Homestay

What is Homestay?

Homestay is a very popular option for overseas students and interstate Australian and country students alike. There are many different varieties of households.

Homestay is where you live with a family, couple or single person/s in their home.  For students whose first language is not English, this is a good way to practise their spoken English.

Homestay students can participate in the host family’s daily routines ranging from helping with household chores to joining in their social activities.

You can arrange homestay for only a short while (i.e. your first couple on months at University) or for as long as you need (i.e. the whole academic year).

For more information about homestay and what it means to stay in homestay or to register as a homestay provider, please read on.

Homestay Providers

WA Homestay Network and Talkabout Tours are just two local business who place international students in local accommodation. They can help with finding off campus accommodation in shared accommodation or as a paying guest in a family home. There may be other homestay providers available.

It is often difficult to arrange anything other than short term temporary accommodation from overseas, but this is not the case with a homestay provider as you can request a homestay placement before leaving your home city and you will be notified of the family details so you can go straight there from the airport. Some can even arrange an airport collection to take you there directly on your arrival.

The weekly fee for homestay during 2009 was from $220 per week. But remember, this includes most meals. A one off placement fee may also be charged.

Please contact the homestay providers directly to enquire about homestay.

The Australian Homestay Network (AHN) was launched in 2008. It is a national online management system for Homestay in Australia. To register with AHN as a student looking for homestay accommodation or as a host wanting to offer homestay accommodation, please visit their website.

Nacel Australia is an international organisation which was established in France 40+ years ago. One of the services they offer is providing international students with homestay accommodation. Visit their website for more information.