Homestay is in some ways a unique type of organisation, in that we are a business, but we are dealing with situations that involve the personal lives of both host families and students. Therefore, it is important that situations which may arise are dealt with in professional and discrete ways. However, sometimes that can be difficult for all parties involved. Something you may think is an interesting story to pass along, may actually be quite damaging to another person. This is particularly the case where we often have “networks” of family and friends who all host students. Word can travel extremely fast.

Earlier 2016 the Department of Education have advised that their under 18 students should not be charged additional fees for internet access in the homestay. Most host families have come back to us and advised that they are happy to provide this to their students for free, as they have unlimited internet plans for the family already. However, you are not obligated to provide the internet.