University of Sydney Alumni

 
 
in association with

 
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The University of Sydney has teamed with the Australian Homestay Network (AHN) to give Sydney-based University of Sydney alumni the opportunity to host newly-arrived international students in your home for two or more weeks to help these students settle in to Sydney and advise them with general safety, accommodation and welfare information.

Homestay is a cultural exchange between a local individual or family (called a host) and a visiting international student. It is a wonderful way to share a unique cultural experience with the University of Sydney’s visiting international students and to enhance the student experience of this important sector of our student population.

AHN is considered to be the leading Australian Homestay Manager, and welcomes you to be part of this homestay program. 

 

How you can take part

Do you have a spare room?  

Do you live near public transport?

Would you be a good mentor for a new visitor in Australia?

If you answered “YES” to any of the above questions then you may qualify to join the Australian Homestay Network and University of Sydney Alumni Homestay program.

 

It’s Easy

AHN hosts provide a clean and basically furnished bedroom for their guest. This includes items like a bed, desk, wardrobe, chair and a study lamp.

The visiting student will need to have access to bathroom and laundry facilities and hosts can choose a range of AHN options in regard to meal inclusions.

 

It’s Interesting and Fun

Enjoy everyday activities with your visiting student including:

  • showing your student around your community
  • guiding them on the basics of Australian culture
  • listening to them talk about where they are from
  • teaching them such basics as buying transport tickets, where the local shops are, how to access banking and personal safety tips
  • helping with English and ‘Aussie’ words and phrases
  • following the AHN guidelines provided regarding hosting an international student

  

Australian Homestay Network Management

The Australian Homestay Network (AHN) has been appointed by the University of Sydney to manage the project.

AHN will deliver free online training to all WISH (Welcome International Students to Homestay) project participants and will be responsible for interviewing all applicants as well as inspecting premises ensuring suitability for the hosting required.

Applicants will be required to meet AHN standards before being selected to host a student.

 

Professional Support Provided

Opportunities exist now for friendly individuals and families to become an Australian Homestay Network (AHN) host and share a unique cultural experience with the University of Sydney’s visiting international students.
 

AHN supports all hosts with a range of services such as:

  • Full training
  • Professional 24/7 support
  • Full Administration support (payments and receipting)
  • Tax free host payments to cover all anticipated expenses
  • Appropriate Insurance Cover for both students and hosts
  • Assistance with student management and support

AHN was recently commended by the Senate Inquiry into the Welfare of International Students for their standards of service. 

 

General Expenses Are Covered

AHN Homestay provides a weekly allowance that covers all anticipated costs.

Hosts have the option of being available for:

  • traditional full meals homestay
  • dinner only homestay or
  • no meals homestay

For full details please see the AHN Alumni Fee Structure

Please click the join button below to begin your application.