay host family requirements involved in joining our network.
Based on over a decade of experience, we believe that transparency regarding roles and requirements leads to the best matches and a successful experience for both host families and the students.
Scroll down to see the three key areas of hosting: Your Role (Support), Meal Requirements, and Home Facilities.
Your Role as a Host
Initial Orientation Upon Student’s Arrival
We expect host families to welcome students as their “second home” and help them settle into their new environment. Practical support upon arrival is essential, such as showing them.
- How to buy and set up a SIM card/eSIM
- Where to buy an AT HOP card and how to use public transport (i.e. tap on and off).
- The location of the nearest bus stops or train stations.
- Local supermarkets and shopping centres.
Daily Integration & Communication
We want students to feel comfortable and part of the family during the homestay placement with you. Host families are asked to make an effort to have casual communication, such as asking “How was your day?” or offering help if they seem to be confused.
We also ask that you speak English as the common language in the home to help the student practice and improve.
Meal Plans (Full Board & Half Board)
Our Two Meal Plans
Most students request a meal option, which will be either Half-Board or Full-Board. Please refer to the chart below for the specific requirements of each option.
| Half-Board | Breakfast and Dinner Monday to Friday 3 meals on weekends and public holidays |
|---|---|
| Full-Board | 3 meals every day |
| 2026 Rates | Weekly Fee | Meals |
|---|---|---|
| 18 years + | $345 | 2 meals* Monday to Friday, 3 meals on Weekend |
| Under 18 | $360 | 2 meals* Monday to Friday, 3 meals on Weekend |
| $395 | 3 meals every day | |
| Under 14 | $415 | 3 meals every day |
Eating Dinner Together
We expect all our host families to have dinner together with their students as we believe it is the best for the host family and the students to interact and communicate together. This provides a valuable opportunity for students to practice English and build a closer relationship with you.
Home & Room Requirements
To ensure a safe and satisfactory homestay, we have some specific homestay host family requirements while accommodating our students.
Requirements for the Student’s Private Room
For every student, you must provide a fully furnished private room that includes:
- A bed with linen, blankets, pillows, and a bath towel (inflatable air beds or mattresses are not accepted).
- Adequate storage for their belongings such as a drawer, wardrobe, or closet.
- A study desk and a chair.
- Adequate lighting, heating, and ventilation (hot water bottles or extra blankets alone are not considered sufficient heating).
Access to Facilities around your Home
Students must have access to the following facilities:
- Bathroom (toilet paper must be provided)
- Living room
- Laundry facilities and cleaning equipment such as a vacuum cleaner
- Kitchen and kitchenware for preparing light meals
- Unlimited Wi-Fi with adequate speed
- House key (this cannot be shared with others)
Notes on Utilities & Other Items
- Utilities: We understand that electricity and water costs can be expensive. We advise setting reasonable “House Rules” regarding usage (e.g., shower times) upon the student’s arrival.
- Cleanliness: Please maintain shared areas in a clean and functioning condition.
- Personal Items: Items such as shampoo, toothbrushes, and sanitary products are to be covered at the student’s own expense.