This is the part of the trip you will still be talking about years from now. You are not visiting Australia — you are moving into someone’s home, learning how Australians actually live, and getting to experience everything we love about this place from the inside.
Every household is different, and that is the best part of it.
Australians are famously friendly and they genuinely want you to have a great time. Your host family volunteered for this — they are looking forward to meeting you.
Australian families like to get out and about and enjoy the natural beauty of this incredible city. Join them, try new things and make the most of every experience.
Around one in four Australians was born overseas, and our host families reflect that. You might sit down to a roast, a curry or a barbecue — all in an English-speaking home. That mix is Australia.
You might stay with a family with young children, a single parent, a couple or a retired pair. What they share is a busy, active life and a love of getting out into Perth’s beautiful natural surroundings. Every family is carefully screened and home-visited before a student arrives, and each one is ready to welcome you into their home.
Our local bilingual team provides support throughout the program, including 24-hour assistance in an emergency. Students should speak with their host family, teacher, coordinator or GOLD staff whenever they are unsure, worried or need help.
On site with the group at school and on excursions. The first point of contact during the day for anything at all.
Outside program hours the host family calls us, not you. Japanese-speaking staff answer, assess, and act.
Permanently based in Perth. Language is never the barrier between a problem and its solution.
Three things to prepare before you fly.
Something for your host family from home. It does not have to be expensive — it is the thought that counts.
One thing from Japan you enjoy and can teach: origami, calligraphy, karuta, a card game, manga drawing or a dish you can cook. It does not have to be impressive. It has to be yours.
Film your home and your family in English before you fly, and save it to your phone. Show it on your first night — nothing breaks the ice faster.
In Australia, students are expected to take responsibility for themselves, help with simple household tasks and respect the routines of their host family. Help your students get ready with our 14-Day Pre Departure Homestay Challenge, designed to build these habits before they arrive.
Before you fly, watch our short orientation video with your family and talk through what to expect. A few minutes now makes the first days in Australia much easier.
We look forward to welcoming you to Perth.