Accommodation

IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Education Institutions, Students, Agents and Homestay Hosts should all be made aware of the latest developments regarding Homestay following the findings and recommendations of the Senate Inquiry (November 2009) and the ESOS Review (March 2010).

In summary, the Australian Government Senate Committee accepted the evidence that ‘homestay accommodation is beneficial to international students’. The committee also supported ‘calls for more homestay arrangements for international students as part of the solution for accommodation shortages’. In addition, the Senate recognised ‘the need for minimum standards to be set…..and commends the Australian Homestay Network for ensuring that it meets the appropriate standards’.

Below is a list of the standards which were included in the submission to the Australian Government Senate Inquiry and deemed appropriate:

• An online compliant and accessible/fully trackable/auditable system
• An acceptable industry Advisory Board overseeing the integrity of systems and processes
• Professional 24/7 phone support including emergency and critical incident management
• Appropriate insurances for both hosts and students
• Part of a National Homestay Network committed to continuous improvement

Please note: The Australian Government has identified inappropriate accommodation practices and supported the call for new standards. It is recommended that Institutions, Agents, Hosts and Students only participate with groups like the Australian Homestay Network who are meeting the above Senate announced ‘appropriate’ standards.
AHN Homestay is a cultural exchange between a local individual or family (called a host) and a visiting International student. The student lives as a guest in the host family’s home. Students can expect to be provided with their own room, food and space to study. The AHN homestay host will assist students to become familiar with the local area and customs, in a relaxed and friendly household setting.

The AHN host will also assist over 18 students with advice on accommodation options after the initial Homestay placement.

There are a number of different Homestay options available for students to choose from to suit the various needs of each individual.

Students are encouraged to share information about their home country and culture with their AHN homestay host.

Homestay helps students to better settle into life in a new country and gain the confidence to build important social networks in Australia.

For more information about Homestay accommodation options on the Gold Coast, please go to http://www.homestaynetwork.org/supervisors/goldcoast or contact the AHN Gold Coast office on 07 5591 3322 (+61 7 5591 3322)

Working together to build complete homestay solutions!