How do I get involved?

There are thousands of English language schools, social clubs, colleges and universities around the country with foreign students looking for places to stay while they learn. Types of students range from institution to institution. Lots of language schools run summer programmes for teenage foreign students, although during term time they have students of all ages for varying periods of time. Universities often run exchange programmes and will need accommodation for students for a term or a semester.

There are two types of hosting. The first is the easiest – you’re expected to provide house and board for a student who’ll then go to a language school or organised activities during the day. In the evenings and their free time they can come and go as they please. This is very flexible. Different schools will expect different types of board, from just bed and continental breakfast to full board. You can choose whether to let the students cook or use your laundry facilities, phone and internet.

The second option is providing accommodation, food and tuition for a certain proportion of the day. To do this you’ll be expected to have some sort of qualification in teaching English as a foreign language, preferably a TEFL.