Host Family FAQs

AIIU host families are all unpaid volunteers. AIIU is an Australian not-for-profit organisation and, as such, government regulations prevent us from providing remuneration to host families.

All AIIU students have their own spending money and are fully insured. Students are expected to cover costs outside their host family’s usual outlay.

Yes.

All students are covered by the Australian Government’s mandatory health insurance – Overseas Student Health Cover – the equivalent of Medicare. Many students also have additional insurance.

Host families are not expected to include exchange students on their own insurance policies.

Once we know a little about your family interests and hosting preferences, we will send you suitable student profiles.

You then get to choose the student who you think will best fit into your family.

Contact AIIU to request a free information pack, application form and profiles of prospective students.

Government regulations prevent the remuneration of host families, so families generously volunteer to host.

The student is responsible for any costs incurred through telephone usage, school uniforms, school materials, local transportation, personal items and any other general expenses that do not fall under the family’s usual outlay.

Students pay a program fee to the organisation in their home country, which finances their application, interview and acceptance process, screening of suitable host family, program materials, flights, health insurance, orientation programs and 24-hour support for both them and the host family.

Host families have an extensive, experienced support network to call upon should they experience any issues during a student’s program.

Your main source of support will be an AIIU Support Officer. The Support Officer is also a volunteer and is expected to get to know both your family and the student to ensure a pleasant experience for both parties.

Most of the problems experienced by students and host families are due to miscommunication and culture shock, so an independent mediator is often all that is required.

If an issue persists and/or there is an emergency, you will be able to contact us directly at our office.