Host families

Thankyou all for your posting , they were helpful . I just thought I would let you know just for interests sake that we have decided that it probably not for us .

I've done this for years and hosted more than two hundred home-stay students, with many returning year after year. I've had all ages and abilities and thoroughly enjoyed the experience (hence the huge number to stay) with only one student that I said I wouldn't be happy to host again. (I should have picked up on the clue that his German parents sent him to study English at Christmas. They had a lovely peaceful time.......)
If it's only about the money then think long and hard; you earn the money and if you usually eat well there isn't much of a margin by the time you've factored in the extra utilities/food etc. But, it can be the most amazingly enriching experience and you get a glimpse into other culture/countries etc.

colleagues put up students who come to manchester for courses in the summer. the main problem seems to be food - they refuse to eat what's on offer! one had an ultra-vegan who would only have herbal tea and brown rice, or some such. get clear definitions of what you are expected to provide. but it sounds as if it could be interesting.

When we lived in Oxford we had several friends who did this. You really have to like having people in your home and be quite tolerant as there often seemed to be missunderstandings due to language and the students expectations. The age of the student is also important as the younger they are the more 'in loco parentis' you have to be. Make sure the agency is a respected one and get recommendations. The people that I knew who did it had a great time but they were very easy going sorts who did not mind sharing their homes with total strangers. Me, I'm a miserable so and so in the mornings so only those I know and love can possibly put up with me.

With done this many, many times. With this organisation, are you expected to teach and entertain them, or are the students attending a course and taken out on activities with them?

We always found it great fun - but I was very sad to see that some people did it only for the money, and didn't feed or looking after the kids too well. I'm sure you'd do a grand job though.

We are still in touch with some of the students we had to stay with us- even though it was a long time ago, and visited some of their families.
Having two at a time is easier, but some organisations do not accept this as it means kids speak together in their own language.

I meant to say having two students the same sex was better as they shared a room and were company for each other travelling to and from the college..

My Aunt used to do this a few years ago she loved it. She had to supply breakfast and an evening meal and a family environment for the students so they could also practice their English with the family. I remember her telling me half the time the students would go out in a group in the evenings and didn't require the evening meal. She kept in touch with some of her students for a long time after they went home.. I guess it depends on the students as to how you would get on with them but as I say she loved doing it and meeting all those young people from all over.