Australian Homestay Network helps international students find a home in Canberra

Canberra can be an expensive place to rent but an Airbnb-style initiative is helping international university students secure an affordable roof over their heads.

Yehuda David Bemey is among 174 young men and women who are living with a Canberra family while studying at one of the city’s educational institutions.

He was placed at the Flynn property via the Australian Homestay Network, which organises homeowners to rent a room to an international student.

Mr Bemey lives with host Andrew Barry and three other students.

The Indonesian student is completing an English course at the UC before transitioning to environmental science. 

“It’s a good program for students who haven’t experienced living alone,” Mr Bemey said. 

“It’s good for improving your English because you’re speaking English every day.”

Mr Barry provides three meals a day, helps the students with their homework and is teaching them how to cook. 

He said he enjoys their company and learning about other countries. 

Most Canberra participants are from China, with others from Hong Kong and Malaysia.

Founding director David Bycroft said the program was similar to a cultural exchange, while enabling property owners to turn their spare room into an asset.

It also offers students a more affordable accommodation option.

“The demand for affordable student accommodation close to Canberra’s major educational hubs is extremely high,” he said.

“AHN guests come from all over the world – China, Japan, Latin America – and for some of them it’s their first time away from home. We’re looking for ambassadors to welcome these students to Australia.”

Mr Bycroft said the network had placed more than 40,000 students in homestay environments since 2008 and was on the hunt for more hosts in Canberra.

“The right people will be willing to share their homes, treat students like they’re part of the family and show them what living in Australia is all about,” he said.

A spokeswoman said participating students did not need to sign a lease but agreed to abide by the network’s homestay policy and guest agreement.

“There is no bond payment or ongoing fees for utilities,” she said.

“Students are matched with a host based on their profile and preferences, they do not have the opportunity to ‘choose’ their host.” 

House sharing has become a popular option for Canberrans looking to beat rising accommodation prices, yet the cost of renting a room in the ACT has risen by 27 per cent in the past year.

The cost of renting a house or unit in Canberra has also surged in the year to December: 7.5 per cent and 7.7 per cent respectively, according to Domain Group data.