Delivering superior student accommodation experiences
The Global Homestay Alliance (GHA) was established in 2019 to bring together the world's best standards-based student homestay and accommodation providers representing Australia, Canada and the USA.
Our Group shares a commitment to global industry standards and advocates for student wellbeing in all aspects of the study journey. GHA supports industry engagement and is focused on delivering the highest quality student experience based on personalised services, safety, insurance, 24/7 professional support, accountability, transparency and system integrity.
GHA Members
About GHA
Global Homestay Alliance (GHA) members have been advocating for international student support, standards and quality experiences for more than a decade. We encourage diversity and actively promote the shared cultural exchange offered by homestay.
Our members operate using world-class standards, technology and best practices that are employed in every market, with every placement. GHA is dedicated to student wellbeing, focussing on selecting hosts and developing programs that foster positive mental health and create local support networks for international students.
Our services include welcoming short and long term homestays, tailored programs for high school students/under 18s, study tours and camps as well as independent student accommodation - all facilitated by our local teams.
GHA has partnered with thousands of education providers, agents and industry bodies to maximise the student experience in Australia, Canada and the USA. These connections have inspired us to establish new solutions to respond to demand for safe, welcoming and affordable accommodation for international students.
Members
The Australian Homestay Network (AHN) is Australia's largest and most recognised international student homestay provider. Our core purpose is to facilitate lifetime relationships and be the leader in properly-managed hosted accommodation based on the principles of accountability, integrity, transparency, personalised services, safety, and 24/7 professional support.
AHN has been acknowledged by the government in Australia for bringing standards to the international student homestay industry. Since 2008, we have successfully placed more than 63,000 guests from 183 countries in welcoming homes across Australia. Our dedicated teams service every capital city in the country along with other key regional student destinations.
The Canada Homestay Network (CHN) is the leading homestay program management firm in Canada, having served tens of thousands of satisfied students, from coast to coast. Our best practices and due diligence help our students to enjoy every aspect of their experience in Canada.
Our vision is a more understanding, tolerant and peaceful world through openness, education and travel. With our work being its own reward, the outcomes are no surprise: long term relationships based on mutual trust with outstanding clients in the public and private sectors, across Canada and overseas.
We express our vision and values in every aspect of homestay program management: listen curiously, collaborate optimistically, guide compassionately, grow courageously, and give wholeheartedly. Our stewardship of the international student homestay program ensures that homestay is a seamless part of the overall student experience.
Since 1995, CHN has helped more than 80,000 students from 140 countries find a home away from home in Canada. CHN follows the accreditation standards of Languages Canada (https://www.languagescanada.ca/en/) and the Canadian Association of Public Schools - International (CAPSI https://caps-i.ca) and is a regular sponsor of Languages Canada, CAPS-I, and CBIE.
New Zealand Homestay (NZH) has introduced a nationwide, standards-based hosted accommodation service to the Kiwi market.
Founded on the successful model of the Australian Homestay Network, NZH delivers a range of homestay options for under 18 and over 18 international students learning in New Zealand as well as visiting study tour groups.
The brand launched in 2023 in key destinations across the North and South Islands to provide an enriching, secure and memorable cultural experience for students and hosts.
Launched in 2020, StudentRoomStay.com (SRS) is building the future of student accommodation worldwide through an online booking app and system to provide an all-inclusive, one-stop-shop for student housing and student life.
Serving international and domestic students of all ages, SRS offers a safe and user friendly platform to book a range of off-campus housing and homestays with matching services to help students find the perfect place and 24/7 support to ensure a positive academic experience in the United States.
Latest Initiatives
Australian Homestay Standards
Australia’s first industry-recognised standards for student homestay accommodation providers were announced at the 2023 Australian International Education Conference (AEIC) in Adelaide.
The “Homestay Quality Standards” – independently managed by the National English Language Teaching Accreditation Scheme (NEAS) – were developed following a nationwide industry collaboration spearheaded by the NSW Government through Study NSW.
The Australian Homestay Network (AHN) has been advocating for industry-wide homestay standards since it was established in 2007 and is proud to be the first NEAS Endorsed Homestay Service.
The official standards and quality assurance framework not only provides credibility to the sector, but also helps students and potential hosts identify trustworthy homestay companies to engage with.
Start With Us
The Start With Us program offered by the Australian Homestay Network (AHN) has been designed to give students the best possible start to their life in a new country. Our welcoming hosts offer the feeling and support of home to help students settle in as they prepare to begin their studies, providing a positive student experience and a local network who can assist in future decision making. Students live in an approved homestay environment and receive cultural immersion through daily interaction and quality time with their host family.
Start With Us is great value for money including meals, utilities and a fully furnished private room with flexibility so students can extend their homestay until they are ready to transition to share housing or private accommodation.
Disability Homestay Network
The Disability Homestay Network (DHN) program was designed to improve the quality and quantity of short-term accommodation options in Australia for people with disability.
The initiative uses the infrastructure and experience of the successful homestay model operated by AHN to provide properly-managed, standards-based hosted accommodation for eligible participants funded through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
Better access to appropriate accommodation and supports empowers people with disability to have more choice, more flexibility in their funding, and greater control on their journey to achieving their goals.
Media & Resources
25th July 2022
All About Australian Homestay Network with David Bycroft
Now Boarding by Melting Pot Podcast
17th May 2022
Industry Leaders Collaborate to Create Pathway to Success for Young International Student
Press Release
9th February 2022
International Students Seek Accommodation as Gold Coast Housing Crisis Worsens
ABC Gold Coast
19th January 2022
DHN to Provide Hosted Accommodation Options in Australia
Disability Insider
7th December 2021
Students to Gain Significant Career Advantage Through StudentRoomStay Partnership with Think-X
Press Release
19th November 2021
New Accommodation Program Opens the Door for NDIS Participants
Press Release
15th November 2021
'On a Mission: Australian Homestay Network' featuring David Bycroft (AHN)
Ultra 106.5fm / WAY FM Radio
8th September 2021
New Virtual Homestay ENGLISH Program to Connect the World with Australian Hosts
Press Release
22nd June 2021
MyStay International Announces Capital Raise for Australians to 'Unite, Recover and Invest for the Future'
Press Release
16th September 2020
Radio Interview on 4ZZZ TalkerSpace Program featuring David Bycroft (AHN)
4ZZZ
11th September 2020
Hundreds of International Students Find Support in Australian Homes
The PIE
2nd July 2020
New Alliance to Deliver Superior Student Accommodation Experiences Across the Globe
Press Release
1st July 2020
StudentRoomStay Joins Industry Leaders to Form the Global Homestay Alliance
Press Release
9th May 2020
Australians sign up to offer homes to stranded international students - Stefan Armbruster
SBS World News
20th April 2020
Industry Chat - David Bycroft - Founder of Australian Homestay Network
Transcribed Interview with Insider Guides
17th April 2020
Industry Chat – David Bycroft – Founder of Australian Homestay Network
Interview with Insider Guides
16th April 2020
Australia’s Community of Kindness to Help International Students in Need
Press Release
1st April 2020
Australian Homestay Network Supporting International Students and Industry
Press Release
13th February 2020
Australian Hosts Respond Positively to coronavirus Situation
Press Release
13th February 2020
Education Industry Works Together During the Coronavirus Situation
Press Release
23rd December 2019
New Australian Homestay Network campaign to help struggling students
The PIE
23rd September 2019
Part 1 - Homestay Expertise and Building Relationships with Jennifer Wilson from the Canada Homestay Network
Press Release
23rd September 2019
Part 2 - Homestay Expertise and Building Relationships with Jennifer Wilson from the Canada Homestay Network
Press Release
21st August 2019
University Homestay Programs Strive to Offer More Than Room and Board
University Affairs
Inquiries
The Global Homestay Alliance and our Members will work with you to create a positive international student experience. Get in touch today to find out how we can help you!
Global Homestay Alliance
Email: info@globalhomestaynetwork.com
Phone: (02) 6881 1936
Member Contacts