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Host a Student

A Rewarding Experience for Everyone.

Meet our Students!

Jump straight to the Australia bound student profiles now!
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Hosting an exchange student can be one of the most memorable and rewarding experiences for your whole family. Being a host family means opening your home, hearts and minds to a young person from overseas.

YFU exchange students are eager to learn about Australia and improve their English language skills.

Our host families are open minded, flexible, tolerant and have a sense of humour. They are keen to learn about another country and culture and share their own lives and experiences with their student. The most important requirements are to:

  • make their exchange student feel genuinely welcome
  • help the student become part of their family and local community
  • support the student on their exchange journey
  • immediately inform YFU Student Exchange of any issues affecting the safety and well-being of the student.
  • Adhere to the YFU Student Exchange Child Safety guidelines and policy and contribute to our continuously developing child-safe culture where children and their well-being are at the centre.

Mandatory training and support materials are provided by YFU via our online Volunteer Portal.

Apply Now!

In accordance with Australian regulations, hosting an exchange student is voluntary. Host families provide meals and lodging without financial reimbursement, upholding the values of cultural exchange and mutual respect mandated by the Australian regulatory authorities.

Hosting Durations:

You can host a student for three, five, or ten months. Students arrive with at least basic English and are ready to become part of your family and your family life. They are encouraged to participate in daily chores and family activities, enhancing their understanding of Australian culture and contributing to household dynamics.

Student Preparedness:

Each student comes equipped with travel insurance and Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), ensuring they are well-prepared for their stay in Australia. They also bring personal spending money for incidentals such as toiletries, school supplies, and personal outings.

Student Profiles:

On our website, you’ll find profiles of students arriving in 2025. These profiles offer a glimpse into the students’ diverse backgrounds and interests, helping you find a great match for your family.

YFU Support & Training:

Each host family and student is supported by a YFU Local Coordinator, who provides initial and ongoing assistance throughout the exchange. Our dedicated professional staff are always on hand to answer questions and support your hosting journey. We foster an open and continuous dialogue to ensure a positive and enriching experience for both the student and your family. A 24/7 emergency phone number is provided to students and host families in case of emergencies.

There is mandatory training for new host families, and we foster support from experienced host families through our host mentor program.

How to become a YFU Host Family

If your family would like to become a host family, please make sure you meet the following requirements:

  • The student must have their own bed but they can share a room with a host sibling of the same gender.
  • The student must be provided with a place to study (can be the kitchen table) and three meals a day.
  • All adult host family and household members (over 18 years) must have a Working with Children check, (known as a ‘Blue Card’ in QLD) sign a Code of Conduct, undergo a Criminal Record Check and be interviewed by YFU Student Exchange.
  • Be willing to attend YFU training and events such as online orientations, which are designed to equip you with the necessary knowledge and support for our exchange programs.
  • Ensure that the student adheres to the YFU rules and their visa regulations.

If you are keen to discover how you can open your family home and community to a secondary student from overseas please complete the following form and we will provide more information.

Apply Now!

Inbound Student Profiles

Profiles of students arriving in january 2026 are now available.
If you would like to host, please email us at info@yfu.au - we'd love to hear from you!

Mayline

  • Country: France
  • Duration: 5 Months
  • Dates: Arriving: April 2026, Departing: August 2026
  • Dietary: Dietary Requirements: None; Allergies: none
  • Languages: Native Language: French ; Learning; English and Spanish

About Mayline:

Mayline is described as smiley, funny, respectful and kind. She’s also responsible and independent, she helps with household chores, cooks and takes care of her dog and her own space.

While on exchange:

She is excited to embark on her exchange journey to Australia, where she hopes to improve her English for future travel and career opportunities. She looks forward to discovering a vibrant culture, diverse landscapes and unique biodiversity, while experiencing daily life as a true member of a host family.

Mayline's interests:

She loves spending time outdoors, whether it’s hiking through nature or simply exploring new places. At home, she finds joy in cooking and experimenting with recipes. She’s also passionate about music and enjoys playing the piano to relax and express herself.

Gabin

  • Country: France
  • Duration: 5 Months
  • Dates: Arriving: April 2026, Departing: August 2026
  • Dietary: Dietary Requirements: None; Allergies: none
  • Languages: Native Language: French; Learning: English, Spanish and Italian

About Gabin:

Gabin is described as joyful, curious and considerate. He’s sociable, loves to chat and enjoys building strong relationships with friends and family. He has travelled extensively, including surf camps, ski trips and visits to London, Venice and Zurich.

While on exchange:

He hopes his exchange will help him grow, gain new perspectives and build lasting connections.

Gabin's interests:

He’s passionate about sports, especially volleyball, which he plays competitively and board sports like surfing, paddleboarding, windsurfing, and wakeboarding. He also enjoys video games, anime and exploring Japanese culture.

Joyce

  • Country: France
  • Duration: 5 Months
  • Dates: Arriving: April 2026, Departing: August 2026
  • Dietary: Dietary Requirements: None; Allergies: none
  • Languages: Native Language: French ; Learning; English and Spanish

About Joyce:

Joyce is described as organized, curious and creative. Her artistic side is balanced by a strong academic focus, she’s a high-achieving student who takes her studies seriously and is always eager to learn. She’s also passionate about languages.

While on exchange:

She’s excited to join a host family, not as a tourist, but as a true member of the household.

Joyce's interests:

She plays the harp, practices both classical and contemporary dance and loves baking, especially French desserts. She also enjoys drawing, reading, making jewellery and doing crafts in general.

Héloïse

  • Country: France
  • Duration: 5 Months
  • Dates: Arriving: April 2026, Departing: August 2026
  • Dietary: Dietary Requirements: None Allergies: none
  • Languages: Native Language: French; Learning English and Spanish

About Héloïse:

Héloïse is a 15-year-old student from a suburb of Paris, France. Described as sociable, talkative and full of energy.

While on exchange:

She’s excited to come to Australia to improve her English, discover a new culture, and experience a different school system. She’s eager to share her French culture, cook traditional dishes, and learn about life.

Héloïse's interests:

Her greatest passion is horse riding. Héloïse also enjoys playing the recorder, Javanese Gamelan and reading fantasy novels, especially the Keeper of the Lost Cities series.
Ecuador