Host an International Student
Information for Host Families
Host Families Come in All Shapes and Sizes
Munster Educational Travel has a wide range of host families across Kerry, Cork, Limerick and Tipperary. We aim to open Munster up to the world through education. We want to show off our local community, our schools, shops and families. Host families play a key role in our mission. Regardless of age, race or religion, everyone in our host family community plays a big role in helping international students get the most out of their year in Ireland.
Your Hosting Experience
Munster Educational Travel’s doors are open to a variety of families and households who are interested in hosting an international student. Accepting an international student into your home is a great way to open your home to other cultures and customs. All we expect from our host families is to welcome the student into their home as a member of the family and to provide a warm and caring environment for our students to flourish.
Your family, your way
As a host family, you can be as hands on as you want to be. We don’t expect you to go to parents' evening or pay for their school uniform or cinema ticket! Just support your international student when you can and have a warm and welcoming spirit!
A global experience at home
One of the best bits about being a host family is experiencing another culture right around your kitchen table! We find that the best cultural exchanges happen when the host family and the student make the most of their opportunity to talk to each other. Some of our host families still keep in touch with students they looked after 10 years ago!
Become a Host Family in Ireland
Irish culture is so unique: customs, food, sense of humour, music, traditions. Why not share your Irish culture by hosting an international student in your home. We are accepting applications now.
“Maddi is a lovely, gentle and kind girl, and settled into our home very quickly. She has cooked us tortilla and other Spanish dishes for the family, and I’ve taught her a few recipes too! She spent lockdown with us and didn’t complain or break the rules in any way. She was so good with my children during this time, teaching them new games and spending time with them. We will be incredibly sad to say goodbye to Maddi, she is a credit to her parents.”
— Helen, Host Family in Co. Cork
How to Become a Host Family
1.Apply
Click here to apply to be a host family. We will then look over your application and get in touch if we think you’re suitable to be a host family with us.
2. Phone Interview
Next we’ll arrange a phone interview with you to get to know you better and confirm you are able to meet the minimum requirements. You can also ask us your questions.
3. Home Visit
A member of the Munster Educational Travel team will visit you at your home to further get to know you and to answer any extra questions.
4. Document Check
All household members over the age of 18 must pass Garda Vetting before a student can live in your home. Host families are re-vetted on a regular basis.
5. Make Contact
Now you will receive details of your assigned students and they can’t wait to meet you! We share contact details for you to get in touch with each other. Whatsapp, FaceTime or email, it’s totally up to you.
6. Student Arrives!
Give your international student a warm Irish welcome when they arrive in your home! We’ll pick them up from the airport, bus or train station and drop them off straight to your door.
What is required of a Host Family?
As a host family in Ireland, all you need to do is provide a warm and caring home environment, a place for the student to study and good wholesome food.
Students of Munster Educational Travel cover their own expenses including travel costs, school expenses and spending money.
You are asked to treat the student as a member of your family. They should be responsible for their space and belongings. You don’t need to clean their room!
Every member of your household who is 18 or over will also need to pass Garda Vetting by Munster Educational Travel. We cannot accept Garda Vetting done in other areas of your life such as your job. If you’re interested in becoming a host family, get in touch.
Do you accept single people, retirees, empty nesters or families without school aged children?
Yes! Munster Educational Travel doesn’t discriminate and as long as your family meets our checks, we will accept your host family application. There is no typical host family and we’ve had people from all walks of life be great host families!
Are Host Families paid?
Yes. Host families are paid to host a student. You can learn more about our rates by getting in touch.
Where do the students come from?
We accept students from all over the world but mainly from the European Union area, including Spain, France, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, Norway, Denmark, Finland, Sweden, Slovakia and Holland. We do accept students from outside the EU, mainly from South America, USA and Asia.
How long will the student be with my family?
Our popular programs last the entire school year with students arriving at the end of August and leaving at the end of May or the beginning of June. We do offer shorter programme for 1 term or a semester.
What if it doesn’t work out?
Munster Educational Travel understands that not all placements work out. We’re committed to making sure all of our host families and international students have the best and safest experience they can. Sometimes the problems are communication issues, but if the problems can’t be solved, we will move the student to a new host family.
