FAQs for Homestay Families General

What is expected from me?
What is the application procedure to host international students?
Is there some sort of document I can refer to when I first start homestay?
Why do I need a Working with Children Check?
How is my performance as a homestay monitored by Homestay Accommodation Services?
Why do I need to sign the Homestay Placement Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)?

What is expected from me?

As a minimum, the homestay must provide the student with three meals per day, a bedroom (containing a bed, study table, lamp and storage facilities for clothing), and general household utilities (such as gas, electricity, water and heating). Other expenses, such as telephone  and Internet are at the discretion of the homestay.

In addition to the above, the homestay should:

1. Not have to change their daily routine greatly
2. Provide a warm, friendly environment
3. Encourage students to speak English at all times
4. Ensure their student’s safety and well being
5. Be flexible, and sensitive to, the cultural differences between Australia and other countries
6. Communicate any concerns or problems that arise so clear communication can be given to help solve problems or misunderstandings.

What is the application procedure to host international students?

Please call us on 9905 8326 for more information.

Is there some sort of document which I can refer to when I first start homestay?

Yes, each new homestay host will be given a Homestay Manual. This manual is particularly useful for first-time hosts, however it should be reviewed periodically even by experienced hosts. If you cannot download the Homestay Manual file, please call HAS staff on 9905 8326 to request a copy.

Why do I need a Working with Children Check?

Under Victorian Government legislation, it is a requirement for Homestay Hosts that each homestay family member aged 18 and over has a current Working with Children Check (WWCC) before we can place a student with that family. For more information on how to obtain your WWCC, contact us on 9905 8326.

How is my performance as a homestay monitored by Homestay Accommodation Services?

Homestay Accommodation Services requests students to complete evaluations on every aspect of their exchange, including homestay during different stages of their study in Australia. Homestays are also required to complete an evaluation of the student. These evaluations are only one form of measure in our assessment of homestays to ensure that students are well looked after.

Why do I need to sign the Homestay Placement Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)?

The Memorandum of Understanding outlines the duties and obligations of both Homestay Accommodation Services and the Homestay Host. When you register with HAS, you will be given two copies of the MOU. Before we can place a student with you, each member of your household aged 18 and over must read the MOU and sign one copy which must be posted back to the HAS office. If you have any questions regarding the contents of the MOU, please call Homestay staff on 9905 8326 or email us on has@mcpl.monash.edu.au

What do you mean by three meals a day?

Homestays may be very flexible in terms of meals. Three meals a day may include two cooked meals and one cut lunch, or cereal for breakfast, a cut lunch and a cooked dinner. It is entirely up to the agreement between homestay and student, provided that students are sufficiently fed. Please exercise your discretion in regards to the frequency of takeaway food and eating-out as meals are already included in the homestay fee.

Who pays for the phone bill?

Students have already been oriented that they must cover all their own phone calls. Students may purchase calling cards to make international calls or can dial 0012 (instead of 0011) to find out the cost of calls and pay the homestay accordingly. Homestays may wish to keep a log book or have a specific system to monitor out-going calls.