Homestay FAQ's
What does it involve?
Your role is to provide a welcoming, safe, supportive and secure home environment with a bedroom, a study area, 3 meals a day and contribute to the brilliant reputation Queensland has of providing the authentic Aussie cultural experience!
What will I receive?
You will receive a A$1,476 per month payment to cover your student's meals and other homestay expenses. The CSHS International Team will provide support with your homestay journey and any questions you may have. You will also have access to Education Queensland International 24/7 support services 1800QSTUDY and resources to help you plan for your student's visit, and throughout their stay.
How long are the students in Queensland?
Most of our international students participate in a Study Abroad experience and are here for 3, 6, 9 or 12-months primarily in years 10 - 12. You can choose a short-term student to see if hosting is right for you before embarking on a longer placement. We also host Study Tours that sometimes require shorter homestay of around 1 – 2 weeks.
Can I choose what country the student is from?
We understand you might be learning a language, have an interest in a nationality's food, plan to visit certain countries in the future or have lived in a particular country in the past. These are all valid reasons you might prefer a student from a particular country and we will try our best to place that student with you.
Do I need a government blue card?
The safety of our students is a priority so yes, all homestay hosts need to have a valid Working with Children Authority blue card. The application process includes a police identity and criminal history check—don't worry the International Team can assist you in applying for the card. All family members and residents over 18 will also require a blue card. And any adult guests frequenting your home for 7 or more days in a calendar year must hold a blue card or exemption card.
What support is available to the student?
Every school has an international student program team who are available to students to assist with any issues or concerns. There are also other specialist school staff to help and advise students with many types of matters, including extracurricular activities, health and personal concerns. There is also an emergency contact person who is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. International students get access Education Queensland International's (EQI) free 24/7 student support hotline and access to our free student support mobile app.
What support is available to me as a homestay provider?
Our homestay providers are offered a wide range of support. During school hours, homestay providers can access the Homestay Coordinator based at the school. Outside of school hours, homestay hosts can contact the 24/7 support hotline, 1800 QSTUDY.
At the discretion of the school, homestay providers can also get access to the 'Employee Assistance Program' in the event of an incident.
Do I get any training?
Each homestay provider receives a comprehensive orientation by the school (usually run each Semester). Ongoing support is provided by the Homestay Coordinator and homestay visits throughout your time as a provider.
Do you visit my home to see how it's going?
Yes, to ensure that you are comfortable and satisfied with the arrangement, the school will visit you to check in and see how everything is going. The school will visit you twice a
Do you provide any information to help me better understand the needs of my homestay student?
When looking to place a student with a homestay provider, the school look closely at compatibility and you will be advised of any requirements the student has. Before your students arrives, we will provide you with a profile of the student so you can get to know each other beforehand.
Will a student always be placed with me?
If the arrangement is working well, a student will usually be placed with you for your preferred timeframe (eg 3 months, 6 months, 12 months). However, the school cannot guarantee you will always receive an offer of a student or that a student will stay with you for the duration of their program. Placements will depend on offers received, compatibility with the homestay, location and other variables. It is very important that you advise the International Team if your preferences or availability changes.
How often do I get paid?
You will be paid fortnightly. The income is currently non-assessable however, we strongly encourage you to seek financial advice for any tax implications that may affect your household.
What chores are expected of the student at home?
Being a homestay provider means that you need to care for the student, so all duties of child care are part of the responsibility. However, by offering your home to an international student you can ask that they will help out with light chores such as keeping their room clean, participating in meal preparation, assisting with or doing their own laundry or helping out in the kitchen.
What kind of meals are required?
Part of your commitment to an international student is providing 3 nutritious meals every day—breakfast, lunch and dinner. Having access to your kitchen/facilities will be ideal for making snacks and of course they might want to help out in the kitchen cooking for you their special home-country treats. Occasionally students have dietary requirements (gluten free, vegetarian for example). At the time of application, you can nominate if you can cater to any or all dietary requirements or if you would prefer not to cater to any requirements.
Do I have to meet the student at the airport?
You will be paid $180 which includes collecting your student when they arrive and returning your student to the airport when they return home. If you are unable to do this, let the international team know and they will arrange an airport transfer.
Do I drive the student to school/pick them up?
You need to make sure you take your student to school and home again on the first day. When they are comfortable with travelling to school on their own, and they are 100% sure on the service numbers/names and timetables, then they can travel to and from school on their own.
Is my student allowed to go swimming?
Water safety is a priority. Our school provides surf lessons as well as the opportunity to learn beach safety and water skills programs. All students must complete and pass a water skills assessment before heading off to any water activity. The water skills assessment is part of their Orientation completed in the first week of school.
Is it okay to take our student on a holiday?
Yes, as long as the school and the students natural parents have given permission via the official International Student Programs (ISP) Travel and activities request form. Your student will be so excited to be exploring Queensland.
Can my student stay in the home overnight by themselves?
No, your student cannot be unsupervised overnight regardless of their age.