Irish families are kind, hospitable, and do not need to be reminded of their responsibilities. However, we have set the following guidelines for all host families to adhere to, as we set guidelines for the student or visitor, in order to make the best homestay experience possible. 

First impressions are all-important! Please remember your student will be very eager to meet you, and anxious to feel that they will be happy with you during their stay. 

Collect the student at the designated pick up point at the time confirmed by Munsterhost.

If the plane/bus is delayed, we do our best to inform you as soon as we have this information. We understand how tiresome it is waiting around without news. We do all in our power to avoid this situation, but as most of you will know, delays are a seasonal hazard. 

Most students arrive tired, perhaps homesick and usually lost for words! Please offer them suitable food and drink according to the time of arrival.

Host families should write their name, address and telephone number and give it to their student (although most students should arrive with this information to hand). 

You will appreciate that overseas students are usually going to find Irish food very different from their own. Although this has been explained to the student as part of their preparation before arriving, it can still cause a problem. As host families please ask your student on the first day to make a list of any specific dislikes, and by mutual co-operation any undue worry can be avoided. 

Every day the host family must provide nutritious meals, mostly homemade. The meals, especially dinner, should be served in a family gathering and the student or visitor must always feel welcome to the table. Healthy snacks such a yogurt, fresh fruits, milk, juice, tea/coffee etc. need to be accessible to the student or visitor. No alcohol is to be offered to the any student.

The host family must speak English with, and while in the presence of, the student.

Provide a single room with wardrobe, study desk & provide a warm Irish welcome.

Ensure that there is access to internet connection/wifi.

Allow access to facilities such as washing machines, kitchen etc.

Provide breakfast, lunch and evening meal (packed lunch for school).

Encourage students to speak English at all times and to blend in with family activities.

Treat the student as one of your own.

Do not leave the student in your home on there own at any time, please bring them with you.

Bring students when possible to local sports, free music events and get students involved in at least 1 activity according to their interests.

Bring students during the weekend to local highlights such as beach, castle etc., weather permitting.

Bring students to relevant shops to get uniforms as mentioned by Munsterhost.

Ensure students are wearing full uniform for their school.

Inform, Munsterhost if any books are required during the stay, especially at the start of the program.

Ensure that your student has the mobile number of Munsterhost +353 85 166 7608 for contact on WhatsApp. 

Sit down with students during the first few days to go through your house rules.

Contact Munsterhost with any concerns throughout the stay immediately.

Confirm that you will bring the student to the doctor/A&E, dentist if there is an injury either in school, sports or at any time.

Inform Munsterhost immediately on receipt of bus ticket(if required).

Provide Munsterhost with monthly photos of students involved in local/family activities.

Limit communication with students parents, all communication should be directed through Munsterhost.

Not to discuss payments with students or the student's parents directly.

Inform Munsterhost immediately if a student does not have adequate pocket money for their stay.

Not to give out private bank details to any family abroad.

If a student has short pocket money, money should be sent to Munsterhost and students can sign for money when taking it.

Not to host another student from another agency during the time you host for Munsterhost.

Bring students on departure day to pick up points at designated time.

Munsterhost are available for emergencies 24hrs on +353 85 166 7608

Make sure you have adequate house insurance to cover problems such as freezer being plugged out in error, etc.

Understand the rules and regulations regarding no overnight stays.

Understand the rules and regulations regarding independent travel and not discussing the same with students under the age of 16. 

Inform Munsterhost immediately if a request has been made by student regarding days away or parental visit.

Do not host the students' family, on short visits into Ireland, please recommend a local B&B or Hotel.