Question 1

What does a homestay host do?

Accepted Answer

A host provides a safe, welcoming home for an international student. This includes meals, support, basic supervision, and treating the student as part of the family. You don’t need to entertain them all the time—just involve them in normal family life.

Question 2

What is the application process?

Accepted Answer

The process is simple: visit our website and download the application form. Fill out the form and email it back to us. We will arrange police checks, a home visit, and a short interview. Once approved, we will start matching you with suitable students.

Question 3

What checks are required?

Accepted Answer

All adults (18+) living in the home must complete police vetting. We also carry out a home visit, safety check, and interview to ensure the home meets the standards.

Question 4

How long does the approval process take?

Accepted Answer

Usually 4-6 weeks, depending on how quickly forms are returned and vetting is completed.

Question 5

After I’m approved, how soon will I get a student?

Accepted Answer

The waiting time varies. Sometimes we can place a student right away, but other times you may need to wait a few weeks or longer. Student arrivals are seasonal, and we match each student carefully with the right host.

Question 6

Can I host if I live alone?

Accepted Answer

Yes, depending on the student’s preferences. Some students prefer living with a single host for a quieter environment.

Question 7

Do I need to speak perfect English to host?

Accepted Answer

You don’t need to be a native English speaker, but you must be able to communicate clearly and fluently in English. Hosts are expected to use English with students at all times to provide a strong English-learning environment.

Question 8

What type of students do you place (age, nationality, school level)?

Accepted Answer

Most students are aged 11 to 16, attending local high schools. We also occasionally place younger primary school students who are under 10. Those who are under 10 will stay with a parent. Most of our students are from Asian countries, especially China, Japan and Korea.

Question 9

What schools do the students go to?

Accepted Answer

It could be any school within Hamilton, and we also sometimes work with schools in Cambridge.

Question 10

How many students do you have per year and when do they come?

Accepted Answer

We currently host over 200 students each year, with numbers continuing to grow. Most placements are short-term and take place during our busiest periods: February–March and July–August.

Question 11

How long do students usually stay?

Accepted Answer

Stays can range from a few weeks to a full school year. But the majority of students stay for short-term from 2 to 4 weeks.

Question 12

Can I choose the type of student I prefer (gender, age, interests, allergies)?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You can tell us your preferences (e.g., female student, older student, similar interests). We do our best to match you with a suitable student.

Question 13

Do I need to provide the student with their own bedroom and furniture?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Students must have their own bedroom with a bed. The room must be warm, comfortable and have good lighting.

Question 14

Can two students share a room?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but only sometimes. If the students are from the same study tour group and same gender, they can share a room—as long as they have their own beds.

Question 15

How many students can I host at the same time?

Accepted Answer

How many students can I host at the same time?

Question 16

Can I host students from another school or agency at the same time?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but please let us know first. The other student must not be a different gender or from the same country as our student, so they don’t end up speaking their first language together.

Question 17

Do I need to provide meals? If so, what kind?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Hosts must provide three meals a day and snacks. Meals do not need to be fancy—normal, home-style family meals are fine.

Question 18

What happens if the student has dietary restrictions or allergies?

Accepted Answer

We will inform you before the placement. If the allergy is serious, we’ll discuss what precautions are required. You may need to adjust meals slightly to suit their needs.

Question 19

Do I need to include the student in family activities?

Accepted Answer

Yes, as part of cultural experience. Simple things like family dinners, shopping, walks, or outings are appreciated. You don’t need to spend money on special activities.

Question 20

What happens during school holidays or weekends?

Accepted Answer

Students remain in your care unless alternative arrangements are approved. They do not require special outings every weekend—normal family routines are fine. For many short-term groups, students usually have group activities on the weekends.

Question 21

Do I need to provide transport for the student?

Accepted Answer

You may need to provide school pick-up and drop-off, especially for younger students or short-term groups. Older students can usually walk, bike or use the bus. We will inform you before the placement if school transport is needed.

Question 22

What am I expected to do regarding supervision and curfews?

Accepted Answer

You are responsible for the student’s welfare. Younger students require more supervision. HHS and the school will set curfew guidelines, and hosts help reinforce them.

Question 23

Can the student travel or sleep over at friends’ houses?

Accepted Answer

Travel or overnight stays must be approved by HHS and the school. This is part of the Education (Pastoral Care of International Students) Code of Practice.

Question 24

What is the weekly payment and what does it cover?

Accepted Answer

Payment varies based on the needs of the students (i.e. diet requirements and any special needs). In general, our current host fee is $390 per week, which covers:
 • A furnished private bedroom
 • Three meals per day + snacks
 • Basic utilities (power, internet, water)
 • School pick up and drop off if the students require
 • Providing general care and supervision

Question 25

How often do payments come in, and how are they made?

Accepted Answer

Payments are made weekly in arrear, directly to your nominated bank account.

Question 26

How are damages handled and who pays?

Accepted Answer

Students are expected to take care of the home. If there is accidental damage, HHS will assess the situation and arrange payment through the student, school, or agent as appropriate.

Question 27

What happens if the student is sick?

Accepted Answer

If the student is sick and can’t go to school, you should look after them at home. If they don’t get better or the symptoms seem serious, you  may need to take them to see a doctor. The student’s insurance will cover the medical bills.

Question 28

What happens if I need to travel or am away overnight?

Accepted Answer

You must notify HHS in advance. If all adults in the home will be away overnight, we will help arrange temporary supervision or alternative accommodation.

Question 29

What happens if the student is not a good match or there are behavioural concerns?

Accepted Answer

Contact us immediately. We will mediate, support both sides, and if needed, arrange a rematch. You are never expected to manage difficult situations alone.

Question 30

What support does the homestay agency (Hamilton Homestay Services) provide?

Accepted Answer

At Hamilton Homestay Services, we provide:

• Ongoing support throughout the placement
 • Help with any concerns or misunderstandings
 • 24/7 emergency contact
 • Regular check-ins with both host and student

Question 31

Who should I contact if there is a problem?

Accepted Answer

Contact HHS directly. For urgent matters, call our phone number. For general questions, you can email or text us anytime.