Hosting Students in Ireland: A Rewarding Experience for Families and Students
Hosting international students has become an increasingly popular and rewarding experience for many families in Ireland. From cultural exchange to lifelong friendships, welcoming a student into your home can enrich your life in ways you might never have expected. Ireland, with its warm hospitality, beautiful landscapes, and world-class education, is a top destination for international students. But what does it really mean to be a host family in Ireland? In this blog, we’ll explore the benefits, responsibilities, and realities of hosting students — and why it might be the perfect opportunity for your family.
Why Ireland?
Ireland is known globally for its friendly people, rich cultural heritage, and strong education system. Cities like Dublin, Cork, Galway, and Limerick attract students from all over the world — especially from Europe, Asia, and South America — who come here to improve their English, attend school or university, and experience Irish life firsthand.
The Irish government and private agencies have promoted international education as a key pillar of national growth. As a result, there’s a growing need for host families who can offer a safe, welcoming environment to students of all ages.
Who Are the Students?
Most students hosted in Ireland fall into two categories:
- Secondary School Students (14–18 years old):
These students usually attend local Irish schools for a term, semester, or full academic year. They live with a host family and fully integrate into Irish life, attending classes, making friends, and participating in family activities. - Language School Students (16+):
These are often short-term students (2–8 weeks), coming to Ireland during the summer or holidays to improve their English. They attend language classes during the day and spend evenings and weekends with their host family.
Students may come from Spain, France, Germany, Italy, China, Brazil, and beyond — bringing with them different cultures, foods, customs, and stories.
What Does Hosting Involve?
As a host family, you provide:
- A private or shared room (depending on the programme),
- Daily meals (usually breakfast, packed lunch, and dinner),
- Laundry and access to basic home facilities,
- A safe, welcoming environment, where the student can feel part of the family.
You are not required to act as a tour guide or personal teacher. However, including the student in everyday life — dinners, family outings, walks, chats — makes a huge difference.
What Are the Benefits of Hosting?
- Cultural Exchange
You get to learn about another country, its language, traditions, and perspective on life — all without leaving your home.
“Our Spanish student taught us to cook tortilla and brought music we’d never heard before. It was like having the world in our kitchen!” – Aoife, host mum from Galway.
- Family Enrichment
Students often bond with their host siblings and become part of the family dynamic. Many families keep in touch long after the programme ends — even visiting each other abroad.
- Educational Impact
For families with children, hosting can be a wonderful way to teach empathy, communication, and respect for others. It fosters an environment of openness and learning.
- Financial Compensation
Hosting students is also financially rewarding. Families are typically compensated weekly (anywhere from €150 to €250 or more per student, depending on the agency and location). While money shouldn't be the sole motivation, it does help cover food, utilities, and time.
Is My Home Eligible?
Host families come in all shapes and sizes — traditional families, single parents, couples with grown children, retirees, or even individuals living alone.
What matters most is:
- A clean, comfortable home,
- A willingness to welcome a student as part of the family,
- The ability to communicate (basic English, at minimum),
- Time and interest in engaging with a young person from another culture.
Most host families are vetted by an agency. This includes a home inspection, Garda vetting (police background check), and sometimes an interview or training session.
Responsibilities and Challenges
While hosting is fulfilling, it also requires:
- Patience and flexibility — cultural misunderstandings or homesickness may occur.
- Clear communication — especially with students whose English is still developing.
- Supervision and care — especially for underage students (curfew, safety, school attendance).
- Respect for rules — host families agree to certain standards set by schools or agencies.
Tip: Create a simple house guide in English for your student, outlining meal times, curfew, laundry days, Wi-Fi usage, and other practical info.
Working with Agencies
Most hosts work through a student placement agency or directly with a local school. These organisations match students with families, manage paperwork, and provide support throughout the placement.
Some reputable Irish agencies include:
- Educatius Ireland
- Host Families Ireland
- Atlantic Language
- InterStudies
- EF Education First
They offer 24/7 emergency contacts, liaise with parents abroad, and conduct regular check-ins. As a host, you’re never alone — help is always available.
Real Host Family Stories
The O’Sullivans in Cork have hosted over 20 students in the last ten years.
“We started by hosting a French girl for the summer. It was such a positive experience that we kept going! Our own children have now visited their host siblings abroad. It opened doors we never imagined.”
Sarah, a retired teacher in Limerick, hosts language students in July and August.
“It keeps me busy, and I love the energy young people bring. They want to learn, and I enjoy teaching them little bits of Irish culture — like baking brown bread or watching hurling!”
Final Thoughts
Hosting international students in Ireland is more than just offering a bed and meals. It’s about connection, learning, and shared experiences that often last a lifetime. Whether you're looking to enrich your family life, share your culture, or simply enjoy good company, opening your home to a student might be one of the most meaningful decisions you make.
Discover the benefits of hosting international students in Ireland: cultural exchange, lasting friendships, family enrichment, and financial rewards. Learn about hosting responsibilities, student profiles, and how to become a host family in this welcoming and vibrant country.