Australian Homestay Network Update

AHN in NZ
The Australian Homestay Network has been well received at the 19th ISANA Conference in Auckland New Zealand where it was announced that a NZ Homestay Network was on schedule for a 2010 launch. NZ Delegates responded very well to what the AHN was doing in Australia and it was hoped that a similar network could be established in NZ earlier than 2010 if possible. New Zealand homestay has been experiencing very similar problems as Australia.

AHN up and running in Australia
Education institutions outsourcing homestay are now being offered the opportunity to have the compliance security by making the decision to only refer students to private Homestay supervising organisations that meet minimum criteria such as:
· An online compliant and accessible/fully trackable/auditable system
· An acceptable industry Advisory Board overseeing the integrity of systems
and processes
· Professional 24/7 phone support including emergency and critical incident
management
· Appropriate insurances for both Hosts and Students
· Part of a Quality Assurance National Homestay Network

The above is now the new industry benchmark and Institutions adopting the minimum criteria are helping to lift the standards of Homestay services in Australia to an industry acceptable level.

Educations institutions supervising their own student homestays are now able to manage their homestays on the AHN platform using the compliant system and associated support services.

Private homestay supervisors are now being offered the opportunity to apply to join the Australian Homestay Network (it is free to join but membership is not guaranteed as private supervisors must be able to meet our minimum criteria).

Outstanding supervisor issues to be addressed by the AHN include:
· Overseas agents privately arranging homestays
· Australian multicultural groups/individuals setting up ‘country of origin’
family homestays with no accountability or controls
· Parent nominated homestays being included in the accountability process
for homestays

AHN Objectives
The Australian Homestay Network’s aim is not only to supply a compliant online portal for the delivery of Homestay to universities, organisations and providers of Homestay, but also to develop and enhance a ‘cultural experience’ through the Homestay opportunity for International students choosing to study within Australia.

The Australian Homestay Network (AHN) has been established to create the platform, leadership, systems and processes for compliant Homestay management.

It is free for Education Providers to become a member of AHN.

What AHN Provides:
· A management system for Homestay
· National, State and Regional compliance standards
· Online training for hosts
· Professional development for supervisors/providers
· Network and structure
· National branding, advertising and supply strategies
· Insurance and emergency 24/7 phone support for students and hosts


Australian Homestay challenges for the future:
1. Desperately need new hosts Australia wide.
We are currently advertising for new homestay hosts who are prepared to be involved in cultural exchange and quality services provision as the foundation of the relations. We offer free membership and online training with no obligation to take a student until they have been interviewed and their house assessed by and AHN trained supervisor. Payment to be a homestay host is non-assessable income (tax free) for up to two students per household. Persons wishing to become trained hosts with AHN should phone 1300 MY STAY (1300 697 829) or simply log on to http://www.homestaynetwork.org/

2. Ensuring education institutions only refer students and their agents to homestay operations that meet the minimum criteria.
Australia’s education institutions have to be made accountable for referring accommodation options in Australia. If they ensure that their agents also follow acceptable practices we are a long way to solving the problem.

AHN 2009 Starters

· Australian National University - (Canberra)
· Australian National University College - (Canberra)
· Bond University - (Gold Coast)
· Bond University English Language Institute - (Gold Coast)
· Central Queensland University - (Gold Coast)
· Central Queensland University – (Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane)
· Gold Coast Institute of TAFE - (Gold Coast)
· Griffith English Language Institute - (Gold Coast)
· Griffith University - (Gold Coast)
· Holmes Institute - (Melbourne)
· Immanuel College - (Adelaide)
· International Education Services - (Brisbane)
· Kings International College - (Gold Coast)
· Meridian - (Sydney and Melbourne)
· Monash College - (Caulfield, Clayton, Peninsula)
· Monash University - (Berwick, Caulfield, Clayton, Gippsland, Parkville,
Peninsula)
· Robina High, English language school - (Robina)
· Sunshine State Surfing School - (Gold Coast)
· Swinburne - (Hawthorn)
· University of Queensland Foundation Year
· William Angliss Institute (Melbourne)

In Addition we have appointed private homestay supervisors to the AHN system in:

· New South Wales
· Victoria
· Queensland (Brisbane, Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast)
· South Australia
· Western Australia

2009 in Australia
· AHN is scheduled to be the largest supplier of trained
homestay hosts in Australia
· The largest homestay student placement service

For Further information contact Ella Balsamo on 0417 784 047 or email ebalsamo@homestaynetwork.org

Merry Christmas to All!

REGULATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS FOR STUDENTS UNDER 18

As part of the Australian Homestay Network (AHN) commitment to a consistent and complaint approach to the provision of Homestay services within Australia, the following information will assist in understanding the regulations and requirements for students who are under the 18 years of age.

The snapshot below details the regulation/requirements which are need in each State through the Nation when working and volunteering for students under the age of 18.

Queensland
In Queensland people working or volunteering with children need to hold a Blue Card.

The Commission for Children and Young People and Child Guardian is responsible for administering and conducting criminal history checks on people who want to work with children to determine whether or not they are eligible to hold a Blue Card.

http://www.ccypcg.qld.gov.au/index.html

Cost: Volunteer – free, Paid Employees: $60 (2 years)

New South Wales
The NSW Commission for Children and Young People is responsible for the Working with Children Check, which helps determine whether people are suitable to work in child related employment.

This checklist aims to create workplaces where children are safe and protected, and where the people who work with children are appropriately screened.

http://www.kids.nsw.gov.au/director/check.cfm

Cost: Free Service

Victoria
The Victorian Government has introduced the Working with Children Check, which is compulsory for people who wish to work with or volunteer with children.

The check seeks to protect children from harm by requiring people to undertake a criminal history check before they start work in an organisation.

http://www.justice.vic.gov.au/wps/wcm/connect/Working+With+Children/Home/

Cost: Volunteer: Free, Paid Employees: $70 plus cost of photographs (5 years)

South Australia
Currently there are no legal requirements for people working with children to undertake a police check in South Australia, however, organisations which require employees and/or volunteers to work with children may have their own policies in this regard.

http://www.internationalstudents.sa.edu.au/pages/home/links/

Cost: $48

Australian Capital Territory
Currently there are no legal requirements for people working with children to undertake a police check in the Australian Capital Territory, however, organisations which require employees and/or volunteers to work with children may have their own policies in this regard.

Northern Territory
Currently there are no legal requirements for people working with children to undertake a police check in the Northern Territory, however, organisations which require employees and/or volunteers to work with children may have their own policies in this regard.In addition, the Northern Territory Government has released draft legislation for the creation of a screening scheme which outlines minimum standards for child-related occupations and activities.

Western Australia
In Western Australia a Working with Children Check is compulsory for people who carry out child-related work in Western Australia.

The check aims to protect children by deterring people from working with children when they have criminal records that indicate they may harm children; and by preventing people with such records from gaining positions of trust in paid and voluntary work with children.

http://www.checkwwc.wa.gov.au/default.htm

Cost: Volunteer: $10, Paid Employees: $50 (3 years)

Tasmania
Currently there are no legal requirements for people working with children to undertake a police check in Tasmania, however, organisations which require employees and/or volunteers to work with children may have their own policies in this regard.

In 2005 the Commissioner for Children Tasmania released a consultation paper discussing proposals for the Government to introduce screening procedures for Tasmanian organisations who want to employ people to work with children.

TCN Homestay gives AHN Thumbs Up!

One of Victoria's leading Homestay Supervisors, TCN Homestay, has now been trained on all aspects of the AHN system and has given it a big thumbs up! Here is what just one of their staff had to say:

"I was very impressed with the system. The AHN is a visually pleasant looking system and it is far superior to the system we currently have. I found it to be very user friendly, easy to move around the different sections and from an accounting perspective – excellent. The alert system is terrific and the fact the Hosts, Students and Agents can input their own data and monitor the system day by day is great. The fact that there is ongoing consultation with TCN and other clients is fabulous. Education Institutions should be able to now relax with Homestay and proudly present it as an accommodation option for students.

We can see the benefits already to enhancing our business to making a smooth and efficient changeover and providing a much higher level of service to all parties involved. I look forward to going live in Jan 09!"

Anthony Joins the AHN Team

We have great pleasure in welcoming Anthony Fleming to our team.

Anthony fulfils the position of CEO during our foundation and development phase.

Having worked for OSHC Worldcare for the past 5 years (Account Management QLD/NSW/ACT, Regional Manager QLD/NSW/ACT and National Operations Manager), Anthony has extensive experience in implementation projects concerning International students.

With a background in Account Management, Marketing, Public Relations and Operations his key responsibility will be ensuring new client’s transition to AHN is successful.

With our project continuing to gain momentum, we look forward to growing our business under Anthony’s leadership.

Welcome Anthony!!

Foundation Member gives the AHN System the thumbs up!!

Study Gold Coast has worked closely with AHN Staff over the past months undergoing extensive system training, system testing, completing the "Getting Started with AHN" procedures, developing member communication and hosting AHN information sessions.

Feedback from Study Gold Coast has been extremely positive.

Here's some of the system functions/inclusions they like most:

• the system is extremely easy to use
• the entire system is auditable without extra additional administration time
• we will have records of absolutely every action with a reduction in administration time and this is very easily accessible
• we will be able to generate our own reports, export to EXCEL and create graphs for statistical purposes
• we can search for students by their existing ID numbers as allocated by their education providers
• we will benefit from a fully secure system protecting privacy of homestay host and students
• insurance covering both homestay hosts and students is excellent
• as is the bonus of counselling in other languages through AHN 24/7

The Australian Homestay Network thanks Study Gold Coast for their continued support and looks forward to working together to build complete homestay solutions.

AHN ADVISORY BOARD

‘Working together to build complete Homestay solutions’

AHN is pleased to announce the appointment of a number of individuals from across the Nation (Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia) to the AHN Advisory Board.

The AHN Advisory Board which is chaired by Sylvia Lewohl (formerly of Griffith University - who has over 17 years experience working within the Homestay area) will hold its inaugural meeting this week.

The Advisory Board plays a proactive role in guiding AHN planning and program development, initiating dialogue with the Board of Directors on matters of strategic interest as well as responding to matters referred from the Board of Directors.

The AHN Advisory Board’s role is to:

- Act as a forum of strategic advice and a sounding board for the Board of Directors with respect to current and emerging issues relating to Homestay and International Students

- Assist the Board of Directors with strategic planning

- Advise on opportunities for alliances and partnerships consistent with the aims and goals of the network

- Advise on and monitor compliance with statutory regulations pertaining to Homestay

Advisory Board positions are non-remunerative and represent the following areas :

- Homestay industry
- Higher Education sector
- TAFE Sector
- English Language
- Private Education Sector
- Public sector
- Corporate Sector
- Specialist areas such as police, psychiatry, insurance etc.

24/7 Interpreter Service

We have received many questions regarding our Homestay 24/7 Interpreter Service.

There are no additional costs for the service as it is paid for in the management fee.

How it works is as follows:

1. If our AHN 24/7 Help Desk receives a call where there is obviously a language problem the AHN Help Desk automatically sets up an interpreter booking and reschedules the call. Usually this can be done on the same day.


2. If a Supervisor or a host is having a communication issue where language is the problem, they can book the service direct with our AHN 24/7 help desk (most languages available).


3. Up to 6 people can be on the phone line for the one call, so you could have: Help Desk, Interpreter, Supervisor, Host, Student and Network Account Manager all on the one call for major issues.

We are excited about this added benefit for Homestay.

AHN Community to Benefit from 24 Hour AHN Assistance Service

Enhancing the cultural experience and ensuring the safe welfare for International Students is a major focus of the Australian Homestay Network community.

We are pleased to announce that we have secured the services of a well established, reputable assistance organisation to offer 24/7 support to member organisations, their Homestay hosts and students placed through the AHN System

The AHN 24 hour, 7 day access assistance line will provide referrals for:

• AHN Homestay Helpdesk
• Medical Assistance and Referral
• Telephone Legal Advice
• Stress & Trauma Counseling
• Interpreter Assistance
• Claim Lodgement

Working together to build complete homestay solutions!!

Process to Join AHN

Many groups have commenced the process to join AHN.

Our current projection for 2008 is to have over 4000 international students entering their homestay placement through an AHN supervisor.

If your organisation/institution wishes to explore further the opportunity associated with joining the Australian Homestay Network it commences with the following steps:

• Signing of confidentiality agreement
• Access codes given for system testing where the organisation/institution trials being a student, homestay host and supervisor
• "Getting Started" with AHN workshop
• Decision and start up date agreed to

We are currently in the process of signing groups up for January and July 2009 start ups.

If you are interested please contact Ella on 0417 784047 or at ebalsamo@homestaynetwork.org

Australian Police Medal

We are pleased to announce that Senior Sergeant GREGORY IAN BISHOP was awarded the AUSTRALIAN POLICE MEDAL on Friday April 4th.
Senior Sergeant Bishop has voluntarily been giving advice to the AHN and recently has agreed to join our AHN Advisory Board and assist on matters to do with security and incident management processes.
The Australian Police Medal Award recognised Senior Sergeant Bishop's dedication to policing and his effectiveness in working in partnership with community groups within the South Brisbane area. He was also acknowledged for contributing significantly to the coordination of policing activities at numerous state, national and international events, including the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games and 2001 Goodwill Games.
CONGRATULATIONS GREG AND WELCOME TO THE AHN!

GREAT NEWS!!!!

One of our first Foundation clients of the Australian Homestay Network is in the middle of the testing phases of our online management system and has;

• completed the homestay host training and assessment
• been a student
• been a homestay host

They are delighted with how easy the system is to use and with the organised flows for each functionality.

In the coming weeks they will move to testing the supervisor functions and are on schedule for a 1 July 2008 commencement.

Student Referrals

There have recently been a few questions coming in about student referrals and what level of involvement agents will have on the AHN System, so we thought we should post the answer here for anyone who may be interested.

There are three ways that new student applications can be submitted to AHN. The first is when a Student comes to the website and fills in the application form first hand. The second is when a supervisor adds a new student or study tour from within their organisation’s AHN account. The third is when a referring agent enters new student details on a page specifically designed for agent referrals. Both the second and third methods utilise an “agent code”, which is a way for referring agents to identify themselves on the system, with a unique code assigned to each office.

Referring agents may be the supervisor themselves, an education provider, or an external agency. It is up to each supervising organisation how they structure their student referrals on AHN, and an agent can only add new students to supervisors who have previously nominated to accept that agent code. A report will be produced at the end of each month detailing the commission payable to each referring agent.

The primary responsibility of referring agents is to make sure the students they enter onto the system receive their AHN login information and know how to access their account, and that they have read and understood the student orientation prior to the start of their homestay placement in Australia.

AHN Transition Training

This is an exciting week here at AHN, as we are about to begin system training and testing with the first of our foundation year members, StudyGoldCoast. A lot of thought has gone into how best to bring new organisations onto the system, and we thought we should document the process here to give everyone a better idea of what’s in store.

In the first phase of training we will have staff members from the new organisation take on the role of a Homestay Host or Student so that they can run through and understand the flow of the system from the perspective of the users they will be supervising. This will also provide them with the opportunity to test out the system by creating different problem scenarios to see how the system handles them.

After new users have completed the student/host flow up until placement we will reverse the roles and have them be supervisors within a dummy organisation we have setup on the system for training purposes. AHN staff will then create a series of Hosts and Students and run them through the flow while generating as many pre-placement issues that we can come up with. This will provide new users with an understanding of how a supervisor manages their operations using the system, including task delegation and incident management.

Once new organisations are confident on the system with a full understanding of its capabilities, we will then begin setting up their custom pages and begin full transition onto AHN!

Homestay VS Tuckshop

While not a system update, we thought you might enjoy this mildly amusing story about the surging Homestay industry in Brisbane. One of our neighbours recently came over to visit as she had heard that we were developing a Homestay Network. She was very interested to enquire about the possibilities of Homestay and said that she found out about it through a dispute at a local school. Apparently this “dispute” had involved something of a mass exodus of the school’s tuckshop lady staff after word got around that they could each host a single international student in Homestay for the same amount that the school was paying them to prepare the lunches for 500+ children each week. Needless to say it can’t have been a very difficult decision, and from all reports these placements are doing very well. AHN would like to apologise in advance to any other schools with an underpaid tuckshop staff. Viva la revolution!

Update - Mapping Tools

One of the great things about system testing is that it gives us the opportunity to actually try things out in practice that up until now have been only theory. And while we’re still in the early stages of testing, we can already report that the promised online mapping system for Students is going to be a fantastic feature. Not only will Students be able to get an early look at the region surrounding their placement, but the map itself has customisable place marks with Supervisors and Managers able to populate their region full of helpful information. For example, they might like to highlight the best bus stops and bus codes to get to education providers, or give directions to local shops and cinemas, or even point out which is the best local pub! There’s really no limit to what can be added, and all a Student ever needs to do to check the map is log in to their profile from any computer with internet access. Overall, this is another great way for Supervisors to develop and own their specified region on the Australian Homestay Network.

System Update - Feb 2008

Apologies once again for the length of time since our last update, but our focus has been on development and planning for our July launch. More regular updates will follow in the next few weeks and months, so please keep checking back!

January 2008 has seen development of the AHN system shift into high gear. We now have a full working model of the system and are beginning the first of several rounds of extensive in-house testing. Over the next few weeks we will be putting the system through its paces to make sure it can handle the many variables associated with Homestay to our satisfaction. From 1st March we will then begin official system testing with our foundation members to ensure that we can meet their specific regional requirements prior to launch.

The system itself is looking fantastic, and its overall simplicity, flexibility and ease of use have so far exceeded our expectations. Supervisors are able to completely manage every aspect of their homestay operations from any computer with normal internet capabilities. There are fully customisable pages specific to each organisation, with event planning and bulk messaging features built into each Supervisor’s access. Put simply, AHN is not just a great way to coordinate your Homestays, but also a way to own your specified region and control it your way to the best of your ability.

Other updates

• We've completed our Homestay Host training module and assessment, which is currently under final review
• Also under final review are our policies, procedures and supervisors manual, which will all be integrated into the site alerts and emails by the time of launch
• Student orientation is complete and is being uploaded onto the Student section, where Students will be able to read up on Australian lifestyle and customs prior to leaving their home country
• Agent functions have now been built into the site (where applicable), with agents able to create new Students themselves and receive carbon copies of all relevant correspondence
• Site frequently asked questions have been completed specific to each level of access, and will continue to be updated with questions received after launch

More to follow as we get closer to launch!