Homestay Information for International Students

Experience Life in an Australian Home

If you enrol at the English Language Centre you can stay with an Australian 'Homestay' family. This is a safe and welcoming way to settle into your new city, learn about the culture and practise English in real situations.

Please note that this option is only available to students of the University of Adelaide's English Language Centre and must be for a minimum of 4 weeks.

Why choose Homestay?

The goal of Homestay is to allow students and hosts to share and exchange experiences. By participating in Homestay you have the chance to join in the daily life and customs of Australians. 

You have the opportunity to participate in various activities with your hosts, such as outings, sports, hobbies, dining out, shopping and most importantly, learning English in everyday settings.

What can you expect?

• Airport reception and farewell
• A clean, comfortable home environment
• Your own furnished bedroom including a desk
• 3 meals per day: breakfast, a packed lunch and dinner
• Access to laundry facilities, bathroom,  internet and telephone  
• Your home will be easily accessible by public transport (less than 45 minutes from our Centre)
• Ongoing support from our Homestay Coordinator

International students in homestay are part of the family. Living with a family is different from staying in a hotel. Students are encouraged to get involved in family outings and activities, help out with household chores and actively communicate and engage with their family.

Our Homestay Families

Like most modern societies, Australian households vary. A homestay 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. Most importantly, hosts have an interest in sharing their own culture with others and are eager to learn about other languages and cultures.

New homestay families are interviewed and their homes visited by the Homestay Coordinator to assess interest, suitability, and concern for the growth and development of the student. The emphasis is on a home that provides the student with comfortable surroundings and a place for practising and developing English language skills.

The English Language Centre continually works hard to ensure that international students are placed with families who best match the needs of each student with consideration given to preferred family type, dietary requirements, pets, children and student interests.

Homestay Fees

Accommodation Fee: AUD $220 per week.

Placement Fee: AUD $250

The Placement Fee and 4 weeks accommodation is payable when you submit your application. After 4 weeks, students may make their own arrangements with their host families.

More Information

Please contact our Homestay Coordinator on +61 08 8313 4777 or email: homestay@adelaide.edu.au

How do I apply?

To apply, please complete the Homestay Application Form

To help us match you with a suitable host family please complete the Open Letter and attach with your application form. The Open Letter is a short letter which introduces you to the family and informs them of your interests, your likes, dislikes and personality.

Please note: At least 4 weeks notice is required to secure a homestay place.

Return the completed forms to:
Homestay Coordinator
Professional and Continuing Education (PCE)
including the English Language Centre
The University of Adelaide
ADELAIDE SA 5005

Fax:+61 08 8313 4411
email: homestay@adelaide.edu.au