Under 18 Policies

If you are under the age of 18 while in a homestay placement, you have a number of extra responsibilities. 

In particular, it is important to remain in contact with your supervisor, as well as services officers and enrolments staff at your place of study. 

There are specific rules relating to homestay. For example, individual Homestay’s may have specific house guidelines for guests. There is an expectation that you will make an effort to live as a family member in the home and communicate and get involved with the family activities. 

AHN strongly suggests that you read all Homestay Policy information and be patient about adjusting to your new home. 

If you are intending to take scheduled holidays away from the homestay or without supervision, your parents must give written permission before we can consider the request to grant the leave be taken. Please refer to the “Students on Holidays” link for further information.

Important information for under 18 students and their hosts

Students under the age of 18 must be aware of their visa requirements.

Definite rules apply to students under 18 years of age. Students under 18 are still considered minors and will have restrictions on their movements and lifestyle.

These limits are set down by the Immigration department and are conditional to the student’s visa being granted the guardian must comply with these rules.

Please ensure your student is aware of the limits placed on them. It can come as quite a shock to learn that they cannot do the same things as over 18s.  This can sometimes cause extreme anxiety. 

Guardianship & welfare arrangements for under 18s

Students who are under the age of 18 must live in approved homestay.

The guardian is often the education provider.  Parents of under aged students complete the Guardianship form before students visa can be issued by the department of immigration.

Welfare arrangements for under 18s are for the duration of the student’s confirmation of enrolment, (COE) plus seven days before and after their course start and end dates. 

Airport pick up is compulsory unless arriving with parents.  If the student wishes to travel with their relative or an adult, this must be approved prior to travel by the Education Provider.

Airport pickup is arranged for students only. 

Permission to stay somewhere other than Homestay

If students wish to stay overnight away from their approved homestay, they must seek approval/permission from their education provider and Guardian. 

The education provider must be supplied with the students personal contact details, the contact details of an approved adult they are staying with, the length of stay (When are they leaving their host and returning to their host) and finally the location where they are staying.

The host will be advised of any approved leave by the education provider/guardian.

This is required to ensure the students welfare and safety and to cover any emergencies that may arise.

The education provider/guardian is required to know where all under 18s students are at all times. 

Homestay is the only option for under 18s

Any student under the age of 18, must stay in an approved homestay for the duration of their stay (visa) or until they turn 18.  

Clear house rules are to be set down for all under 18 students. 

Curfew at night is 8pm week nights and 11pm for Friday and Saturday nights.

Students are to comply with these times.

Failure to do so may result in the issue of an official warning.  

Under 18 Students must inform hosts of their whereabouts at all times and must  be contactable by mobile at all times.

If students wish to travel away from their host during any holiday periods, they must follow the same policy as outlined above (Permission to stay somewhere other than Homestay). 

Students who repeatedly fail to comply with host provider’s house rules may be removed from the homestay and can have their enrolment cancelled. 

The Education provider and AHN (1300697829) must be advised by the host if a student fails to return home. 

Under 18 students can  not change their homestay without  the education provider and the Guardian‘s approval.

Should the accommodation office approve of a change of homestay, the student must provide the current provider with 2 weeks written notice.

No refund will be given for departing within the minimum 4 week stay. 

Under 18 students will be contacted on a regular basis to check on their welfare.