Become a Homestay Provider

Being a homestay family is more than just providing a room to sleep. Homestay families offer students:

• full board accommodation and meals
• the safety, security and welcoming environment of a real family
• a great way to improve their English language skills and experience Australian culture
• help to adjust quickly to their new life and environment
• a comfortable place to stay during their studies
• opportunities for family extra-curricular and social activities.

Who can be a homestay provider?

Our homestay families come from a variety of backgrounds and cultures. For example, there are:

Benefits

The homestay experience is a wonderful opportunity to build lifelong relationships with students and their families across the globe. Other benefits include:

• making a difference in a student's life
• becoming part of a global community
• making lifelong connections
• learning about different cultures
• showcasing Australian culture.

Requirements for a homestay family

You will be required to attend an interview with your local school where they will ensure you can provide adequate and safe care, facilities and support for the student. This includes visiting the homestay and making sure that everyone in the household is at least 18 years of age and over has a government issued Working with Children Check.

As a homestay family, you must meet the following minimum requirements when providing homestay services:

• a separate single room for the student's sole use with a bed and wardrobe
• a clean and tidy household with access to shared living areas
• 3 nutritious meals a day, 7 days a week, with reasonable access to snacks and in accordance with the student's dietary and medical needs
• household items such as towels, linen, blankets, eating and cooking utensils
• kitchen, bathroom and laundry facilities
• reasonable access to utilities, including gas, electricity, heating and water
• clean common living areas
• study facilities including a desk, study light and bookcase
• any keys, alarm codes or passwords required for the student to access the homestay
• working fire alarms throughout the home.

Register your interest

Our accredited secondary schools from across Victoria carefully select homestay families to host international students aged 15 years and over. You can get in direct contact with an accredited secondary school  in your local area to register your interest in becoming a homestay family.

Thank you for enquiring to be part of this highly regarded Victorian program, and for wishing to provide an international student with the experience of a lifetime!

For more tools and resources to help your homestay journey, see: Homestay Family Guide.