Frequently Asked Questions

Anybody can apply to be a host. From single hosts, empty nesters or families with kids we accept all family situations, and backgrounds. The main host must be over 25 years and English must be spoken in the home.

SAS require both a Police check and a Working with children check for anybody living in the home over the age of 18 years.

We need hosts in all inner Melbourne suburbs. Contact us today to check your location.

Yes, English should be spoken in the home at all times. Most students are here to learn English and it is important for them to hear and practise English in the homestay.

Yes, students have a basic level of English, this can vary depending on what course they are studying. However, most students are here to practise their spoken English and may require patience and support.

The length of stay can vary from 2 weeks to multiple years, depending on their age and the course they are studying. Some students are only here on a short study tour. High school students often stay long term while they complete VCE. University students usually range from 4 weeks up to a year.

You can let us know what length of stay you prefer.

Absolutely. You need to be comfortable with who is staying in your home and you always have the choice of age, gender, nationality, and the length of stay.

You can host a maximum of 3 international students at a time. Any more than this and the Department of Education will consider you a boarding house not a homestay.

Up to two students is tax free.

The rate varies from $350 to $400 per week depending on the students age and the meal structure they have requested. You will be notified of this information when the student is offered to you.

SAS will transfer the payment directly into your bank account on a fortnightly basis. You must not take any money directly from a student, all payments must go through SAS.

You can host up to two students tax free. For more information, please visit www.ato.gov.au

Yes, hosts are required to prepare dinner for students most nights.

Students can prepare their own breakfast and lunch from ingredients provided.

You should aim to provide a healthy balanced diet. A suggested menu plan for a day could include bread, eggs, cereal and fruit for breakfast; leftovers or sandwiches and fruit for lunch; and meat, noodles, pasta, rice and vegetables for dinner. Instant noodles, muesli bars and supermarket cake or biscuits could provide easy after school snacks.

Milk, fruit juice and water are the recommended beverages. You are not expected to supply soft drink.

All hosts are covered for students we place with them under our Master Plan for public liability.  Hosts can also claim damages on our insurance policy, there is a $250 excess for claims that the host will be required to pay.

Yes, students will have their own medical insurance and travel insurance to cover their personal belongings.

Some students will be dropped off to your home and others will need to be picked up from their school. You will be notified of this when a student is booked with you.

Hosts are never required to pick up or drop off students to the airport.

Often students have travelled many hours and are quite tired upon arrival. We suggest that you offer them a light meal or snack, a shower and a nap. If they have not already done so check that they have contacted home to advise of their safe arrival.

Although everyone is excited, please try to ease your student into your lifestyle. Please do not bombard your student with rules the minute they walk in the door and carefully introduce any pets.

Make sure to discuss your students’ food preferences with them.

Make sure to eat dinner and chat with your students on a regular basis, especially the first few days.

You must notify us if you are going away. Under 18 students cannot be left alone, sometimes over 18 students can be however we still need to be notified beforehand.

You may be able to organise a friend or family member to stay in the home with your student, otherwise we can arrange for the student to stay with another homestay temporarily.

Your student should notify you and SAS in advance if they plan to return home during holidays. You will be paid a lower rate to hold the room while they are away.

Under 18 students will require permission from the school to go away.

Under 18 students will have a curfew set by their school, you should notify us or their caregiver if they are late. Over 18 students do not have set curfews but should stay in touch and notify you if planning to return late.

Yes, it is your home, therefore you have the right to make the house rules. All house rules should be made clear to your student shortly after arrival.

No, Students are expected to clean their own bedroom and to clean up after themselves in common areas. Some students depending on their age may require help or to be reminded sometimes.

As it is a family environment, you can ask students to do small jobs such as helping with the dishes or preparing meals.

Some hosts prefer to do all the washing and drying, others are happy to let the students do their own washing. Whichever you choose just remember to make instructions clear to students.

It is in your best interest that you check of the bedroom sometime in the 24 hours prior to a student leaving. If there is any damage (apart from fair wear and tear) then this should be bought to the attention of the student, and SAS right away.

Make sure your student returns any keys that belong to your home before departing.