Host Family Requirements
Everything you need to know about becoming an approved host family with Language Link
Families Just Like Yours Host With Us
Single parents, couples, families with children. There is no "typical" host family. What matters most is that you are a caring, supportive family willing to open your home and heart to your young Spanish guest.
Essential Requirements
- Required for all adults (18+) in the household
- We carry out and pay for all DBS checks
- With hanging/drawer space for clothes
- Access to shared / private bathroom facilities
- Safe and secure home environment
- Ideally with children in:
- Primary School Year 6
- Secondary School Years 7, 8, 9 & 10
- College School Year 12
- All family types considered
- Patient and understanding nature
- Willingness to include student in family life
- Ability to spend a little time out of school engaging in some activities
- Commitment to student welfare
Detailed Requirements
- Located within reasonable distance of partnered schools
- Access to public transport links
- Safe neighbourhood environment
- Clean, comfortable and maintained property
- Central heating and hot water
- Safe garden/outdoor space (if applicable)
- Good spoken English
- Access to phone and internet
- Willingness to communicate with our team
- Emergency contact availability
- Non-smoking household preferred
- Pet-friendly environment welcomed
- Flexible family routines
Application Process
Initial Application
Complete our simple online application form
- Family information and preferences
- Accommodation details
- Hosting student details, hobbies and interests
Initial Application
A few minutesComplete our simple online application form
- Family information and preferences
- Accommodation details
- Hosting student details, hobbies and interests
DBS Check & Informal Visit
All potential host families will receive a short informal home visit so we can meet you and answer any questions that your family may have
- We process and pay for all DBS checks
- Informal chat about hosting
- Answer any questions you have
- Quick look at accommodation
DBS Check & Informal Visit
4-6 weeksAll potential host families will receive a short informal home visit so we can meet you and answer any questions that your family may have
- We process and pay for all DBS checks
- Informal chat about hosting
- Answer any questions you have
- Quick look at accommodation
Student Matching & Preparation
Host families with daughters are matched with a Spanish girl of a similar age who may share comparable interests and hobbies. Similarly, families with sons would host a Spanish boy of a similar age.
- All host families receive student information one month before arrival
- Enables children and families to communicate beforehand
- Language Link provides information to partner school M.F.L Department
Student Matching & Preparation
1 month beforeHost families with daughters are matched with a Spanish girl of a similar age who may share comparable interests and hobbies. Similarly, families with sons would host a Spanish boy of a similar age.
- All host families receive student information one month before arrival
- Enables children and families to communicate beforehand
- Language Link provides information to partner school M.F.L Department
Start Hosting
Welcome your student and enjoy the experience
- Student arrival and welcome
- Support whenever you need it
- Full contact details provided
Start Hosting
Programme durationWelcome your student and enjoy the experience
- Student arrival and welcome
- Support whenever you need it
- Full contact details provided
- Language Link will seek to process applications for interested families as quickly as possible.
- Whilst some parents may have a current DBS certificate, Language Link will process and cover the costs for those that don't.
- Approved host families can remain on our register to repeat the experience in future years should they wish.
- Our team will support host families throughout the entire hosting experience if and when required.
From Someone Who Was Nervous Too
Lisa Roberts
Chorlton • Hosted Ana (16)
“As a single mum, I was nervous about hosting, but Ana was wonderful. She helped with my daughter's Spanish homework and taught us to cook paella! The generous expense allowance provided us with the opportunity to show Ana around our region and do lots of fun activities.”