The Australian Institute of International Understanding
AIIU, a nationally recognised study tour operator for 36 years.
The Australian Institute of International Understanding (AIIU) is a registered not-for-profit student exchange organisation operating Australia wide since 1987.
Over the past 36 years, AIIU has supported and provided study tour programs for over 80,000 international students from various countries around the world.
AIIU has welcomed international students from Japan, China, Korea and Indonesia and is aiming to expand to France, Italy and Spain in the near future. Outbound student exchange programs are also offered by AIIU for Australian students wishing to travel to the forementioned countries to study internationally.
AIIU’s homestay and study tour programs provide the affordable opportunities for international students to improve their English language skills while allowing them to experience the Australian way of life and culture.
Australian host families and hosting schools also benefit from the cultural and educational experiences of AIIU’s programs by getting to chance to learn about a different culture also.
Australian Institute of International Understanding aims to promote understanding, friendship and kindness through the interactions of different nationalities, cultures and languages within Australian homes, schools and communities.
AIIU is a member of the Council of Australian Student Exchange Organisations (CASEO).
CASEO is a members-based organisation that promotes the value of student exchange programs and continuously works to improve policy and regulations regarding student exchange programs in Australia.
AIIU upholds a strong regulatory framework and within, a high level of policies, procedures, and guidelines that we employ within the organisation and with our exchange students, our volunteer host families, and schools.
AIIU is listed as a registered Student Exchange Organisation and Study Tour Operator with the following regulatory state and territory authorities, which allows us to work with both public and private secondary schools:
- Queensland – Education Queensland International
- Victoria – VRQA
- NSW – NSW department of Education and ACT
- Western Australia – Tafe International
- SA
- Tasmania
As a registered homestay provider child safety and wellbeing is critical to AIIU, and our organisation is vigilant in complying with child protection laws in all states and territories. Our number 1 priority is the safety and wellbeing of our students.
We provide personalised support and care to our students with 24-hour care during the stay and each student is assigned a Group coordinator who they are free to contact at any time should they wish to discuss any issues or concerns. Group Coordinators also visit the students regularly during the program.
AIIU maintain the standards of safety and complete all the necessary background and situational checks including host family home visits.
All children participating in any of AIIU’s study tours, exchange or homestay programs have a right to feel safe and be safeguarded from harm. We are committed to the safety and well-being of all children and young people participating in our programs. The welfare of the children in our care will always be our first priority. We aim to create a safe and friendly environment where all children and young people are valued, feel safe and are protected.
If you are concerned about a child or young person and have a reasonable suspicion that the child or young person is, or may be, at risk of harm, telephone the Department of Child Protection – Child Abuse Report Line (CARL) 13 14 78. If the incident you are wishing to report is an emergency, then call 000.
Reporting of a child safety matter can also be done online here.
Our Exchange Program Manager, who has been appointed as a child safety officer for AIIU, is the primary point of contact to provide advice and support to children, parents, employees and volunteers regarding the safety of children in our organisation. If you wish to talk with our Exchange Program Manager regarding child safety, they can be contacted on the details below.
Read our Child Safe Policy Document here [pdf]
If you wish to talk with our Exchange Program Manager regarding child safety, contact Australian Institute of International Understanding here.
At the Australian Institute of International Understanding we are excited to embark on this journey with you, where education knows no bounds, cultures converge, and lifelong friendships begin. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us with any inquiries, and let’s together create memories that will last a lifetime.
Thank you for considering AIIU. We look forward to connecting with you soon!
To apply to host a student, please: