The Experiment in International Living (EIL), founded in the United States in 1932, was one of the first organisations of its kind to engage individuals in intercultural living and learning. EIL introduced the homestay concept to the world, placing "Experimenters" in the homes of host families to learn about other languages and cultures firsthand.

Today many of the programmes run by EIL UK still include the traditional homestay. We are constantly looking for enthusiastic families to become hosts for an international visitor. Below is a bit of information to tell you what being a host family involves.

What types of visitors might we host?

EIL run different programmes and your visitor will vary according to the programme they are participating in.

Your visitor will always be an individual from a different country and culture – they may be a university student, a high school student or an older person. Whatever age they are however, they will be coming to stay because they want to learn about and experience British culture and family life, and often want to improve their English language skills. They will probably want to share information about their home life and culture with you too.

How long do visitors stay with host families?

Again, depending on the programme, visitors may come for a couple of days or a couple of weeks. Some come for longer periods, for example a month, an academic term or an academic year. When you apply to EIL to become a host family you will have the opportunity to decide which length of visit suits you and your family.

What will the visitor do while they are staying with us?

This will also depend on the programme the visitor is participating in. The visitor may be attending a local school and so be out during weekdays in term times. Sometimes they will be out during the day, on trips, activities or having language lessons. You will be asked to spend some time with them, and possibly take them on trips or other recreational activities.

However their time is organised, when the visitor is in your home we ask that you spend time talking to them, sharing your life and experiences, and taking an interest in theirs and making them feel welcome.

What will EIL ask of me – the host?

We would expect you to have space for the visitor – generally a room of their own. You would provide all meals for them during their stay, including packed lunches if necessary, and a cooked meal at least once a day.

If appropriate you should offer laundry facilities for your visitor to use, at least once a week.

You will need to have a sensitivity to the cultural differences between you and your visitor, understand their needs and be able to explain your own.

Is there payment for being a host family?

EIL Host Families are volunteers and do not receive payment for hosting.  By eliminating any monetary incentives, EIL ensures that families are hosting for the right reason – because they are genuinely interested in the visitor. However EIL will pay expenses towards the cost of accommodation of the visitor. 

What support will we receive as a host family?

There are two types of host family situation.

Firstly there are ‘Host Family Communities’ – this is where several host families within an area are coordinated by an EIL Local Representative. The local rep will select, monitor and support the host families in their community, and the local rep would be the first point of contact in the event of difficulties or problems arising during hosting.

Secondly there are Individual Host Families – these are host families where there is no local rep involved. In this case the host family is supported directly by the staff at EIL and the programme coordinator for the particular programme the visitor is participating in.

In either case, the staff at EIL are always happy to discuss matters with you and answer any questions or concerns you may have.

What is the process for applying to be a host family?

You will be asked to complete an application form, giving information about you and your family, your home, your interests and your preferences for hosting. You will also be asked to give the name and address of somebody who will act as a referee for you and your family.

Once your application form has been received at EIL you will be contacted by either the local rep or a staff member to arrange a home visit. At this visit all members of your family should be present.

EIL may ask you to apply for an enhanced CRB Disclosure.

Interested?

If you are interested in becoming a host family please download our Host Family information and application form or contact EIL to find out more.