_edited_jp.jpg)
Hosting a summer exchange student with Offaly Language Academy.
Hosting students with us can be a very enriching experience for both the student and the host family. Many of our students make lasting friendships with their host families, with many students requesting to come back to the same family year after year. It is also a great way to make an extra bit of cash over the summer months.
We currently take in students from France and Spain during the months of July and August. These students range in age from 12- 17, and are required to attend classes from 9am - 4pm Monday- Friday. On Saturdays, they usually have excursions to different cities and will be away from 9am- 6pm. Students will also attend one disco per week (from 8pm- 10pm).
Each student must be offered a bed in the house and somewhere to unpack their suitcase (a drawer or two, or some cupboard space). The student CAN share a room in the house, (with a child from the household or with another international student) provided the room is suitable. They can only share with another child of the same sex.
Each day, breakfast, lunch and dinner must be provided for the student. Breakfast can be eaten with the family (cereal, toast with jam, etc.). The students must be provided with a packed lunch every day. An example of a packed lunch is: A sandwich with ham and cheese, a piece of fruit, a yoghurt and a bottle of water. Dinner should be eaten in the evening with the family.
As this is a cultural experience, we ask that the family try to maintain their normal lifestyle and activities, simply including the student in them when possible. E.g. asking the student to accompany you to walk the dog, have them help cook dinner etc. Certain students have permission from their parents to go out in the evenings after school. Their home time is set by us and by their parents and must be kept by each student. Not every student is allowed out in the evenings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do I need to provide for the student?
You need to provide: A bed, a place for them to unpack their suitcase, breakfast, lunch and dinner every day, one clothes wash a week (Can be added to a family wash if easier).
Do I need to have children living at home?
No, you do not need to have children living in your house to host with us.
Do I need to offer the student a room to themselves?
No, the student can share with a child in the family, or can share with another international student, depending on suitability.
I have a wedding/ event on one of the days during the students' stay and will be unable to host for one night. Does this mean I can’t host at all?
No. If there is a certain date you are unable to host the student, we will arrange alternative accommodation for them for the night/s in question.
Will I have to cook separate food for the student?
No. Unless there is something the student specifically doesn’t like, we ask that the family cook and eat what they normally would, and include the student in the normal, family meal times.
Can I specify if I would prefer a male or female student to stay in my home?
Yes. You can specify on the application form if you would prefer a male or female student.
What happens if I have a problem, or the student has a problem while living with me?
We offer around- the- clock support and are available to answer the phone at any time. If there are any issues while you are hosting the student, we will do our best to resolve it as quickly and efficiently as possible.
Do I need to provide entertainment for the student in the evenings?
No. The student is here for a cultural experience and wants to see what an Irish household looks like. We ask that you include the student in your normal evening activities e.g. walking the dog, helping cook dinner, watching a film, playing a board game etc. Some of our students have permission to go out in the evenings to spend time with their friends. This is subject to your permission also.
Can I carpool with a neighbour who is also hosting students from your organisation? Yes. If you have neighbours hosting with us, you can carpool or take it in turns to collect or drop the student to school
Call
+353 87 9378856 Nessa
+ 353 83 1244079 Una
If you have any extra questions, please email us on:
Follow