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Becoming a host family is an enjoyable and rewarding experience.

Why become a host family?

Some of our host families have been with us for years! Having a host student in your home offers many rewards and benefits to your family, including:

• expanding your own awareness of another culture and language
• the opportunity to share and reflect on Australian culture
• the opportunity to develop friendships which can last a lifetime
• the joy of seeing an individual’s English skills improve
• payment to you in recognition of student’s living costs (see below)
• ongoing support from our Homestay Coordinator.

Who can be a host family?

Like most modern societies, Australian households vary. A host family does not necessarily mean a two-parent family with children. Hosts may be single individuals, married couples, single parents with children, couples or partners with or without children. Backgrounds vary greatly. Typically hosts have an interest in sharing their own culture with others and are eager to learn about other languages and cultures.

What will the host family need to provide?

The host family needs to provide a home where the student is comfortable, actively engaged in the daily life of the household and is encouraged to practice and develop their English language skills. Specifically, the host family needs to provide:

• Airport reception and farewell
• A clean, comfortable home environment
• A furnished bedroom, including a desk and a chair
• 3 meals per day: breakfast, a packed lunch and dinner
• Access to laundry facilities, bathroom, and internetÌý
• Your home will need to be easily accessible by public transport (less than 50Ìýminutes from our centre).

The majority of our students are aged between 18-23 years and stay from anywhere between 2 and 20 weeks.

Please note: Homes need to be easily accessible by public transport (less than 50 minutes from our centre) and there should be no more than one student who speaks the same first language in the home, unless otherwise agreed.

Support and reimbursement

We have a dedicated Homestay Coordinator who provides ongoing support to host families and students. All families are visited by the Homestay Coordinator prior to first hosting a student to assess interest, suitability, and concern for the growth and development of the student. Families are also invited to attend information nights prior to major programs.

We recognise that families become involved in the homestay program because they see it as a wonderful experience. However, we don’t expect it to be a financial burden. To help out over the student’s stay we provide you with $380 per week towards the costs of food, entertainment, and various other expenses for your student.

More information

Please contact our Homestay Coordinator on 8313 4777, email:Ìýhomestay@adelaide.edu.au.

Please note: due to system upgrades, the ELC Homestay Portal is not available for access at this time.

If you would like to update your details at any time, please email the ELC Homestay Team at: homestay@adelaide.edu.au.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long does a student stay in my home?Ìý
ÌýA: Most students stay between 2 and 20 weeks. The exact duration depends on their program.Ìý

Q: Will all international students already speak English?Ìý
ÌýA: Students arrive with different levels of English. Some may be quite fluent, while others are just beginning their language journey. Hosting provides them with valuable practice in real-life situations.Ìý

Q: Can I request a student of a certain nationality or gender?Ìý
ÌýA: We do our best to match students with families, but placements are based on availability and suitability. You can share your preferences with the Homestay Coordinator, and we will take them into consideration where possible.Ìý

Q: Do I need to speak another language to host a student?Ìý
ÌýA: No, you don’t need to speak another language. The main goal is to provide a supportive environment where the student can practice English and experience Australian culture.Ìý

Q: Can I host more than one student at a time?Ìý
ÌýA: Usually, only one student per household is hosted at a time, However, during peak program periods, it may be necessary to place two students with one host family, subject to prior agreement and suitability.Ìý

Q: Am I expected to cook for my student?Ìý
A: You are not required to cook every meal for your student. However, if you choose not to cook, you must provide the necessary ingredients so the student can prepare two meals a day — breakfast and a packed lunch. Dinner is expected to be a shared meal between the family and the students. Please show them where food is stored and how to use the kitchen and utensils so they can cook for themselves.Ìý

Q: What if my student has dietary requirements?Ìý
ÌýA: You’ll be informed in advance if your student has specific dietary needs, such as vegetarian, halal, or gluten-free, so you can plan accordingly.Ìý

Q: Do I need to collect my student from the airport?Ìý
ÌýA: Yes, host families meet students at the airport on arrival and also farewell them at departure as part of the homestay experience.Ìý

Q: Do I need to go with my student to their enrolment or orientation?Ìý
ÌýA: Yes. While families are not expected to take students to class every day, it is important that you accompany your student to their orientation day. This helps them learn about the journey from your home to the ELC and ensures they can get their student ID and metro card during the first week. Without these, their mobility can be limited.Ìý

Q: How can I support my students with their studies?Ìý
ÌýA: Your role is not to tutor but to encourage. Simple things like chatting in English, asking about their classes, and creating a supportive study environment at home make a big difference.Ìý

Q: Does someone need to be home every evening?Ìý
ÌýA: While students are expected to be independent, hosts should ensure the home feels safe and welcoming. A responsible adult must be present in the home every night. Students are not to be left unattended. In the event of an emergency, hosts must arrange for a reliable person to stay with the student and notify the Homestay Team without delay.Ìý

Q: Can I take my student on family outings or trips?Ìý
Yes, you are welcome to include your student in family outings or trips, provided that these activities do not interfere with their class schedule and that ELC is informed in advance. If there are any costs involved, please check with the student beforehand to confirm they are able and willing to pay.Ìý

Q: What should I do if my student becomes unwell?Ìý
ÌýA: Ask if they’d like to see a doctor and help book the appointment. If they miss classes, please notify ELC. The student should also notify the ELC that they are unwell and unable to attend class.Ìý

Q: Is hosting a student safe?Ìý
ÌýA: Safety is a top priority. All students are carefully screened, and the Homestay Coordinator checks homes prior to placement. We also provide ongoing support for both hosts and students.Ìý

Q: How is the weekly reimbursement paid?Ìý
ÌýA: The $390 per week (2026) is provided to help cover food, entertainment, and other student-related expenses. Payment details will be arranged through the Homestay Coordinator/Team.Ìý

Q: Do I need to provide transportation for the student?Ìý
ÌýA: No, students are responsible for their own transportation. However, your home should be accessible by public transport (50 minutes from our centre).Ìý

Q: Can I host a student if I have pets?Ìý
ÌýA: Yes, but it’s important to inform our Homestay Coordinator if you get a new one, or if you foster pets. ÌýÌý

Q: What support is available if issues arise?Ìý
ÌýA: Our Homestay Team is available to help with any concerns or questions throughout the student’s stay. We also provide guidance and resources to help families create a positive hosting experience.Ìý

Q: How can I connect with other host families?Ìý
ÌýA: We encourage host families to connect, share experiences, and support each other through our private Facebook group. To join, please contact the Homestay Team for the link.Ìý