Introducing Iori
Iori, originally from Japan, spent a year studying at an Australian middle school. During this time, Iori lived with a local homestay family in Toowoomba. It was her first experience living away from her own family for an extended period. But the homestay experience in Australia gave Iori the structure, support and warmth she needed.
To help you decide if homestay is the right option for you, here’s Iori’s personal story of how she found much more than just a home during her time here.
My homestay experience
Homestay offered me far more than just a place to stay. It gave me a sense of stability, belonging and connection while I was living away from my family.
What made it truly special was how I was welcomed, not just as a guest but as a real member of the family.
I don’t have sisters in real life, but in my homestay family I suddenly had host sisters - and I loved it. We played sports together, worked on school assignments side by side, and even went on family holidays.
I was included in everything from extended family gatherings to weekend outings, and I never felt like an outsider. It was these everyday experiences - shared meals, car rides, cheering each other on at school events - that helped me feel grounded and truly part of something.
The family also supported me academically. Whether it was proofreading an assignment or explaining something I didn’t quite understand in class, my host sisters and parents were always there. They celebrated my milestones and encouraged me when I was adjusting to a new environment.
Lasting relationships
What’s even more special is that we’ve stayed in touch to this day. My host family has visited me in Japan, and we often reflect on how much we learned from each other.
They once told me I gave them a new appreciation for Japanese culture. That kind of mutual exchange is what homestay is really about.
My welfare and custody arrangement as an under 18 international student
I came to Australia as part of a Queensland Government program. So, for my case, the Education Queensland International (EQI) was seen as my legal guardian while I was studying in Australia. They arranged the placement with an approved homestay family, who were part of a carefully managed support system.
My homestay family played a vital role in my day-to-day wellbeing. They worked closely with the school and EQI to make sure everything from school attendance to medical care was looked after. Knowing there was a whole network supporting me gave both me and my family in Japan peace of mind.
You can find out more about welfare and custody arrangements for students under 18 here.
Advice for those considering a homestay
Every homestay experience is unique. Like any relationship, it takes time and communication. Here are a few things I’d recommend:
- Choose a quality-assured provider or school-supported program: If you're part of a government-run program, your accommodation and welfare will be closely managed. For students outside of these programs, it’s important to choose a provider that follows recognised quality standards. Organisations endorsed by NEAS, for example, must meet the NEAS Quality Homestay Standards, which cover everything from student safety to host training and ongoing support. These standards help ensure a consistent, safe, and enriching homestay experience.
- Be open and adaptable: You might encounter different cultural customs or routines, but embracing those differences is part of what makes the experience so rewarding.
- Communicate early and honestly: If something feels unclear or uncomfortable, speak up. Most challenges can be resolved through open communication.
- Give it time: Settling in takes time. Stay engaged, be curious, and let the relationship build naturally.
Final words
Looking back, homestay didn’t just provide accommodation - it gave me a foundation. It helped me develop independence, deepen my cross-cultural understanding, and build a connection that has stayed with me well beyond my school years.
It’s a chapter of my life I still carry with me, and one that has shaped who I am today.