Hosting an exchange student
The opportunity to share your life and culture with a young person from overseas for one term, a semester or a whole year.








Invite the world into your home and let it surprise your every day
Share your family daily life with an exchange student from overseas for a school term, a semester or a year.
You'll have the opportunity to discover different traditions, customs and perspectives. stimulating curiosity towards different cultures and openness - not just for you, but for all your family members! Every day will be like a small cultural tour, during which you can learn new words, try a typical recipe, or simply chat away on how school, family, holidays, and all other aspects of life work in a different corner of the globe.
And of course, you'll be giving your chosen host student the life-changing opportunity to immerse themselves in Australian culture, in an authentic and safe environment, as they naturally improve their English and create strong bonds which often last over time. Living in Australia and joining your family will be a profound learning experience for your host student, who will experience a range of benefits: developing autonomy, improving their adaptability, gaining self-awareness and confidence - all vital skills for the future.
Together, you'll delight in every new experience, laugh about any misunderstanding and tolerate any oversight, transforming these shared moments in opportunities for meaningful exchange and reciprocal growth, for an all-round enriching experience.
Why host?
Travel from the comfort of your armchair
Bring your family together
Learn to welcome differences
Leave a mark
Rediscover your backyard
Ties without borders
Make their dream a reality. Who would you like to invite into your home?

F. is an enthusiastic and adventurous student from Belgium who loves trying new things. She enjoys activities like circus, dancing, drawing, and badminton, and is actively involved in school clubs and student council. Social and caring by nature, F. values helping others and spending time with friends and family. She’s curious about Australian culture, school life, and wildlife, and looks forward to sharing her own traditions too. Independent and responsible, F. helps with chores and babysits at home. She’s adaptable, not a picky eater, and excited to experience life as a true local.

M. is a Belgian student who loves sports, especially field hockey, tennis, and water activities like surfing. Active and energetic, M also enjoys running and going to the gym to stay fit. Beyond sports, M is curious and loves discovering new things and having conversations about all sorts of topics. Friends describe M as responsible, mature, and kind, often the one who keeps everyone organized. Academically motivated and culturally curious, M is excited to experience Australian life, improve English, and share Belgian culture with a host family.

H. is a 15-year-old student from Denmark who is active, social, and eager to experience Australian culture. Passionate about sports, H plays football daily and enjoys golf, tennis, basketball, and swimming. H also works part-time at a cinema and as a barber, showing responsibility and independence. Creative and stylish, H likes fashion, board games, and music, and is open to trying new foods. Mature and outgoing, H values teamwork, helping at home, and making new friends. H hopes to share Danish traditions while learning about life in Australia.

K. is a 15-year-old student from Denmark who is curious, easy-going, and eager to experience Australian culture. He enjoys outdoor activities like running, biking, kayaking, and surfing, as well as sports such as handball and basketball. K is passionate about technology, 3D printing, and problem-solving, and also loves cooking and trying new recipes. He is responsible, helpful, and independent, with a part-time job at an ice cream shop. K values family time, has a great sense of humor, and looks forward to sharing Danish traditions while learning about life in Australia.

W. is a 16-year-old from Denmark who describes himself as curious, friendly, and responsible. He enjoys staying active by going to the gym and setting fitness goals, though he doesn’t play team sports. W works as a waiter and in a furniture store, which has taught him independence, time management, and communication skills. He values school highly, with physics and math as his favorite subjects. Organized and adaptable, W looks forward to experiencing a new culture, sharing Danish traditions, and contributing positively to his host family’s daily life.

M. is a 15-year-old student from France who is curious, kind, and helpful. He enjoys sports, especially tennis, which he has played for six years, as well as mountain biking and canoeing. M loves challenges and wants to experience Australian culture and school life. At home, he helps with chores and enjoys family activities like walks, visiting museums, and playing games. He is cheerful, respectful, and adapts easily to new environments. M looks forward to sharing his culture and making new friends during his exchange.

M. is a 15-year-old student from Bavaria, Germany, who loves art, cooking, and sports. She has been passionate about painting for five years and even held a small exhibition. M enjoys playing tennis, going to the gym, and spending time outdoors biking or visiting lakes. At home, she often cooks for her family and likes reading, drawing, and watching movies. Independent and responsible, M keeps her space tidy and helps with household tasks. She is friendly, polite, and eager to experience Australian culture and everyday life while making new friends.

N. is a thoughtful, independent and active young person who enjoys spending time outdoors, staying fit through walking and running, and expressing her creativity through cooking, baking and personal style. She loves reading, especially romantasy, and values calm routines like skincare and healthy living. Kind and caring, N has a close bond with younger children and is patient and responsible at home. Curious about new cultures, she is excited to experience Australian life, develop her independence, and become part of a warm, communicative host family.

L. is a 16-year-old German student who is active, friendly, and responsible. She loves sports, especially handball, which she plays several times a week and supports as a youth referee and gymnastics coach. L enjoys wakeboarding with her family, spending time with friends, and caring for her younger cousins. Organised and adaptable, L looks forward to joining a sports club in Australia, experiencing family life, and sharing her culture while learning about yours.

L. is an active, open-minded student who loves dance and is part of a hip-hop and cheerdance team that competes in championships. She enjoys skiing, beach volleyball, and trying new sports like wakeboarding and sailing. Organized and independent, L manages her time well between school, two households, and her hobbies. She values family time, helps with chores, and has a close bond with her parents and younger cousins. Sociable and curious, L looks forward to experiencing Australian culture, joining family activities, and exploring new adventures during her stay.

N. is a 15-year-old from Germany who lives with his parents, twin brother, and older sister. He is active, curious, and enjoys trying new things. His hobbies include fishing with his brother, playing the saxophone, going to the gym, playing table tennis and spending time with friends. N. is open-minded, friendly, and eager to experience daily life in Australia, especially its nature and culture.

T. is a cheerful and optimistic 16-year-old who loves art, music, and sports. She enjoys hip hop dance, plays guitar, and is active in her school football club. Creative and curious, T likes painting, photography, and learning new things. She values family time but also appreciates independence and quiet moments listening to music. Respectful and helpful, T adapts quickly to new situations and takes initiative when needed. She is excited to experience Australian culture, school life, and everyday living beyond tourism.

V, a 16-year-old male student from Germany, is active, creative, and passionate about skateboarding, climbing, parkour, drawing, and playing the piano. He also enjoys fashion, skiing, and wakeboarding, and spends weekends at skateparks or with family. V values sustainability and looks forward to sharing his hobbies and learning new ones with his host family.

V. is a cheerful and independent 16‑year‑old from a small seaside town in Italy. She is sociable, respectful, and curious about new cultures, with a strong character and a generous, cooperative nature. V. enjoys music, fashion, relaxing with her family, and spending time with her two dogs. Although not currently active in sports, she has played basketball and volleyball in the past. She is academically responsible, passionate about philosophy, and motivated to challenge herself through this exchange experience in Australia.

E. is a cheerful and optimistic 16‑year‑old exchange student from central Italy who is excited to experience life in Australia. Friendly and open to new experiences, E enjoys travelling, spending time with friends and staying active through dance, gym training and a variety of sports. She attends a classical high school and values learning, especially languages, art and biology. Family is very important to E, and she is used to sharing meals, helping at home and enjoying relaxed evenings together. E is looking forward to becoming part of an Australian family and sharing her culture.

L. is a 16-year-old Italian student who is curious, cheerful, and eager to experience Australian life. She is a dedicated and creative learner who enjoys school and approaches challenges with enthusiasm. L. loves reading, photography, and spending time outdoors. Her main hobbies include horseback riding, tennis, skiing, and playing the clarinet in a local band. She is friendly, responsible, and enjoys helping others, including her younger sister. Passionate about culture and nature, L. looks forward to sharing her interests and learning from her host family.

C. is a 16-year-old student from Italy who describes herself as friendly, respectful, and eager to embrace new experiences. While initially a little shy, C quickly becomes sociable and enjoys spending time with friends. She loves athletics and previously played volleyball, showing her active and determined nature. C also enjoys music, long conversations, and keeping things organised. She is excited to share Italian culture and learn about Australian life. Host families can expect a polite, adaptable student who values family time and new adventures.

M. is a confident and curious Italian student who enjoys intellectual challenges and social engagement. He loves strategic games like chess and bridge, and has a strong interest in math, physics, and philosophy. M is active in volunteering and youth leadership, organizing cultural events and summer camps. He also enjoys sports such as basketball, swimming, skiing, and scuba diving. Sociable and adaptable, M values honesty and responsibility, and looks forward to experiencing Australian culture, meeting new people, and exploring a more interactive school environment.

N. is a 17-year-old from northern Italy who grew up in a multicultural family with Italian and Japanese heritage. He is open-minded, adaptable, and curious about other cultures, especially eager to learn about Australian life, nature, and history. N. is sociable and talkative once comfortable, though initially a little shy. He enjoys tennis, going to the gym, shopping, and spending time outdoors. Responsible and respectful, N. values family time and hopes to improve his English while becoming more independent. He looks forward to sharing experiences and creating a strong bond with his host family.

R. is a 16-year-old student from Italy who is friendly, cheerful, and responsible. She loves sports, especially tennis, skiing, athletics, and horseback riding, and enjoys staying active. Curious and motivated, R has a strong interest in history and biology and works hard at school. She is sociable, adaptable, and values family traditions, like celebrating Saint Lucia’s Day and cooking Italian dishes. R looks forward to sharing her culture, learning about Australian life, and becoming part of a new family while bringing positivity and enthusiasm to her exchange experience.

R. is a cheerful, curious, and responsible 17‑year‑old from Italy who loves meeting new people and exploring new cultures. She is highly dedicated to her studies, attending a demanding science high school and serving as class representative. Outside school, she enjoys going to the gym, spending time with friends, and caring for younger children, including her little cousin. R. values family traditions, especially cooking and sharing meals, and looks forward to experiencing Australian life. She is adaptable, respectful, and excited to join a host family and take on new challenges.

R. is a 16-year-old student from Italy who is lively, empathetic, and open-minded. Passionate about water polo, he has played competitively since age nine and enjoys other water activities like sailing and SUP. R. loves nature—whether hiking in the mountains or relaxing by the sea—and values spending time outdoors. He is social, enjoys cooking for others, and actively helps at home. Music is his escape, and he appreciates science and history at school. Respectful and adaptable, R. looks forward to sharing his culture and becoming part of an Australian family.

F. is a nearly 16-year-old student from Italy who is outgoing, curious, and eager to learn about new cultures. Passionate about photography, F. always carries a film camera to capture special moments. He enjoys boxing for fitness and stress relief, and likes soccer as a spectator sport. F. is academically strong, studying both humanities and sciences, and is described as polite, independent, and respectful. He has a close bond with his younger brother, helps with household chores, and cares for the family’s two cats. Adaptable and enthusiastic, F. looks forward to sharing his culture and becoming part of an Australian family.

F. is a 17-year-old Italian student who is calm, polite, and adaptable. He enjoys sports, especially volleyball, and stays active by lifting weights. F loves animals and has experience caring for pets. He is close to his family, often cooking simple meals for his younger siblings and helping with household tasks. Academically, he excels in scientific subjects like mathematics, biology, and chemistry, and is eager to explore new areas while in Australia. In his free time, F likes spending time with friends, playing video games, and discovering new cultures.

F. is a 16-year-old student from Northern Italy who loves sports, especially soccer and football, and has also enjoyed tennis, swimming, and padel. Curious and open-minded, F. values teamwork and discipline, and dreams of studying medicine in the future. He is responsible, respectful of rules, and enjoys spending time with family and friends. At home, F. helps with chores and cares for the family dog. He looks forward to experiencing Australian culture, meeting new people, and embracing life in a different environment.

G. is a 16-year-old student from a small Alpine town who loves sports, especially volleyball, which she plays competitively as a libero. She also enjoys skiing, spending time outdoors, and relaxing with drawing, music, and English TV series. G is independent, responsible, and used to sharing spaces, but values close relationships and meaningful friendships. She adores animals—her family has several pets—and is curious, determined, and eager to experience new cultures. G hopes to continue playing volleyball in Australia while embracing new challenges and opportunities.

A. is a 16-year-old student from Northern Italy who loves sports, especially swimming and skiing, and enjoys long walks in the mountains. She previously competed in swimming races and is now training to become a lifeguard, with plans to teach swimming in the future. A. is kind, adaptable, and curious about new cultures. She values family time, enjoys traveling, and is eager to experience Australian life. Her favorite subject is math, and she is committed to improving her English during her stay.

B is a 16-year-old student from Italy who describes themselves as organised, determined and caring. While initially a bit reserved, B becomes very sociable once they feel comfortable. They love the ocean, travelling with family and discovering new cultures. Baking is one of B’s favourite hobbies, especially making traditional Italian desserts, and they also enjoy athletics and going for runs with friends. B is keen to embrace Aussie life, sharing Italian traditions while learning about local customs.

V. is a friendly and outgoing exchange student from Italy who is excited about the opportunity to live with an Australian family. Curious and open‑minded, V enjoys learning about new cultures and sharing everyday conversations. At home, V is responsible and helps with chores, including cooking and caring for the family dog. V attends a science‑focused high school and has a strong interest in both sciences and the humanities. Outside school, V loves music, plays in a band, enjoys volleyball, and values spending time with friends and family.

C. is a 16-year-old from Italy who is enthusiastic about experiencing life in Australia. She is friendly, kind, and enjoys meeting new people, though she may seem shy at first. Independent and responsible, C. is creative and loves dance, having practiced ballet for eight years and contemporary for three. She also enjoys reading, journaling, and fashion projects like thrifting and customizing clothes. Academically strong, she excels in science and languages and dreams of speaking six fluently. C. values family, is culturally open-minded, and adapts well to new environments.

T. is a high school student from Poland who enjoys being active and social. He loves soccer and often plays with friends, supporting Manchester United with great enthusiasm. T is also involved in a debating program, which reflects his interest in learning and communication. Known for being polite, adaptable, and respectful, he looks forward to sharing Polish culture and traditions while embracing Australian family life. T hopes to experience local customs, try new foods, and make lasting connections during his stay.

L. is a 15-year-old student from southern Germany who is excited to experience life in Australia. Raised bilingual, L is curious, independent, and eager to embrace new challenges. She enjoys outdoor activities like surfing, scuba diving, tennis, and rock climbing, and is passionate about drama and choir. L is described as calm, responsible, and helpful around the house, often cooking and baking for her family. With a love for the ocean and a positive attitude toward school and community life, L hopes to share her culture and create meaningful memories with her host family.
FAQ
WEP host families are all unpaid volunteers. WEP is an Australian not-for-profit organisation and, as such, government regulations prevent us from providing remuneration to host families. All WEP students have their own spending money and are fully insured. Students are expected to cover costs outside their host family's usual outlay.
All students are covered by the Australian Government’s mandatory health insurance – Overseas Student Health Cover – the equivalent of Medicare. Many students also have additional insurance. Host families are not expected to include exchange students on their own insurance policies.
Once we know a little about your family interests and hosting preferences, we will send you suitable student profiles. You then get to choose the student who you think will best fit into your family.
Call 1300 884 733 to request a free information pack, application form and profiles of prospective students.
Government regulations prevent the remuneration of host families, so families generously volunteer to host. The student is responsible for any costs incurred through telephone usage, school uniforms, school materials, local transportation, personal items and any other general expenses that do not fall under the family’s usual outlay. Students pay a program fee to the organisation in their home country, which finances their application, interview & acceptance process, screening of suitable host family, program materials, flights, health insurance, orientation programs and 24 hour support for both themselves and the host family.
Host families have an extensive, experienced support network to call upon should they experience any issues during a student’s program. Your main source of support will be a local WEP coordinator. The coordinator is also a volunteer and is expected to get to know both your family and the student in order to ensure a pleasant experience for both parties. Most of the problems experienced by students and host families are due to miscommunication and culture shock, so an independent mediator is often all that is required. If an issue persists you will be able to contact us directly at our office. In the case of an emergency, both you and the student will be able to call our 24-hour emergency phone that will be answered by a staff member.
Generally speaking, students arrive in late January and mid July. If staying for a semester, students will leave early July or early December; if staying for a year, they will leave in December or early June.
The majority of students are from European countries, with some coming from North and South America. Host families are able to indicate their preference on the Host Family Contact Form and are encouraged to choose a student who they believe will best fit into their way of life.
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