Host an international high school student

South Australian Government Schools arrange homestay accommodation for international high school students while they are studying abroad in South Australia. As a local family hosting an international student, you will have the chance to:

learn about other cultures, customs and traditions
make lifelong friendships with your student and their family
participate in activities and meet other host families
explore fun things to see and do in South Australia.

International high school students can enrol in programs ranging from 1 term to 5 years. We carefully match students with homestay families according to the school the student will be attending, in addition to your family's preferences and the student's individual needs.

Read about the experiences of other homestay families

What is involved?

When you host an international student, they will become a member of your family. Your student will be a long way from home and in your care. You will be expected to provide them with a safe, supportive and welcoming home environment. As a homestay family, you will be required to provide:

furnished bedroom inside the family home (not a separate dwelling)
all meals
use of utilities (i.e. water, electricity and gas)
internet access
use of facilities (e.g. access to TV, iron, vacuum cleaner)
laundry.

You will also be required to:

support your student in their studies
monitor your student's health and well-being
accept duty of care for your student outside of school hours
negotiate reasonable expectations of behaviour inside and outside the home
notify South Australian Government Schools of any changes in family circumstances (e.g. illness, separation, family members returning home, new partner, moving house, planning holidays)
notify South Australian Government Schools if you are hosting other students from other education institutions.

South Australian Government Schools offer ongoing support to all homestay families and provides a 24 hour emergency phone service.

Homestay payments

The homestay fee is $250 per week for a single room.

Please note homestay fees do not include:

phone and internet usage
personal items.

If your student is participating in the High School Graduate Program, a room holding fee is charged when they are absent from your home on holidays. This ensures that your student's room remains exclusive to them.

It is the responsibility of your student and their parents to cover the cost of any damage and/or outstanding payments prior to leaving your home.

How to become a homestay

Before you can host a student in your home, you must become an accredited homestay for South Australian Government Schools. This straightforward process includes:

completion of the Homestay Application Form available within the Homestay Application Package
approved criminal history screening for every person over 18 years of age residing in your home (reviewed every 3 years)
a visit and interview by one of our accommodation officers to meet your family and assess the facilities in your home
your attendance at periodic homestay information workshops organised by South Australian Government Schools.

If you are interested in hosting an international high school student, simply complete the homestay enquiry form and one of our friendly staff will respond to you within 2 working days.

Homestay workshops

South Australian Government Schools will provide support and assistance during your time as a host family. Homestay workshops are held 3 times a year.

The workshops cover a variety of topics and activities and are a great way to meet other homestays and keep up with any changes to the program. Your family will be invited to attend as soon as you become an accredited homestay.

Related information

Other websites

Stories and photos

Contact details

International Education Services
Phone: +61 8 8226 3402
Email: decdisp@sa.gov.au

Provided by: Department for Education

Page last updated 6 July 2017