Frequently Asked Questions from Students

        What is homestay?

        Homestay refers to an accommodation where you will live with a local family, contribute to the living expenses, and take responsibility as a member of the family.

        What are the benefits of homestay?

        Apart from faster improvements in language, hometay deepens your understanding of the local culture, and helps you to adapt to the local community quicker. It is generally safer than living in a rental property, and you will have someone looking after you when you do not feel well.

        How are you different from other homestay agents?

        Before your arrival, we help you to choose a satisfactory homestay host family from a pool of verified and reputable hosts BY YOURSELF. Our processes and tools are designed to help you to have realistic expectation of homestay, and know each other well before you apply.

        After your arrival, we will provide you with ongoing support and help you to adapt to the new home. If you wish, we will also help you to find a new home without placement fees.

        Most listing services available on the internet do not verify homestay hosts, and do not provide ongoing support. You are on your own sorting out all issues and problems. With most homestay agents, a fee is charged for each homestay placement.

        Can I choose a homestay host family by myself?

        Surely you can! After logging into members area, you may search and apply for homestay according to your own needs and budget.

        Can I change my homestay family?

        Surely you can, without placement fee! In fact we help you to communicate with the host family and make an informed decision before your arrival, and minimize the needs and hassle to change host family. After your arrival, we will help you to adapt to the new home, and will help you to move to a new homestay family if you wish.

        If you are under 18 years of age, you may need permission from your school before changing to another homestay family according to your student visa conditions.

        Am I expected to assist with chores around the house?

        Homestay is different from a hotel where you pay for service. If you assist in whatever way you can, for example setting the table before a meal, keeping your room tidy, or cleaning after yourself in the common area, you will find it much easier to live pleasantly with other members of the family. For details please refer to the invitation of the host family, or talk with your host parents.

        Do I need to cook my meals and wash my own clothes?

        For details please refer to the host family's invitation. Some families provide three meals a day, while others supply breakfast and dinner only. Some host parents may wash your clothes for you. If you plan to cook for yourself, make sure you check with the host parents and ask for permission.

        May I invite friends to visit me?

        You may ask your host parents and choose a convenient time for visitors to come.

        Can my parent or friend live with me when they visit me?

        Generally no. Please ask your host parents whether this is possible.

        Will I have a room of my own so that I can lock it?

        You will have a room of your own unless you applied for a shared room. It is not common for Australian homes to have locks on bedroom doors.

        What should I do if there are conflicts between me and the host family?

        Our local community leader will provide ongoing support to solve potential and emerging issues. If you wish, we may also help you to move to another family without placement fee.

        How long must I stay?

        This depends on the host family. Please refer to the homestay invitations for details, and you may apply for a homestay depending on your situation.

        I haven't received any email after registration. What should I do?

        Please check your spam inbox if you have provided a correct and working email address. Some email systems may treat a new email as junk mail if the sender is not in the address book.

        What are the differences between trial members and formal members?

        Trial members may search for homestay but are unable to ask hosts questions, access hosts' personal information, or apply. Formal members do not have the above restrictions.

        How can I become a formal member?

        You will become a formal member after paying a membership fee and a deposit equivalent to the minimum length of homestay. We accept payment by PayPal and bank transfer. If you pay by PayPal, you need to bear PayPal's handling fees and foreign currency conversion fees.

        How do I apply?

        After you register online and pay fees and deposit to become a formal member, you may log in members area, search and apply for homestay matching your interests and needs. Host families will check your profile and decide whether to accept your application.

        What charges should I pay?

        Homestay fees depend on location, facilities and whether meals/internet are provided. The home profile and fees are searchable in members area.

        What are my responsibilities in homestay as a student?

        If you consider the home as your own and take care of the needs of other family members, then you will be accepted as a member of the family too. The following tips will help you to live pleasantly in a homestay family：

• smile and greet when you meet other family members.
  
• call your host parents if you can't go home ontime.
• spend some time to talk with other family members. What will you think if someone in your family shut himserf or herself in a room and say nothing at meal time?
  
• be quiet when you arrive home late, or make phone calls late at night.
  
• keep your room and common area tidy.
  

        What should I do if others are too loud when I study?

        You may politely explain you are studying, and request them to lower the volume. If you feel difficult to raise the issue by yourself, please talk to the local community leader.