Hosting Students in Western Australia
Hosting Students in Western Australia: A Comprehensive Guide
Introduction
Western Australia (WA), known for its vast landscapes, world-class universities, and welcoming communities, is a major destination for international students. Hosting students, whether international or from remote areas of Australia, is a growing opportunity for families, homestay providers, and educational institutions. This practice not only helps students integrate into the local community but also enhances cultural exchange, improves language skills, and provides financial and social benefits to host families.
This report explores the dynamics of hosting students in Western Australia, including the educational landscape, homestay programs, legal and safety considerations, benefits, challenges, and practical tips for hosts.
1. The Educational Landscape in Western Australia
Western Australia boasts a strong education system, including prestigious institutions such as:
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University of Western Australia (UWA)
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Curtin University
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Murdoch University
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Edith Cowan University (ECU)
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TAFE (Technical and Further Education) WA
These institutions attract thousands of international students every year, especially from Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. Additionally, public and private high schools across the state welcome students on exchange programs or long-term enrolments.
The Western Australian government has supported international education through StudyPerth, which provides resources, events, and assistance for students and host families alike.
2. What Is Student Hosting?
Student hosting refers to providing accommodation and support to students—usually international or from regional areas—who study away from their family home. The most common form of student hosting in WA is homestay, which involves a student living with a local family.
Hosting arrangements can vary: Hosting Students in Western Australia
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Short-term stays (1 week to 3 months)
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Semester or year-long stays
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Guardianship-inclusive hosting for minors
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Boarding-like arrangements for regional or remote Australian students
Homestay hosting is regulated and often coordinated through educational institutions or professional agencies to ensure safety and quality.
3. The Homestay System in WA: Hosting Students in Western Australia
3.1 Who Can Host?
To become a host family in Western Australia, individuals or families must meet specific criteria:
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Provide a safe, clean, and supportive environment
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Be over 25 years of age (typically the main host)
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Pass a Working with Children Check (WWCC)
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Complete training or orientation sessions
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Have adequate space—typically a private furnished bedroom
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Offer meals, internet access, and general support
Agencies and schools conduct interviews and home inspections before approving hosts.
3.2 Types of Students Hosted
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High school students (13–18 years): Usually require guardianship and full supervision.
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University students (18+): Require less supervision and may seek more independence.
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Language school students: Often hosted for short stays while studying English intensively.
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Exchange students: Enrolled for 3–12 months, often through government or NGO programs.
4. Role of Host Families: Hosting Students in Western Australia
A successful homestay experience hinges on the active involvement of host families in a student’s life. Hosts are expected to:
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Provide three nutritious meals a day
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Assist with public transport orientation and school routines
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Include students in family activities and local customs
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Respect cultural differences and promote inclusion
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Communicate regularly with schools or agencies if issues arise
In some cases, hosts may also act as guardians, particularly for high school-aged international students, which involves more responsibilities including attending school meetings and providing medical consent.
5. Legal and Safety Considerations: Hosting Students in Western Australia
5.1 Working With Children Checks (WWCC)
All adult members (18+) of a host household must obtain a Working With Children Check, a legal requirement to ensure student safety.
5.2 Duty of Care
Schools and host agencies retain overall responsibility for student welfare but share this with host families. Hosts are expected to:
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Uphold high safeguarding standards
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Report concerns about wellbeing or safety
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Maintain confidentiality and boundaries
5.3 Insurance and Liability
Host families are encouraged to:
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Confirm if their home and contents insurance covers homestay students
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Check if public liability insurance is included
6. Benefits of Hosting Students: Hosting Students in Western Australia
6.1 Cultural Exchange
Hosting students from countries like China, Japan, India, South Korea, Indonesia, Germany, and Brazil brings cultural diversity and language learning into the home. Families gain a deeper understanding of global traditions, festivals, and lifestyles.
6.2 Financial Compensation
Homestay families typically receive a weekly allowance:
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Ranges from AUD 300 to 400+ per student
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May vary based on meals provided and services included
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Payments are made through the agency or school
6.3 Personal Fulfillment
Many hosts report a deep sense of satisfaction in helping young people adapt to a new environment. Long-lasting friendships and bonds often develop between hosts and students, with many staying in touch for years.
7. Challenges of Hosting: Hosting Students in Western Australia
7.1 Communication Barriers
Language differences can create misunderstandings or limit relationship development, particularly early on. Patience, gestures, and translation apps help bridge the gap.
7.2 Homesickness and Adjustment
7.3 Lifestyle Differences
Routine habits, food expectations, and household etiquette may differ. Open discussion and written house rules are essential for clarity and mutual respect.
7.4 Privacy and Space
Hosting students involves a change in family dynamics. Hosts must balance being inclusive without overstepping boundaries, especially with adult students.
8. How to Become a Host in WA
Step-by-Step Process:
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Apply through a school or agency
E.g., The Custodian Australia, Student Homestay and Guardianship Australia -
Attend an orientation session: Hosting Students in Western Australia
Learn about expectations, safety, and communication strategies. -
Complete a Working With Children Check
Apply online or in person through the WA Department of Communities. -
Home inspection and interview: Hosting Students in Western Australia
Ensure your home meets safety, cleanliness, and suitability standards. -
Get matched with a student
You may have preferences on age, gender, or nationality. -
Ongoing support and training
Hosts may be offered check-ins, workshops, and 24/7 emergency support.
9. Hosting for Specific Institutions
9.1 Curtin University: Hosting Students in Western Australia
Curtin’s homestay program is managed through professional agencies and offers:
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Orientation and airport pickup
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Short-term and long-term stays
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Cultural adjustment support
9.2 Murdoch University
Murdoch collaborates with partners like AHN to place international students with screened host families, especially during the transition period upon arrival.
9.3 Perth Modern School and Private High Schools
High-performing schools in Perth such as Perth Modern School, St. Hilda’s, Scotch College, and Wesley College often work with guardianship providers and experienced hosts for international students.
10. Stories from Real Hosts in WA
Many families share stories of memorable experiences:
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The Martins of Fremantle have hosted over 15 students in 10 years. “Our children grew up understanding other cultures. We still get postcards from Korea and Germany.”
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Jenny from Subiaco, a retired teacher, says: “Hosting gave me a new purpose. I enjoy helping students find their way in Australia.”
Such testimonials highlight the emotional and intercultural rewards of being a host.
11. Future Trends in Student Hosting: Hosting Students in Western Australia
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Post-COVID Recovery: International student numbers are rising again. Demand for homestays is growing in Perth and regional WA.
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Remote Hosting: Students from regional or Indigenous communities may increasingly seek urban host families.
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Guardianship Services: More hosts are offering extended services to meet education department requirements for minor students.
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Tech Integration: Platforms now enable smoother matching, reviews, and communication between hosts and agencies.
Conclusion
Hosting students in Western Australia is a unique and enriching opportunity. It combines cultural exchange, community engagement, and economic support with the ability to make a positive impact on young lives. With growing demand and government support for international education, WA remains a promising and welcoming region for student hosting.
By following the right protocols, engaging with empathy, and embracing the diversity that students bring, host families can create lifelong memories and connections while contributing to Western Australia’s global reputation as a friendly and inclusive destination for learning.
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