ELC Homestay program

Live like a local and experience Australian family life

Adelaide University’s English Language Centre (ELC) homestay program offers a fantastic opportunity to experience Australian culture in a friendly and supportive environment. You might join your host family for a backyard BBQ or try Vegemite on toast – and share your thoughts all in English! Maybe you’ll watch an Australian Football League (AFL) game with your host family, picking up new words and phrases while you listen to the commentary.

Why choose a homestay? 

Homestay is all about connecting with your host family and sharing real-life experiences together. Living with Australians gives you a unique chance to join their daily routines, fun activities, sports, hobbies, dining out and shopping – while practicing your English naturally every day.

When you stay in a homestay, you become part of the family. You’re encouraged to join in on family outings, help with chores and connect through everyday conversations and activities.

When you choose a homestay, you can expect:

• Airport reception and farewell
• A clean, comfortable home environment
• Your own bedroom with furniture including a desk
• Three meals per day
• Access to laundry facilities, bathroom and internet
• Easy access to public transport (less than 50 minutes from the Adelaide CBD)
• Ongoing support from our Homestay Coordinator.

Your homestay family 

Like most modern societies, Australian households come in many forms and their backgrounds can vary. Homestay hosts may be couples or individuals, with or without children. While their family structures may be different, our hosts all share an interest in language and culture, and are keen to learn about your background. 

All homestay families are carefully interviewed, and their homes are visited to ensure a comfortable and safe environment. We aim to place you with a family that will best meet your needs – considering your preferences for family type, dietary requirements, pets, children and interests.

Homestay costs

To help plan your stay, homestay accommodation fees are outlined below.

Homestay fee: $390 AUD per week
Placement fee: $350 AUD (one-off payment)

Interested in becoming a host family? 

Hosting a student is a rewarding experience and can offer many benefits to your family, including:

• Expanding your awareness of another culture and language
• The opportunity to share and reflect on Australian culture
• The opportunity to develop long-term friendships
• The joy of seeing a student’s English improve
• Payments to help cover student expenses
• Ongoing support from our Homestay Coordinator.

Host families are required to provide a comfortable home environment, with opportunities for the student to engage in the daily life of the household so they can develop their English language skills. Most students are between 18-23 years old and stay for a minimum of two weeks, up to around 20 weeks. 

The host family is required to provide: 

• Airport reception for both arrival and departure
• A clean and comfortable home environment
• A furnished bedroom that includes a desk and chair for study
• Three meals per day – breakfast, a (packed) lunch and dinner 
• Access to a bathroom and laundry facilities 
• Access to internet.

It’s also preferred that homes are easily accessible by public transport so the student can easily travel to and from campus.

Support and reimbursement 

We provide ongoing support to both host families and students. All families are visited by our Homestay Coordinator prior to hosting a student to assess their interest and suitability, and to ensure a positive environment for the student’s growth and development. Families are also invited to attend information sessions before the program begins.

Hosts receive $380 per week to help cover expenses such as food, entertainment, and other student-related costs.