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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

How many students can I host at the same time?

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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