Everything you need to know about living with an Irish family during the school year
A host family in Ireland is an Irish family that opens the doors of their home to welcome an international student during their educational program. It is not simply accommodation: it is a complete cultural immersion experience where the student becomes another member of the family.
Irish host families have a long tradition of hospitality. Ireland is known worldwide for the warmth of its people, and this is reflected in how families welcome students. Your child will share meals, routines and special moments with their Irish family, creating bonds that often last a lifetime.
Living with a host family is the best way to learn English naturally, as the student is immersed in real conversations from day one. It also allows them to experience Irish culture from the inside: its traditions, cuisine, humor and way of life.
Your child's safety is our top priority. All host families go through a rigorous selection process that guarantees the highest standards of quality and safety.
All adult members of the family must pass Ireland's official police background check (Garda vetting). This background check is mandatory and is renewed periodically.
A local coordinator visits the home to verify it meets all requirements for safety, space and comfort. The student must have their own individual room with a desk for studying.
Detailed interviews are conducted with all family members to assess their motivation, experience and ability to host an international student. Previous experience is particularly valued.
Families receive regular visits from local coordinators throughout the school year. Periodic evaluations are carried out and permanent contact is maintained to ensure the student's wellbeing.
Knowing the daily routine helps parents and students imagine what the experience will be like. Every family has its own ways, but here is a typical day:
The day starts with breakfast with the family. Irish families typically prepare a full breakfast: toast, cereal, fruit, juice, and on weekends, the famous "Irish breakfast" with eggs, bacon, sausages and beans. Then the student heads to school, often accompanied by the family's children or on the school bus.
Lunch is usually a packed lunch that the family prepares for school: sandwiches, fruit and a snack. Dinner is the highlight of the family day: the whole family sits together to share a home-cooked meal. It is an ideal time to practice English and share the day's experiences.
After school, students typically take part in extracurricular activities: sports (GAA, rugby, football, hockey), music, drama or school clubs. It is an excellent opportunity to make Irish friends and practice English in an informal setting.
Evenings are dedicated to homework, reading or family time. Many families watch television together, play board games or simply chat. The student has their own room for when they need privacy or study time.
Weekends are for enjoying family life. Activities vary by family: trips to the beach, visiting relatives, shopping, countryside walks or attending local sporting events. This is when students truly experience the Irish way of life.
Host family accommodation includes everything the student needs to feel at home:
Private room with bed, wardrobe, desk and good lighting for studying. Bed linen and towels included.
Breakfast, lunch (packed lunch for school) and home-cooked family dinner. Varied and balanced diet.
WiFi connection throughout the house so the student can study and communicate with their family.
Laundry service included. The family takes care of washing and ironing the student's clothes.
Central heating throughout the house. Ireland has a mild but humid climate, and homes are well equipped.
Families are located near the school. If needed, school transport is arranged or the family drives the student.
Both options are excellent, but they suit different profiles. Discover the advantages of each to choose the best option for your child:
Ideal for: sociable students who want to experience Irish life to the fullest and improve their English quickly.
Ideal for: students who prefer a more structured environment with constant academic supervision.
These practical tips will help your child make the most of their stay with the host family:
Irish customs will be different from home. Mealtimes, family traditions and lifestyle may surprise you at first. Embracing the differences is key to enjoying the experience.
If something bothers you or you don't understand, talk to your host family. They want you to feel comfortable and appreciate open communication. Don't let frustrations build up in silence.
Every family has their rules: curfews, use of electronic devices, household chores. Respecting these rules shows maturity and makes living together easier.
Don't isolate yourself in your room. Offer to help in the kitchen, join family activities and show interest in Irish culture. The more you get involved, the richer your experience will be.
It is completely normal to miss your family and friends during the first few weeks. Talk to your host family about how you feel. Over time, you will feel increasingly comfortable and start to fully enjoy the experience.
Irish families love learning about other cultures. Cook a typical dish from your country, teach words in your language or share photos of your city. It is a wonderful way to build bonds.
Communication with the host family: Before your child arrives, you will receive detailed information about the host family: their names, professions, hobbies, whether they have children and their ages. Many families send a welcome letter or email. You will have their contact details to communicate directly with them.
How to handle concerns: If any problem arises, the first step is to contact the local coordinator, who is the point of reference in Ireland. Our team acts as a mediator and resolves any issue quickly and effectively. We have a 24/7 emergency service for urgent situations.
Contact with your child: Your child will have WiFi at home and can communicate with you by video call, WhatsApp or email. We recommend establishing a communication routine (for example, a weekly video call), but without overdoing it to allow the student to fully integrate.
Visit policy: Parents are welcome to visit their child during the school year. With direct flights from Europe of just 2-3 hours and very affordable prices, many families make one or two visits during the year. We recommend coordinating visits with the local coordinator to avoid interfering with the school calendar.
Yes. If for any reason the student does not feel comfortable with their host family, the situation is evaluated and, if necessary, a family change is arranged. Our goal is always the student's wellbeing. Changes are managed quickly and professionally.
The local coordinator is the first point of contact. They act as a mediator between the student and the family and seek quick solutions. The most common problems are usually cultural misunderstandings that are easily resolved with communication. In exceptional cases, a family change is arranged.
In general, host families do not speak Spanish, and this is actually an advantage. Total English immersion is the best way to learn the language. However, some local coordinators speak Spanish and are available to help if a significant communication issue arises.
Typically, each family hosts one or two international students at most. If there are two students, they are usually from different nationalities to ensure communication is always in English.
Yes, it is possible for two siblings to stay with the same host family, although in separate rooms. However, we often recommend they be in different families to encourage independence and maximize English practice.
Host families accommodate the student's dietary needs: food allergies, intolerances, vegetarian, vegan or any religious dietary restrictions. This information is requested before family assignment to ensure compatibility.
Contact us to learn about our host families and find the best option for your child.