Become a Homestay Family!
International education is enriched through meaningful connections with our local community. Our Homestay Program is a vital part of our International Student experience, offering overseas students a safe, nurturing, and culturally immersive environment while they study in Australia. And it’s often the beginning of lifelong friendships and personal growth.
Why Host a Student?
Hosting an international student is a rewarding opportunity to:
- Share Australian culture and family life
- Build lifelong friendships
- Support a young person’s academic and personal journey
- Contribute to a global community of care and understanding
As 2025 International Prefect Jame Han shared in his graduation speech:
“My homestay family didn’t just give me a roof over my head; they gave me a place to belong. Later, when I returned to live with my own family, I realised how valuable both experiences were—family gave me comfort, while homestay gave me independence.”
“I remember that when I first met my host family, I instinctively offered a handshake. To my surprise, they warmly hugged me! I turned bright red, completely unsure what to do. Later, I learned that hugs are a common way to express warmth and friendliness in Australia.”
These moments of cultural exchange and connection are what make the Homestay Program so special for both students and host families.
What We Offer Our Homestay Families
St Augustine’s College provides:
- Full support and guidance from our International Office
- Pre-commencement training in cultural awareness and child safeguarding
- Ongoing communication and care to ensure a positive experience for both families and students
- 100% of homestay fees paid directly to families (no admin charges)
Who Can Apply?
We welcome applications from families who:
- Can provide a safe, welcoming home environment, offering a room with a bed and space to study
- Are willing to engage with a young person’s cultural and educational journey
- Live within 50 minutes commuting time from the College by public transport
- Hold or are willing to obtain a Working With Children Check
- Are available for a home visit and interview with our International Office
Next Steps to Becoming a Homestay Host
We are currently seeking expressions of interest from families who would like to host a student starting in 2026. Interviews and home visits will begin later this year.
If you’re interested in becoming a homestay family and making a difference in a young person’s life, please email our International Office at internationalstudents@saintaug.nsw.edu.au.
A Homestay Family’s Experience
“Being a homestay family in 2025 has been a fantastic experience for our whole family. Alan has been so easy to share our home with, and we’ve enjoyed learning about his family in China while supporting him as he adjusted to life so far from home. Communication between families has been smooth, and the support from the school made us feel comfortable from the beginning.
Alan being a year ahead of our oldest son has also given us valuable insight into Year 12 and the HSC. Sharing meals and time together has been a great addition to our family life, and we look forward to hosting another student in the future. We would highly recommend that other Saints families consider hosting a student in their homes.”
