SEATTLE, Jan. 10, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The American Homestay Network (AHN-USA) (www.homestaynetwork.com), the first national-scale, standards-based homestay organization in America, today announced that global education services expert David Bycroft, Executive Chairman of the highly acclaimed Australian Homestay Network (www.homestaynetwork.org), has joined the AHN-USA Board of Directors. Bycroft is working with AHN-USA as they launch their programs to address a large and growing market for international homestays in America. Based on programs implemented by Bycroft and his colleagues in Australia, AHN-USA is bringing to America a new level of best practices in service offerings, operations and technology to hosted homestay programs.
"With more than 700,000 international students and hundreds of universities in America, and the current lack of national standards for homestay, the opportunity for the American Homestay Network is immense," said Bycroft. "My role with AHN-USA is to circumvent the complacency we saw as the international student industry boomed in Australia. Without implementing high standards now, there is a potential risk to tens of thousands of students who are coming to America to study and live."
As part of the AHN-USA's launch, beginning in Washington State/Seattle region, Bycroft also attended and spoke at the recent NAFSA: Association of International Educators - Region 1 Conference. Bycroft presented to attendees on "How to Maximise Inbound International Students and Outbound Domestic Students for USA Education from an Australian Perspective".
AHN-USA has already established relationships with numerous Seattle area universities and colleges, has built a preliminary host inventory of Seattle area families, and is currently available to place international students into homes throughout the greater Seattle area.
"The Australian Homestay Network has proven that this modern, professional approach to homestays provides many benefits for hosts, students, schools, and agents, so we're confident that taking key best practices from Australia's experience, we can do the same in America," said Ron Davis, CEO of AHN-USA. "There are huge economic and cultural opportunities for American communities and we're set on ensuring a safe and rewarding experience for all parties involved."
AHN-USA services include online matching and management technology, an extensive national background check process, 24x7 professionally staffed emergency support, online payment services, compulsory online student and host orientation training and professional airport transportation services.
"As the American program grows, we believe there are significant advantages for both our US and Australia based programs," said Bycroft. "We'll work together and share ideas to expand the quality and size of inbound and outbound student exchange programs, supported by the best practice Homestay programs in both countries."
About The American Homestay Network
The American Homestay Network (AHN-USA) was created to bring a new level of best practices in service offerings, operations and technology to hosted homestay programs for visiting international students. AHN-USA is committed to setting a new global standard for student homestay in America. Through its business relationships with the Australian Homestay Network, global insurers, banks and national emergency response partners the company offers an unprecedented collection of comprehensive services. The company is a member of NAFSA: Association of International Educators and AWISA: Association of Washington International Student Affairs. For more information, visit www.homestaynetwork.com.
The American Homestay Network logo is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=15958