Language Learning International are always looking for new host families to open their homes to our international students across our various programmes.
A host family is a home away from home for our students. The ideal host family is warm, welcoming, and prepared to treat their host student as a member of the family.
LLI offers our host families lots of support and each of our students is mentored by a dedicated Local Co-Ordinator who keeps in regular contact with the student and ensures they are getting on well in school and adjusting to their new life in Ireland.
Opening your home to an international student is a unique way of not only embarking on an amazing cultural exchange, but forming relationships for life.
Our host families come in all shapes and sizes and there is no correct answer for the “perfect” host family. If you are prepared to welcome an international student and support them on their journey, you could be a candidate to become an LLI host family.
After completing our application form, prospective families undergo a selection process by our team, followed by an at-home interview where your family home will be inspected, including the room in which the student will sleep. Finally, families undergo a Garda vetting before being officially becoming a host family.
The most important part of becoming a host family is to ensure that your student feels safe, comfortable, and welcome. Students should be treated as a member of the family and included in family meals, activities, and special occasions.
Host families should be encouraging of their student and encourage them to speak English as much as possible, as we at LLI have found that language skills are improved around a dinner table just as much as in a classroom.
School days generally start at 8.45 am between finish 4pm-4.30 pm. Lunch will be prepared by the host family in the morning and given to the student to eat during their lunch break in school. Some Homestay students may go home for lunch depending on where the school is in relation to their host family. Students may have a half day on Wednesday and finish early on a Friday.
