Spare Room? Try Hosting an International Student.

BRISBANE, Australia – 6 March 2017: The Australian Homestay Network (AHN) is making it easier and safer for property owners to capitalise on the booming sharing economy.

The company has its niche in placing international students with AHN-certified hosts who provide visitors with the essentials they need to live and learn in Australia.

AHN Founding Director, David Bycroft, said Australia’s popularity as an education destination has seen growing demand for the authentic homestay experience offered by AHN.

“International education is Australia’s third-largest export earner; it’s bigger than tourism. More than half a million international students were living in Australia in 2016 and this number is expected to climb,” he said.

Mr Bycroft said homestay is becoming an increasingly viable way for people to turn their spare rooms into an asset, with the added benefit of a positive cultural exchange.

“The demand for affordable student accommodation close to major educational hubs is extremely high,” he said.

AHN, which has placed over 40,000 students in homestay environments since 2008, needs more hosts to accommodate Australia’s thriving international student population. Key regions include Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra, Perth and Brisbane as well as the Gold and Sunshine Coasts.

“AHN guests come from all over the world – China, Japan, Latin America – and for some of them it’s their first time away from home. We’re looking for ambassadors to welcome these students to Australia,” Mr Bycroft said.

“The right people will be willing to share their homes, treat students like they’re part of the family and show them what living in Australia is all about.”

AHN pays ambassadors what is considered a non-taxable host reimbursement for the household’s contribution to the student’s living requirements.

Mr Bycroft said AHN’s full-service approach and unique placement program reduces most of the risk associated with participating in the global sharing economy and gives hosts peace-of-mind when opening their homes to international students. [REFER TO LINK]

“Our mission is to provide a safe, comfortable and enriching homestay experience for our hosts and our students,” he said.

“AHN is setting a global standard with our proprietary HMS (Homestay Management System) technology, tailored insurance coverage and localised support.”

Mr Bycroft said the company’s preference-based matching process ensures both approved hosts and student guests know what – and who – to expect before the homestay begins.

“The goal is to match the right hosts with the right students. If there’s a good connection from the get-go we’ve established the foundation for a positive homestay partnership.” 

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