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Homestay Australia

Your home away from home

Live with an Australian family

Looking for a home away from home? Join one of ILSC’s welcoming Homestay families in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, or Adelaide, and enjoy a supportive living environment while immersing yourself in Australian culture. Homestay offers a fantastic opportunity to practise your English, experience daily life with a local family, and build meaningful connections.

IMPORTANT: Homestay accommodations are not available to:
• Greystone College Australia students
• ILSC Australia evening schedule students

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Moving into a new home in a different country is an exciting opportunity, but it can also come with challenges. To help you adjust smoothly, we’ve compiled essential information on homestay expectations, daily routines, and house rules.

Below, you’ll find a video guide with English subtitles and translations in multiple languages, along with practical tips offering step-by-step insights into homestay life. These resources will support you as you adjust to a new environment, navigate cultural differences, and make the most of your experience.

Watch ILSC Homestay Program video

Click to view Practical Tips for Homestay

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Before securing your stay with ILSC, it's important to review our Accommodation Booking Policy to understand the terms, conditions, and procedures for booking a homestay. This policy outlines key details such as eligibility, fees, cancellation terms, and modification requests, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free experience.

Please take a moment to familiarize yourself with the guidelines below to help plan your accommodation with confidence.

australia homestay
MEAL PLAN OPTIONS
  • icon_burgerHALF-BOARD (Breakfast + Dinner)
BREAKFAST

Breakfast is usually prepared by the student and may consist of a piece of toast with coffee and/or a bowl of cereal with milk.

DINNER

Dinner is prepared by the family. Your family will set the dinner time (typically sometime between 6−7:30 pm). Dinner is usually a well-balanced, full meal.


  • icon_burgerFULL-BOARD (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)

Full-Board Homestay Accommodation may be possible upon request for underage students (under 18) and short-term study groups, subject to availability. This option includes three daily meals.
For availability and pricing, please contact the Accommodations Team.

USE OF THE KITCHEN

Homestay students do not have access to the kitchen for cooking. If you would like to use the kitchen, please ask your host for permission, but note that they are not obligated to allow it.

FOOD ALLERGIES/RESTRICTIONS

Students must disclose any food allergies or dietary restrictions when applying for the Homestay program.
Host families may accommodate a single common food allergy or restriction without the additional “Special Diet” surcharge being applied.

For special diets, please inquire about availability - if available special diets are an additional $70/week. Special diet surcharge include, but are not limited to:
• Gluten-free
• Lactose-free
• Halal
• Vegetarian
• Vegan

Desk

Desk

Bedroom

Bedroom

Kitchen

Kitchen

Dining

Dining

Our homestay option provides half-board meal plan in a supported environment with an Australian family in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Perth or Adelaide.

All prices are in Australian dollars (AUD). Taxes are included where applicable. Rates are per person. Booking is subject to availability.

All ILSC & Greystone College homestay bookings require an Administration Fee of $325 in addition to weekly fees. Pricing is valid for arrivals in 2025 but is subject to change at any time

A minimum booking length of 4 weeks (28 days) is required. ILSC will accommodate homestay bookings less than 4-weeks as part of short-duration study tours and individual study programs only. In these circumstances, homestay bookings must match the duration of studies (i.e. 2 weeks study program = minimum 14 nights homestay).

For special diets, please inquire about availability - if available special diets are an additional $70/week. Special diet surcharge include, but are not limited to:

  • Gluten-free
  • Lactose-free
  • Halal
  • Vegetarian
  • Vegan

Half Board
18+

Have your breakfast and dinner taken care of by your homestay family; but enjoy the flexibility to eat out for lunch with new friends.

  • icon_coffee BREAKFAST
  •  
  • icon_plate DINNER
    • WEEKLY RATE FOR 18+
    •  
    • ADELAIDE & BRISBANE & PERTH
    • $385
    •  
    • MELBOURNE & SYDNEY
    • $415

Half Board
Under 18

Have your breakfast and dinner taken care of by your homestay family; but enjoy the flexibility to eat out for lunch with new friends.

  • icon_coffee BREAKFAST
  •  
  • icon_plate DINNER
    • WEEKLY RATE FOR UNDER 18
    •  
    • ADELAIDE & BRISBANE & PERTH
    • $410
    •  
    • MELBOURNE & SYDNEY
    • $440

Practical Tips for Homestay Students

Welcome to Your Homestay

  • Your host family provides a safe and friendly home. They will help you adjust to life in Australia and guide you when needed.
  • Respect and understanding are important for a good homestay experience

Before You Arrive

  • You may contact your host family before arriving by email or WhatsApp. They may also contact you.
  • When you get an Australian mobile number, share it with your host family as soon as possible.

Living with Your Homestay Family

  • Homestay families come from different backgrounds, cultures, and religions. ILSC is a welcoming and inclusive space for everyone.
  • You may live with other students from your country, but you should speak English at all times.
  • Your homestay family is kind and understanding. It is normal to feel nervous at first, but you will feel more comfortable when you get to know the family better. Please give yourself a few weeks to settle.
  • Some hosts prefer to be called by their first name, while others may ask you to call them "Mum" or "Dad."
  • Be polite! Say things like "Thank you," "Good morning," "Hi, how are you?" and "Bye, I’m going out, but I’ll be back for dinner."
  • If you spend too much time in your room, your host may think you are unhappy. Spend time talking with them, watching TV, or helping with small tasks
  • Every homestay has house rules. Your family will explain them on your first day. Try your best to follow them.

  • You may see insects like ants, spiders, and mosquitoes, and sometimes wildlife like birds or possums. This is normal in Australia. Host families maintain cleanliness, but students should expect some interaction with nature, especially in suburban areas close to parks and bush.
  • Dust, pollen, and seasonal allergies are common, especially in spring. Bring allergy medicine if needed.
  • Australia has a relaxed lifestyle, and your homestay will provide a balance of independence and support. While you’ll have the freedom to manage your daily routines, your host will be there to guide you and offer advice.
  • Bring warm clothes for winter and light clothes for summer.
  • Many houses in Australia are made of wood. They may have less insulation and soundproofing than homes in your country.

  • Always lock the front and back doors when leaving the house.
  • Return your keys at the end of your homestay.
  • If you damage something in the house, you will need to pay for repairs or replacements.
  • Guests and overnight visitors are not allowed unless your host gives permission.
  • Follow all safety instructions given by your homestay for both indoor and outdoor activities.
  • This includes safety around pools, play equipment, bush areas, sun protection, beaches, and personal security.
  • Always inform your host family where you are going and when you will return.

  • Your room will have a bed, wardrobe, study desk, and chair. You will also receive bed linen and a towel.
  • You must buy your own personal care items, such as shampoo, toothpaste, and soap.
  • Most bedrooms do not have locks. Keep your valuables safe.
  • Keep your room clean and tidy.
  • Bedrooms are private spaces. Knock before entering someone else's room.
  • Heating and cooling devices may be available. Ask your host about using them. Remember to use them moderately, turning them off when not in use or before going to bed.
  • Turn off the lights when leaving a room or going to sleep.
  • Talk to your host if you need space for your luggage.
  • Be quiet after 10:00 pm. Most Australians go to bed early. If you need to call family in your country, ask your host about a good time.
  • You can stay up late if you are quiet and do not disturb others.
  • Clean up after yourself in common areas.
  • Helping with small tasks is a nice way to show respect to your host family.

  • Your homestay provides half-board meals (breakfast and dinner every day, plus a light lunch on weekends if requested).
  • Breakfast is usually simple: toast, coffee, yogurt, or cereal. Most families do not eat breakfast together.
  • Weekend lunch is usually a light meal, like a sandwich or a reheated dishes/leftover from the previous day’s dinner.
  • Dinner is a hot meal, usually prepared by the parents. Families often eat together. This is a great time to practice your English!
  • Your host will tell you what time dinner is served. If you will be late, let them know.
  • If you cannot join the dinner, kindly let your host know beforehand. You may need to reheat the meal afterwards using the microwave.
  • If your host is not home at dinner time, they will prepare your meal in advance.
  • Weekday lunch is your responsibility. You also need to buy your own snacks.
  • Ask your host where you can store your snacks.
  • Many Australian families freeze and refrigerate food, like large portions of meat, bread and other produce to keep it fresh. This is normal and safe, and food from the freezer or fridge is not old.
  • If you have food allergies or foods you cannot eat, tell your agent and host before arriving.
  • After eating, wash your dishes or put them in the dishwasher, as guided by the host.
  • Most Australians eat with a knife, fork, and spoon. Making noises like slurping or burping is considered rude.
  • Always say “Thank you” to the person who prepares your meal.
  • Do not eat food in your bedroom to avoid insects, smell, stains, food spills, and other mess.
  • You are not allowed to cook unless your host gives you permission.
  • You can use kitchen appliances like the microwave, toaster, fridge, and air fryer. Your host will show you how.
  • Keep the kitchen clean.

Speak to a homestay
specialist today.

We are looking forward to answering your questions.

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