Australian Homestay Standards

A critical element in the success of  the Australian Homestay Network (AHN) and the Community Placement Network (CPN) has been the insistence of adopting the well published Homestay Standards in International Education which were first deemed appropriate by the:

 

Senate Inquiry into the Welfare of International Students (2009)

Please Click Here (see sections 3.65 through to 3.71)


The University of Sydney Centre for English Teaching (CET) 

also finalised an official review into acceptable minimum Homestay standards (2010/11).

The new standards were decided upon after input from DEEWR, ISANA International Education Association Inc. (www.isana.org.au) and a selection of experienced Homestay Managers.   

Standards to be met by USYD CET Homestay Providers.

The following standards must be met by the approved Homestay Providers for USYD CET:

    1. An online portal which supplies individual logins for agents, hosts, students and institutions where appropriate ‘real time’ data and reports relating to current placements, arrivals and history can be monitored and accessed.
    2. A professional approach to ensuring that there is appropriate and compulsory (guaranteed) insurance cover for Hosts in line with Industry expectations.
    3. Documented and guaranteed training for host families and supporting data to demonstrate the training has taken place.
    4. A documented agreement to be signed by all host families outlining appropriate policies and the host obligations.
    5. A documented and comprehensive approach to student orientation.
    6. A student policy which guides student expectations and outlines responsibilities of the host family and Homestay provider.
    7. A 24/7 Emergency and Critical incident phone support strategy which meets an acceptable and professional standard.
    8. An ongoing strategy for the management and accountability of all payments made on behalf of the student to the Homestay host.

For more information, please Click Here.

 

The NSW Parliamentary Inquiry into International Student Accommodation (2011)

also commended these same 8 standards and recommended them for legislation.

Please Click Here (recommendation 4  and pages 3 and 4 relating to Homestay).

 

The Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC)

officially advised their contracted ‘Settlement Services’ providers in 2012 (who are assisting with Asylum seeker community placements) that all Homestay services must now meet the University of Sydney 8 standards above.

 

The Council of International Students of Australia (CISA)

have also identified numerous issues in an unregulated Homestay Industry in Australia and have called for legislation of Homestay.

 

Solution

Homestay Standards are now entrenched and it would be unwise for Education Providers to ignore their obligation to these standards and their duty of care risk exposure. Adoption of the 8 standards above as Best Practice will ensure that future students are protected and the Homestay Industry will only consist of participants committed to these standards.