A host family that is right for you

The student and host family relationship is the key to a successful exchange experience. Our goal is to find you a family which you will feel comfortable with and enjoy coming home to after school. Warmth, understanding and hospitality are three crucial attributes we look for in every host family. Our host families are volunteers and do not get paid for hosting. Because there are no financial rewards, you can be assured that your host family has a genuine desire to share their life with you.

Host family selection - Your application will be sent to our office in your chosen country. Once a successfully screened host family has chosen you, the placement is confirmed by STS and you will be able to get in contact with your new family straight away.

Screening procedures - Host family interviews are conducted in the home so that an inspection of the house and of the neighbourhood can be made. All family members are required to attend so that we can assess the motivation of each one of them. We carefully screen to find out why the family is interested and determine if the environment is a good one for our student. We want all members to be excited about hosting, but also to have realistic expectations of the program. At least two appropriate references are obtained for each host family selected by STS. The suitability of a host family can only be confirmed after the application form and references have been assessed and the interviewer's report has been received by the STS office. Our selection and screening procedures meet the requirements set by the Departments of Education of Australia for registered student exchange organisations operating in their state.

Host family profile - Host families come from all walks of life. They include rural families, urban families, couples and individuals, families with or without children, families with young or grown up children. The age of our host parents ranges from 30 to 65. Be they younger or older, your host family will do everything possible to make you feel at home. What all volunteer families have in common is the willingness to share their culture with exchange students, to help make their dream come true in opening their home and to participate in global understanding.

Living with a host family - Your host family welcomes you in their home as a new family member. You’re not a tourist or a guest. You are expected to fit in and to participate in your family's daily activities, including chores such as helping with the dishes, keeping your room clean etc. You will be one of the family! Your host family will also introduce you to lots of new and interesting people (relatives, friends, neighbours etc) and include you in every aspect of their life - holidays, social gatherings and sometimes family vacations.