What to expect

What to expect

The Homestay Program has been providing Homestay services for international students since 1998. Homestay is a great way to learn about Australian culture, practice your English and make new friends.

The Homestay Program has been providing Homestay services for domestic students since 2020. Homestay provides domestic students with an opportunity to live within a family environment and familiarise with the local area.

All families who offer Homestay accommodation have been approved as Homestay providers by the Homestay Coordinator. Each family is interviewed and their accommodation is inspected to ensure international students are provided with a safe and caring environment where they can learn about and experience Australian culture.


Expectations

Homestay length

The minimum Homestay period is 4 weeks. Once the initial 4 week period has passed, you can then negotiate with your host family to stay longer with them if you wish.

Friends and visitors

Homestay hosts are generally quite flexible and allow guests into their home. However you must discuss this with your host before inviting friends to stay.

If you and a friend wish to find a Homestay family which can accommodate both of you, the Homestay coordinator may be able to help, depending on availability.

Transport

Generally you are expected to catch the bus or train to University. Your host will provide information and assistance to help you access public transport.

When you arrive in Australia, we recommend making a booking with Central Coast Shuttle Express to transport you from Sydney International Airport to your Homestay. For transfers from Newcastle back to Sydney International Airport, we recommend booking with Waratah Hire Cars.


Homestay Families

Australian families may be different from the family you have been used to in your home country. Australia is a modern, multicultural society and your host parents may be from any ethnic background. But they are still Australian!

In Australia, people who care for each other and live together in one house may be considered to be a family, so an Australian family may be:

  • a couple with no children
  • a single person
  • a couple with children
  • a single person with children
  • an older couple whose family has grown and moved away

Find out what costs are involved and what you can expect from you Homestay family.