Wright at home: embracing the homestay hosting experience

For Maria Wright and her family, opening their home and hearts to international students through UOW College’s Homestay program has been a rich and rewarding journey with great memories.

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After a positive experience hosting Chinese international students while living in the UK, the Wrights – Maria, her husband Matt, and their 12-year-old daughter Imogen – decided to give hosting a try on returning home to Wollongong.  

Since joining the program in July 2024, they’ve welcomed many students as part of UOW College’s cultural and English language immersion Study Tours. 

“You just need to be open to learning about different cultures and be willing to create a warm, welcoming family environment; it’s incredibly fulfilling,” says Maria. 

“Imogen is an only child, and it seemed an ideal way for her to have some company close to her age at home.” 

So far, the family has hosted pairs of girls aged between 11 and 16 from China and Japan. Students typically stay for one to two weeks, attending classes at UOW College, exploring local sights, and experiencing everyday life in an Australian household. 

“Imogen really embraced it, and we’ve all enjoyed it so much that we’ve just kept going. We always feel a bit low when they leave; the house seems different without them.” 

A warm welcome 

Many students arrive feeling shy and nervous, a long way from home and family. The Wrights go to great lengths to help them feel comfortable and safe, furnishing their room with personalised welcome packs complete with small gifts and treats, and a handwritten note from Imogen.  

To ease them into the new environment, Maria serves a familiar noodle dish on the first night, introducing family favourites like lasagne and schnitzel throughout the rest of their stay.  

“Garlic bread is apparently very expensive in Japan and many of the girls absolutely love it,” Maria laughs. 

“We also do the Aussie thing: lamingtons, barbeques. Matt even bought aprons so the girls can play chef.” 

The family’s charismatic three-year-old French Bulldog, Ella, and their serene elderly cat, Missy, are an integral and much-loved part of the experience they create. Ella’s exuberant love and Missy’s gentle presence go a long way to breaking the ice and providing comfort and companionship, helping students adjust to a new environment. 

“Some students aren’t chatty first thing in the morning, so they’ll just sit quietly with the animals. It helps them ease into the day and they don’t have to worry about speaking English,” says Maria. 

“The students adore them both, taking photos and sending them to each other. I’m sure Ella and Missy are developing quite a following in Japan and China.” 

Maria says they see every hosted student as part of the family. They share meals, watch movies together with subtitles, and take family walks with Ella down to the harbour. They also see the sights of the Illawarra together, strolling along the Sea Cliff Bridge or visiting Symbio Wildlife Park. The students even join in birthday parties and social activities with Imogen’s friends. 

“We don't overwhelm them, but we make it clear from the beginning that they are part of our family while they are here. If they have questions or problems, if they’re unsure of anything, they know they can come to us.” 

A rewarding experience

Homestay hosting has been a profoundly positive experience for the Wrights. While there is financial compensation for hosts to cover expenses, she says the true rewards lie in the cultural exchange and social connection – and in seeing her daughter thrive.  

“It’s really boosted Imogen’s confidence and opened her eyes to the world. She always looks forward to the next pair of students and loves staying in touch after they leave. She’s even started learning Japanese,” Maria says. 

“Matt and I love it too. We enjoy chatting with girls and learn so much from them about how people live in other parts of the world.” 

Hosts receive extensive support from UOW College before and during each student’s stay. They are also connected to a vibrant local community of other hosts, with a dedicated WhatsApp group where they can ask questions, share experiences and organise social outings together with their students. 

The Wrights are now preparing to welcome students aged over 18 while continuing to host younger students inside their home. Maria has also inspired several other families to join the program, including those of Imogen’s school friends.  

“I always tell people, if it suits your family, it’s a wonderful thing to do,” she says. 

Thinking of becoming a UOW College Homestay host?  Explore the opportunities and benefits here.