Homestay Provider

Please regard the Overseas Student as though they are a member of the family/household, whilst giving due regard to different cultural backgrounds. Some things to think about when an overseas student first arrives in your home are as follows:

• Give them a tour of the home and introduce them to everyone who lives there. 

This should include showing them their bedroom, the bathroom and toilet they will use, where they can study, the common areas of the home, and any areas they should not enter (other people’s bedrooms, any private workspaces or garages which may have machinery etc).

• Provide any towels, and linen for their bed. 
• Provide direction on how to use common household appliances – microwave, oven, washing machine, dryer, clothes line, heating or cooling, television etc (if they will use these items).
• Show them where kitchen items are located – glasses, bowls, plates and cutlery.
• Show them where they may keep their own food, or where there is food for common consumption which they may eat as they wish. 
• Provide them access to the internet and the Wi-Fi password.
• Go over main household rules and any expectations that have been previously discussed.
• If they have medication or health/dietary requirements, discuss these with them, including how and when they take medication. 
• If they will have keys to your home, provide these to them and confirm they know how to access the house.  If they will use a common set of keys, make sure they know where these are located, when required. 
• Provide them details of what to do in an emergency (including for example how they should exit the house and where they should meet). 
• Show them the local area, including public transport options and shops or parks which they may be able to walk to for amenity or exercise. 
• Make sure they have with them what is needed for their personal needs – this may include a correct charging cable for their devices, their debit or credit card to buy food, personal items or tuck, or a myki if they will use public transport. 
• Ensure you have each other’s contact details in case of an emergency or if you need to get in touch.