Welcome to AIIU

The Australian Institute of International Understanding Limited

AIIU is a not-for-profit and registered student exchange organisation in Australia offering student exchange, study tours and homestay programs to students around the world.

Since 1987, AIIU has welcomed Japanese, Indonesian, Chinese and Korean primary and secondary students to Australia to learn English and to improve their language skills by offering school-based, holiday-based and vocational study tours.

AIIU has also bought together many families from different countries with their homestay programs giving visiting students the opportunity to experience Australian culture.

AIIU aims to promote understanding and create international friendships through kindness. Spending time with an Australian family, and being immersed in a new culture gives our students the opportunity to advance their English language skills in both an educational and a home setting.

Together, one exchange student and one host family can create memories that will travel the world and be cherished for a lifetime!

Contact AIIU Today!

For more information on study tours, student exchange or our homestay programs in Australia Contact AIIU today!

Whether you’re a prospective student looking to join one of our study tours, an Australian family interested in becoming a host, or if you have any questions or concerns, our dedicated team is here to assist you.

Simply fill out the contact form, and we’ll get back to you promptly.

Become a Host Family

Hosting is a rewarding experience for the whole family as well as the exchange student.

Our mission is simple yet profound: to bridge cultures and create lifelong connections through the power of international student homestays in Australia. By opening your hearts and homes to students from around the world, Australian families can embark on an enriching journey of cultural exchange.

Interested in hosting an international student?

Apply to be a host family

AIIU serves as a gateway to boundless opportunities.

For Australian families, it’s a chance to embrace diversity, expand horizons, and create lasting bonds with global friends who become an integral part of their lives. For international students, it’s an invitation to unlock a world of educational excellence, adventure, and personal growth amidst the stunning backdrop of Australia.

Together, we can foster a more inclusive, accepting, and interconnected world. So, whether you’re seeking the warmth of an Australian home or the adventure of a lifetime, embark on this journey with us and be part of the transformative experience of international study.

Thank you for considering the Australian Institute of International Understanding. We look forward to connecting with you soon!

To find out more, please:

Get in touch now

Living in Japan improved my Japanese, so after returning to Australia I was able to to go straight into the advanced stream of Japanese at university.

Taylah

I cried for the first time in forever. Although I also ended up smiling. I can’t be sad that it’s over, as I’m so happy it happened. Thank you everyone who helped my exchange happen!

Danson

There is a special place in my heart for my Japanese friends, and I’ll always keep coming back to them. Thank you for the best year of my life!

Sasha

I could go on for years about all of the things that I have been blessed with experiencing. My host families have been extraordinary and I really felt at home there!

Casey

Respect for other people came through strongly in our student’s actions. We saw her becoming more confident and willing to engage in conversations.

Host Mother

An experience I will never forget. I enhanced my Japanese skills and made connections with friends that feel like family now. AIIU was a great exchange program!

Alex

My ten month exchange in Japan was an experience I will never forget. AIIU give students like me a once in a lifetime opportunity which I am truly grateful for.