Accommodation FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Hosts receive $330 per week per student. This is to cover meals, incidentals and contribute to your bills and the occasional excursion or activity. Students are responsible for their own phone, bus tickets, toiletries and anything outside of the home.
Hosting is generally seen as a voluntary activity, with payments viewed as reimbursements rather than taxable income. However, it’s always best to seek personalised advice from a tax accountant.
Yes, every household member aged 18 and over must have an active RWVP card. Volunteer applications typically cost about $23.
We have students from a variety of countries, including Italy, Germany, Switzerland, Argentina, Uruguay, Mexico, Brazil, Japan, China, Korea, Thailand, Vietnam and more.
We have major intakes in February and July, with smaller intakes in April and October or at other times of the year. Short-term study tours (4 weeks in duration or less) come throughout the year too.
Yes! During the initial house visit, our homestay team works to match students with hosts based on preferences, personality and shared interests.
Students stay as little as 10 days or as long as several years. Most students study for six months to one year.
Yes, as long as each student has their own private room. If you have space and enjoy hosting multiple students, we welcome it!
Hosts are expected to provide airport pick-up and drop off. Students are expected to catch public transport to and from school and be as independent as possible. It’s important for students to have walkable access to public transport.
No! Hosts come from a variety of backgrounds, including families, empty nesters, single parents, elderly couples, same sex couples, and more! Everyone is welcome as long as you have time and space to support a young student into your home.
It is a requirement that students are not left alone overnight. If you occasionally work night shift but someone over 21 is at home, then it is manageable. Call us for a chat and we can answer any questions that you might have about this.
We are one of the only states in Australia that manage our homestay team in-house. This means that we have a dedicated team of staff (based in Hobart and Launceston) who are here to assist when you have questions or if any issues pop up.
A 24/7 support line ensures you’ll never face challenges alone.
Our homestay program is specifically for students in government schools from Years 9 – 12 (ages 14-18).
Of course! We have a number of hosts who have spare rooms and who enjoy short term hosting, so if you have a longer-term student who wants to stay over the summer holidays and you are going away or have family coming and need the space we can assist.
Typically, when we place a student with you, we would let you know how long they would stay and if they would be here over the summer break so you can take this into account when making a decision to host.
Most students are expected to return home over the long-term breaks as it gives them a chance to spend time with their families which is important.
If you have work commitments, weddings, or holidays, please inform us in advance. We will arrange for a temporary host to care for your student, ideally placing them with school friends or in a nearby location for familiarity. We want you to continue enjoying your life while hosting.
Like any relationship, hosting can have its ups and downs. If the match is not working, please notify our team. We will explore options to improve the situation, and if necessary, we can facilitate a move, typically within a week or two.
Yes, it is a requirement that students have health insurance whilst onshore in Australia. So they are covered to got to the hospital in an emergency or GP clinics when required.
Yes, you can travel, but you need to get approval first. You must travel with an approved guardian, host, or family member. Prior to travel you must submit a travel request form. Please remember to chat to the homestay team to see what kind of approval you will need. We need to ensure your safety so we might not always be able to approve your travel request.
Yes, you can work up to 48 hours every two weeks while on a student visa. During school holidays, you can work as much as you want. Make sure you have a tax file number and work legally. Our homestay team can help with any questions.
We have different types of homestay families. Some have children your age, some have younger kids, and some have no children. We try to match you with a family that suits you, but it may not always be possible to find one with kids your age.
You must stay with your host family or approved guardian. If you want to stay at a friend’s house, let us know. We need to check that the adults in the house have the right approvals and get permission from your family.
Yes, you need a phone number while you are in Australia. Make sure your phone has credit so you can make and receive calls in an emergency.
Homestay families do their best to provide a variety of meals, but the food may differ from what you’re used to. Please try everything and communicate politely with your host. Remember, you are here for a new experience.
If you are over 18 there may be some limited circumstances in which you can apply to TGEI for permission to drive a car. Our students are otherwise not permitted to drive these vehicles types.