Our Services

Everything included.
Nothing hidden.

From one night to twelve months — here is exactly what every Koala Nest stay includes for guests and hosts.

Student services

Your home away from home — in the heart of Melbourne

Arriving in a new country is one of the biggest moments of your life. At Koala Nest, we make sure you never face it alone. You will be welcomed into a real family home where you are cared for, supported, and encouraged every single day.

From your very first night, you will have a warm bed, a home-cooked meal, and someone who genuinely cares about how you are going.

  • Students receive a fully furnished room dedicated entirely to their sleep, study, and relaxation. It includes a comfortable bed, a desk for coursework, and ample storage space for clothing and personal belongings, ensuring total privacy and a quiet personal environment.

  • High-speed internet access is accessible throughout the entire household at no additional cost. Whether connecting for academic research, video-calling family back home, or streaming media, students enjoy unrestricted connectivity without data caps.

  • An immersive linguistic environment. Host families actively engage students in English during daily routines, shared meals, and casual conversations, offering a natural, supportive atmosphere to practice and enhance language skills every day.

  • Nutritious, freshly prepared meals are provided regularly as part of the stay, removing the stress of grocery shopping and cooking. This typically covers breakfast and dinner on weekdays, and three full meals on weekends.

  • Convenience and safety are prioritized. All homestays are located within a reasonable commuting distance to the student's designated educational campus, offering straightforward access to reliable public transportation pathways.

  • Continuous peace of mind around the clock. Both the host family and our dedicated agency support team are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to assist with emergencies, urgent questions, or unexpected structural shifts.

How it works

From enquiry to move-in — we handle everything

Most students are matched and confirmed within 3–5 business days.

  • 1

    You enquire

    Tell us your school, dates, budget, and any preferences — dietary, location, lifestyle

  • 2

    We find your match

    Our team personally selects the best host from our verified Melbourne network

  • 3

    You confirm

    Review your host profile, sign the homestay agreement, and pay securely


  • 4

    You arrive home

    Walk through the door to a warm welcome, a ready bedroom, and your first home-cooked meal

For Parents

We know how much trust you are placing in us.

Sending your child to another country is one of the hardest decisions a parent makes. We take that responsibility seriously — and we will never take it for granted.

  • Background checks, ID verification, and in-person property inspection before any placement

  • We check in on every placement regularly — not just at the start, but throughout the entire stay

  • Call or message us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We will always pick up

Get Started

Everything you need to know

Can't find your answer here? Send us a message and we'll get back to you within 24 hours.

FOR STUDENTS

  • A homestay means living with an Australian host family in their private home. You'll have your own bedroom and share common spaces like the kitchen, lounge, and bathroom. It's an immersive way to experience Australian life, improve your English, and feel supported during your studies in Melbourne.

  • At minimum, your homestay includes a furnished private bedroom and shared bathroom access. Depending on the package you select, it may also include:

    • Breakfast and dinner (2 meals per day)

    • All three meals per day

    • Wi-Fi and utilities

    • Use of shared laundry facilities

    Your exact inclusions will be confirmed in your placement agreement.

  • We match students to host families based on your preferences, arrival date, school location, and any special needs (dietary, pets, etc). While you cannot directly choose your family, we take your preferences seriously and won't confirm a placement without your agreement. If a match isn't working, we'll find you a new family.

  • We aim to place students within a reasonable commute — typically 30 to 60 minutes by public transport from their school or college. Melbourne has excellent train, tram, and bus connections. We'll always share the suburb and commute estimate before you confirm.

  • Please let us know in your application. We share dietary requirements with host families before placement. Whether you're vegetarian, halal, allergic to nuts, or have any other needs — we'll match you with a family who can accommodate you.

  • Koala Nest coordinates your airport pickup and introduction to your host family. In your first week, we check in with you to make sure you're comfortable and settled. You'll also receive a welcome guide with everything you need — from public transport tips to emergency contacts.

  • Contact us and we'll step in immediately. Your safety and wellbeing are our priority. If we can't resolve the issue, we will arrange a new placement as quickly as possible — usually within 48–72 hours. You should never feel stuck.

FOR PARENTS

  • Every host family in our network undergoes a thorough vetting process — including a police background check, an in-home assessment, and a personal interview. We also conduct regular welfare check-ins with students. Our support line is available 24/7 for any emergency.

  • Yes. Once a placement is confirmed, we'll introduce you to the host family and share their contact details. We encourage parents to communicate openly with both us and the host family throughout the stay.

  • Call our emergency line immediately. We will coordinate with the host family, your child's school, and relevant medical or emergency services. We keep parent contact details on file for all students and will reach out to you proactively in any serious situation.

  • Item descripYes. We can communicate with families in Japanese via our team contacts and partner agencies. We also accept enquiries via LINE and WeChat at @koalanesthomestay. We want parents to feel confident and fully informed, regardless of language.

Get In Touch

Our Melbourne team replies within 24 hours — or call us directly.