Host an international student

What does it involve?

Your role is to provide a welcoming, safe, supportive and secure home environment with a bedroom, a study area, 3 meals a day and contribute to the brilliant reputation Queensland has of providing the authentic Aussie cultural experience!

What will I receive?

You will receive up to A$1,400 per month payment to cover your student's meals and other homestay expenses. You will also have access to our 24/7 support services and resources to help you plan for your student's visit, and throughout their stay.

How long are the students in Queensland?

It is very much dependant on the program they are enrolled in. From a 3, 6, 9 or 12-month Study Abroad experience through to full years from Year 7 to 12. You can choose a short-term student to see if hosting is right for you before embarking on a longer placement.

Can I choose what country the student is from?

We understand you might be learning a language, have an interest in a nationality's food, plan to visit certain countries in the future or have lived in a particular country in the past. These are all valid reasons you might prefer a student from a particular country and we will try our best to place that student with you.

Do I need a government blue card?

The safety of our students is a priority so yes, all homestay hosts need to have a valid Working with Children Authority blue card. The application process includes a police identity and criminal history check—don't worry the school coordinator can assist you in applying for the card. All family members and residents over 18 will also require a blue card.

What support is available to the student?

Every school has an international student program team who are available to students to assist with any issues or concerns. There are also other specialist school staff to help and advise students with many types of matters, including extracurricular activities, health and personal concerns. There is also an emergency contact person who is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. International students get access Education Queensland International's (EQI) free 24/7 student support hotline and access to our free student support mobile app.

What support is available to me as a homestay provider?

Our homestay providers are offered a wide range of support. During school hours, homestay providers can access the Homestay Coordinator based at the school. Outside of school hours, homestay hosts can contact the 24/7 support hotline, 1800 QSTUDY.

At the discretion of the school, homestay providers can also get access to the 'Employee Assistance Program' in the event of an incident.

Do I get any training?

Each EQI homestay provider receives a comprehensive orientation by the school. Ongoing support is provided by the Homestay Coordinator and homestay visits throughout your time as a provider. Some schools set term or semester meetings for homestay providers.

Do you visit my home to see how it's going?

Yes, to ensure that you are comfortable and satisfied with the arrangement, the school will visit you to check in and see how everything is going.

Do you provide any information to help me better understand the needs of international students?

Homestays are facilitated by the schools. A comprehensive orientation session is held for new homestay families to provide an in-depth insight into the role of the homestay provider, helpful tips and important information to assist with accommodating an international student.

Do you provide any information to help me better understand the needs of my homestay student?

When looking to place a student with a homestay provider, the school look closely at compatibility and you will be advised of any requirements the student has. This may include dietary requirements, allergy action plan, or other.

We encourage you to have ongoing conversations with your homestay guest around things that are important to you and, equally to them. These may include dietary preferences, academic expectations and cultural norms.

Is the money I receive taxable?

Payment is a reimbursement of your contribution to making an international students experience in Queensland the best ever. Homestay families are advised to seek financial advice for any tax implications that may affect your household.

Do I need to pay for the students things?

No. All that the homestay provider needs to pay for is your general shared household expenses, including the student's meals.

Do I have to do chores for the student?

Being a homestay provider means that you need to care for the child, so all duties of child care are part of the responsibility. However, by offering your home to an international student you can ask that they will help out with light chores such as keeping their room clean, participating in meal preparation, assisting with or doing their own laundry or helping out in the kitchen.

Does the student need their own room and bathroom?

Students must have their own bedroom to sleep and study in but can share the household bathroom(s) with the family. Make sure that the student is fully aware of which bathroom they should be using if there is more than one.

What kind of meals are required?

Part of your commitment to an international student is providing 3 nutritious meals every day—breakfast, lunch and dinner. Having access to your kitchen/facilities will be ideal for making snacks and of course they might want to help out in the kitchen cooking for you their special home-country treats.

Do I attend parent teacher interviews?

Many homestay hosts choose to attend parent teacher interviews. Formal academic reporting to the natural parents is facilitated by the school and education agent. You may receive occasional emails or contact from the natural parents regarding how they are settling in and activities the student is involved with and things they are doing.

Do I have to meet the student at the airport?

Complimentary airport transfer is included so your student will be transferred from the airport to your home.

Do I drive the student to school/pick them up?

You need to make sure you take your student to school and home again on the first day. When they are comfortable with travelling to school on their own, and they are 100% sure on the service numbers/names and timetables, then they can travel to and from school on their own.

Is my student allowed to go swimming?

Water safety is a priority. Our schools have swimming lessons as well as the opportunity to learn beach safety and water skills programs. All students must complete and pass a water skills assessment via their school before heading off to any water activity.

Is it okay to take our student on a holiday?

Yes, as long as the school and the students parents have given permission via the official International Student Programs (ISP) Travel and activities request form. Your student will be so excited to be exploring Queensland.