Refund Policies
AHN is responsible for managing the expectations of the student, host and other related parties with respect to maximising the opportunity for a successful Homestay Placement.
It is important that all parties are clear on the relevant refund and associated policies regarding these processes.
Homestay fees are generally made up of two types of payments:
1. Homestay Placement Fee
This is the fee paid to the AHN Homestay Supervisor to confirm that a placement is required. The fee is generally paid in conjunction with a minimum period of weekly fees (usually 4 weeks). Generally the homestay fee covers 2 options of placement that suits the student's profile as indicated in the application process. Students will be asked to pay another placement fee should they wish to explore other host options if the first 2 are declined for reasons other than what is specified in the student profile.
On receipt of the Placement Fee the AHN Homestay Supervisor is responsible for finding and selecting an appropriate screened Host for the student using the available matching criteria. Once the Supervisor has begun the work to locate a suitable host the Placement fee is not refundable.
The placement fee is fully refundable if:
· the student’s travel is cancelled or the students Visa is not approved and
· a minimum of 2 weeks written notice has been provided to the AHN Homestay Supervisor or
· the institution cancels the course or the supervisor has not yet begun the work to find a suitable placement
Under most other circumstances the Homestay Placement fee is non-refundable.
2. Homestay Weekly Fees
This is the fee paid to the AHN Homestay Supervisor to cover the payment of Hosts, insurance, support services and monitoring of the Homestay placement.
These fees are paid in advance (usually 4 weeks) and are fully refundable if:
· the student’s travel is cancelled or the students Visa is not approved and
· a minimum of 2 weeks written notice has been provided to the AHN Homestay Supervisor
If a confirmed placement is cancelled within 14 days of the student arrival, the student will forfeit up to 2 weeks Homestay Weekly Fees.
If a student fails to arrive or decides to not attend the Homestay, the student will be required to give a minimum of 2 weeks’ notice in writing prior to any refund being considered.
The 2 weeks written notice cannot apply to any part of the prepaid 4 week or more initial homestay placement once the student has arrived at the homestay.
Please Note:
· If a student gives less than two weeks (14 nights’) notice of their intention to move out of their Homestay, the student will still be required to pay Homestay weekly fees for two weeks (14 nights) following the date on which they have given notice.
· All AHN Homestay refunds will be paid into an Australian bank account. No cash refunds will be processed.
· Refunds will be paid within 4 weeks of receipt of the written notice to the AHN Homestay Supervisor of cancellation and confirmation from the AHN Host that there are no other issues
· Once a Homestay Placement is ongoing a minimum of 2 weeks’ notice is required at all times. This notice period may not apply for study tours or speical circumstances.
Cancellations: If you decide to cancel your application after a placement has been allocated, the placement fee is not refundable. (NOTE: If Visa application is declined placement fee is refundable). If you decide to cancel your application less than 2 weeks before your arrival date, the placement fee and up to 2 weeks Homestay Fees are not refundable.
Giving notice: If either party wishes to terminate the Homestay arrangement, two weeks’ notice must be given to AHN and your Homestay Host. This notice period will be waived for study tours or special circumstances such as critical incidents (NOTE: Once you arrive, we do not refund weekly fees for your initial period in homestay—usually 4 weeks.)
Holiday Refund Policy
Many students wish to put on hold their homestay placements when they return overseas or go on a holiday. If the AHN Host and AHN Supervisor are agreeable the student may choose as follows:
1. 50% Homestay Fee Service (Room is maintained plus storage)
The student is able to leave some of their personal possessions in the room and the room will not be used by the Host for other purposes.
In this case the student agrees to pay to the AHN Supervisor 50% of the normal AHN Homestay Weekly Fee for up to 8 weeks (includes AHN insurance).
Airport Pickup Refund Policy
· The student is requested to contact the AHN Supervisor in regards to any changes in regards to their flight information. If this is not done and the student has missed a flight or changed details then they will be charged for the original trip to the airport plus an additional charge for the second pickup. If the student contacts the AHN Supervisor at least 4 hours prior to the original flight landing there will be no extra charge.
· If the student finds an alternate way to the homestay and driver has gone to the airport there will be no refund.
· If a student cancels an airport pickup 24 hours or less prior to arrival the student will forfeit all fees paid for the service.
· If a student cancels airport pickup more the 24hrs hours prior to arrival there will be a refund.
Approved Refunds: All approved refunds will be deposited into an Australian Bank Account less any transaction fees incurred.