The concept of homestay as an industry emerged in response to accommodation needs of
international fee paying students studying in Australian secondary and tertiary
educational institutions. Homestay accommodation appears to be ideal in many ways
including individual care for students and helping them integrate into the Australian
lifestyle. It is also expected to assist students with their acquisition of the target language.
In spite of an idealistic façade, there is currently concern about the quality of
accommodation and care Australia’s international students are receiving. Questions
regarding the lack of regulation of the homestay industry have emerged leading to
uncertainty regarding expected standards of accommodation. As a result issues such as
benchmarking standards of housing and care, adherence to current legislation, regulation,
training needs of homestay providers and homestay hosts, and ensuring the safety of
international students outside school hours must be addressed. This paper explores
current policy affecting homestay and recent research into homestay accommodation.