Host Family Accommodation / Homestays can be arranged for students who wish to live with an Irish Family for a cultural stay in Ireland. Irish people have a tradition of hospitality and warmth which is renowned all over the world and has been a major factor in attracting thousands of students to study English in Ireland.

Students arrive from other countries to study English and find out more about our culture. They may speak English well or barely know a few words; whatever their level of language, they all want to learn and find out more about your family and environment. Host families must contribute to the success of the study holiday, helping the student adapt to a new lifestyle and making the student's stay enjoyable and beneficial.

The role of a host family is to offer a student a room in their home for the duration of their stay. The majority of students are aged from 10 to 17 years and may come from any country worldwide. The host family will be paid for their service which includes the following:

• Collecting the student at their meeting point arranged by the MLI Accommodation Officer with a warm welcome
• Clean accommodation with a single bed per student and adequate furniture together with access to communal areas of the house and allow adequate daily access to the bathroom.
• Sensitivity to the students needs to improve their English and to encourage conversation with the student
• Breakfast, packed lunch and dinner 7 days per week on a balanced and nutritious diet
• Show the students the bus/walking route to and from the house to the school
• To provide one laundry service per week

Stays vary considerably in length, and depending on circumstances can last anything from one week to one year.

 - Short English Language Home Stays generally take place during the spring and summer holidays

 - High School Programme Stays (a term, half year or even a whole school year) are becoming more and more popular. A long stay requires greater commitment from everyone involved. It also means a lot of sorting out in terms of schooling and will involve the student being enrolled in the host country's education system. The young person will attend school and take an active part in all lessons, just like any other native pupil.

Student Welfare

Student welfare is our main concern and we choose our families very carefully to ensure maximum comfort. Our guidelines in place clearly set out our standards and policies concerning home stays.

Who can host?

• A couple with children
• A couple without children
• Singles and Single Parents

Northside: Drumcondra, Whitehall, Collins Avenue, Santry, Beaumont and Glasnevin North (the areas of: Johnstown Park, Ballygall Road East and West, Griffith Avenue, Tolka Estate, Glasnevin Hill, Hillcrest Park)

Southside: we are looking for host families within walking distance of UCD, in the following areas: Clonskeagh, Donnybrook, Windy Arbor, Milltown, Mount Merrion, Booterstown, around Bird Avenue, Roebuck Road,Fosters Avenue, Mount Anville Road, Goatstown Road, Clonskeagh Road.

How does it work?

Here's what you need to become a Host Family:

1. Register Interest by clicking Here and filling out the application form or calling us on 01 662 76 77
2. Our Accommodation Officer will e-mail or post you our guidelines and application form
3. Return the completed form to our Accommodation Officer who will contact you within two weeks of receipt of application