AHN Guidelines for Interviewing Homestay Hosts

1. Public AHN Complaint Management Policy
2. Public AHN COVID-19 Safety Policy
3. Public AHN Room Holding Policy
4. Public AHN Sexual Harassment and Abuse Prevention Policy
5. Public AHN Host Reimbursement Policy
6. Public AHN Refund Policy
7. Public AHN Guest Agreement
8. Public AHN Homestay Policy
9. Public AHN Host Agreement
10. Public AHN Guidelines for Interviewing Homestay Hosts
11. Public AHN Privacy Policy
12. Public AHN Critical Incident Policy
13. Public AHN Code of Conduct for U18s in Homestay
14. Public AHN Guest Placement Policy
15. Public AHN Selection Criteria for the Recruitment of Homestay Hosts
16. Public AHN Website Terms & Conditions

Note: This policy is subject to change at any time. Please check all AHN policies on a regular basis for updates.

Document Overview:

This document is for use by an Australian Homestay Network (AHN) Host Manager when conducting a Home interview with a new Host applicant or a follow-up interview with an existing Host. It outlines the procedure that should be followed in order to ensure all Hosts meet with the Host Manager’s expectations, and should be used with reference to the AHN Selection Criteria for the Recruitment of Homestay Hosts.

Make an Appointment

As a Host Manager you will be alerted when a Host applicant is ready to schedule their interview, which will mean that they have already completed their training, passed their assessment and are otherwise ready to begin hosting. The first thing to do is to organise a convenient time to schedule an appointment. This can be done using the Homestay Management System (HSM) or by telephone at the Host Manager’s discretion. The interview may be conducted virtually or in person.

The following is the checklist for making an appointment.

• Contact the Host and establish a convenient time when the family can all be together for between thirty minutes and one hour.
• Advise the Host of the reason for the interview (i.e. essential part of the AHN application process) and let them know what will be covered in the interview.

1. Check the accommodation is appropriate.
2. Check the accommodation is safe and meets building regulations.
3. Verify the Host profile.
4. Verify the Host meets the AHN Selection Criteria for the Recruitment of Homestay Hosts.

• Explain that the AHN community selects its Hosts as per the AHN Selection Criteria for the Recruitment of Homestay Hosts.
• Explain that you are not looking for a particular type of family – the AHN community needs many different types of families, and all are assessed equally as to their suitability.

Prepare for the Interview

Before the interview can be conducted you must first ensure that you are prepared and have all the relevant information printed out and filed to take with you. This should include:

• interview checklist relevant for your office
• print out of this Host’s profile
• print out of this Host’s assessment.

You should already have an understanding of the Host’s profile before the interview is conducted. The checklist for any new Host house inspection can be customised with any further questions specific to your needs.

Additionally, you will need to be familiar with all relevant AHN documentation so you are able to discuss this with the Host and answer any questions they may have. You may also wish to take a copy of the following documentation with you for reference:

• AHN Host Agreement
• AHN Code of Ethics and Best Practice Policy

The AHN Host Agreement can be reviewed during the inspection, which may assist with answering common questions the Host might have.

Finally, make sure you plan out the route to the Host’s address so you don’t get lost. Always have a mobile telephone and the Host’s telephone number on hand for general contact.

Dynamics of Interviewing

Take particular care when filling out the Host interview checklist to ensure that all fields are completed accurately. You should also pay particular attention to the AHN Selection Criteria for the Recruitment of Homestay Hosts, but always remember that the contents of your file should be kept private unless you decide to share relevant documentation (this is at the Host Manager’s discretion).

The exact format and order of the interview is at the Host Manager’s discretion, provided all fields are completed on the interview checklist. The following are some general guidelines for conducting the interview:

• Interview the whole family if at all possible.
• Help the family to feel relaxed by adopting a friendly, relaxed attitude yourself while remaining professional.
• Note the family’s group dynamics and the way in which people interact.
• Stay focused and direct the interview according to your schedule and aims. A directed interview will produce the most information.
• Don’t develop an authoritarian attitude and avoid judgmental responses.
• Discuss confidentiality and that all personal information entered on to the system will remain private, and is protected and encrypted.
• An interview should be more than just a question and answer session; it should be a friendly, professional conversation focusing on an exchange of information.
• Establish a good rapport before discussing sensitive issues. Begin on safe topics
• If the Host profile does not already include photographs, seek permission to take a photograph of the family together.

Techniques

The following are some recommended techniques to utilise during the interview process:

• Prompt hosts to answer historical questions e.g. “Tell me about a time when…?”
• Ask descriptive questions e.g. “What is it about hosting that you think you will like?”
• Seek clarification on any answers you are concerned about.
• Discuss cultural differences.
• Summarise the responses back to the family so they can correct or add to them.
• Ask for examples.

Topics

The following are some relevant topics to assist with conversation during the interview:

• sport interests
• weekend activities
• activities with extended family holidays

Close the Interview

• Thank families for their time and let them know that we cannot guarantee a steady stream of placements but will be in touch if/when we have a suitable Guest to offer.
• Advise the family that you will be in touch to confirm the outcome of the interview.
• Leave the interview on a positive note with all paperwork completed.

 

Note: AHN Host Managers should not feel pressured to reveal whether the interview is successful at its completion.

Reviewed: June 2025