Introduction
Welcome to ISI Dublin.
Founded in 2000, ISI Dublin has welcomed thousands of international students to Ireland over the years. Our students study at our city-centre language schools or attend one of many secondary schools across Dublin and throughout Ireland.
We place great importance on the role our host families play in the success of each student’s experience in Ireland. We strongly believe that when students feel happy, comfortable and welcomed in their Irish “home”, they return to their own countries with a far more positive impression of both ISI Dublin and Ireland itself.
ISI Dublin is a modern, inclusive and forward-thinking school. We recognise that both students and households come in many different forms, and we welcome applications from Home Stay Providers of all backgrounds and family types.
What matters most is that students live in a warm, friendly and welcoming environment where they are treated as part of the household and have the opportunity to experience everyday Irish life.
At the same time, we expect all students to behave with courtesy and respect towards members of your household and to follow your household rules.
If we all work together with these shared expectations, the experience can be positive and rewarding for everyone involved.
To help ensure successful stays for both students and host families, we have prepared the following guidelines, which apply to all ISI Dublin Home Stay Providers.
Requirements of home stay providers
All ISI Dublin Home Stay Providers are expected to meet the following requirements:
- All adult members of the household aged 18 and over must be Garda Vetted every 3 years.
- Students should be well looked after and treated as members of the household during their stay.
- The student’s welfare, safety and security should always be considered, both inside and outside the home.
- Students should be encouraged to speak English as much as possible, not only through daily interaction but also by being included in conversation whenever possible.
- Host families should maintain good communication with the school and cooperate fully in resolving any issues that may arise during the student’s stay.
- The home should be clean, tidy and well maintained at all times. Homes should not be undergoing major renovations or redecoration while hosting students.
- A maximum of four students may be accommodated in any household unless otherwise agreed in advance with ISI Dublin.
- As a general rule, no more than one student of the same mother tongue should be hosted in the same household unless agreed with ISI Dublin.
- Students should be provided with a well-balanced and varied diet.
- Host families should be open-minded, respectful and sensitive to each student’s cultural background.
- Adult students must be provided with a key to the home.
- Host families must ensure that they have adequate and up-to-date home and liability insurance.
Facilities to be provided
The following facilities should be available to all students:
- A comfortable bed with a good supply of quality bed linen and blankets/duvets, with bed linen changed weekly.
- Adequate space for clothes and personal belongings storage.
- Laundry facilities, or reasonable access to a washing machine.
- A table and chair in the bedroom for private study, or access at all times to another suitable study area within the home.
- Free daily access to bathroom facilities, including a bath or shower.
- Adequate heating, lighting and ventilation throughout the home.
Meals to be Provided
Half Board
Breakfast and an evening meal should be provided from Monday to Friday, with lunch also provided on Saturdays and Sundays.
Students should also receive dinner on the evening of arrival and breakfast on the day of departure.
Full Board
Breakfast, lunch and an evening meal should be provided from Monday to Sunday. From Monday to Friday, lunch should be provided as a packed school lunch.
Students should also receive dinner on the evening of arrival and breakfast on the day of departure.
Viewing arrangements
At ISI Dublin, we pride ourselves on our personal approach, and from arrival to departure, our students are always our priority.
From the initial application stage through to the end of their course, we are committed to ensuring that our mutual clients’ needs are met in a friendly, caring and supportive environment.
We also place great emphasis on helping students become part of the wider school community. Through a varied social and cultural programme outside the classroom, students have the opportunity to meet other international students, make friends and continue practising their English in real-life situations.
Before hosting students, we will arrange an introductory meeting with the Home Stay Provider. This meeting may take place either in person at your home or online via Zoom.
The session will typically involve a short 15–20-minute discussion, during which we will ask to see the areas of the home that students will use during their stay. This helps us ensure that accommodation standards are met and allows us to become familiar with the environment in which students will be living.
Where possible, meetings will be arranged at least one week in advance.
Data Protection & Sharing of Information
As part of the host family application and placement process, ISI Dublin will collect and securely store certain personal information relating to Home Stay Providers on our school management systems.
This information may include:
- your name,
- address,
- telephone number,
- email address,
- and a brief description of your home and household.
This information is used solely for the purpose of arranging and managing student accommodation placements.
Prior to arrival, relevant accommodation details will be shared with students and their booking agents. In the case of junior students (under 18 years of age), this information may also be shared with parents, legal guardians and group leaders, who may contact you directly regarding the student’s stay.
Sharing essential accommodation information with students and their representatives is a necessary part of providing host family accommodation services to international students.
ISI Dublin will process and store your data in accordance with applicable data protection legislation and our Data Protection Policy. Your information will only be shared where necessary for accommodation and student welfare purposes.
If at any stage you no longer wish to host students through ISI Dublin, you may request that your details be removed from our active host family database. Certain records may still need to be retained for legal, safeguarding, financial or administrative purposes in accordance with applicable retention requirements.
Your first student
You will receive:
- a confirmation letter with all the student’s arrival/departure times and dates and our student’s personal details.
- ‘Meet and Greet’ ISI sign and flight details (if you are asked to collect your student at the airport).
Arrival
In the majority of cases, students will arrive on the Saturday or Sunday before their classes begin. Arrival times will normally be confirmed during the week prior to the student’s arrival.
Adult students will generally make their own way to the host family accommodation by public transport or taxi unless otherwise arranged.
Junior students travelling as part of a group will normally be transferred directly to and from the host family accommodation by private bus or organised transport. Students will be collected from the host family home again on departure day.
First Impressions – welcoming your student
Please remember that you are often the student’s very first point of contact in an unfamiliar country, so offering a warm and friendly welcome is extremely important.
A smile, friendly greeting or warm welcome can make a huge difference after a long and tiring journey, particularly for students arriving from overseas on long-haul flights who may be tired, anxious or experiencing jet lag.
We recommend allowing students some time to settle into their room, relax and perhaps have something to eat before discussing household routines and practical arrangements.
Once they are comfortable, please explain important household information such as:
- Meal times and arrangements for breakfast, packed lunches and dinner.
- Use of the washing machine and laundry arrangements.
- Bathroom arrangements and how the hot water system works.
- House keys and how to securely lock the property.
- General household routines and rules.
It is important to be clear, direct and consistent about what is acceptable and unacceptable within your home. Setting expectations from the beginning helps avoid misunderstandings later during the stay.
If your student appears to have difficulty understanding any important information, please contact ISI Dublin and we will assist in communicating this clearly to the student.
First day at School
Students often find it difficult to navigate their way to school on their first day, particularly when they are unfamiliar with Dublin and Irish public transport systems.
Many Home Stay Providers kindly accompany students to the school on their first morning or show them the route the evening before. This support is greatly appreciated and can make students feel far more confident and relaxed.
If you are not in a position to accompany the student, we would ask that you please assist them by doing the following, either the evening before or on the morning of their first day:
- Show the student the nearest bus stop, DART station or Luas stop.
- Explain how to purchase or use a ticket or travel card, and ensure the student has the correct currency, card or change where necessary.
- Using a map or phone, clearly explain where the student should get off and how to walk from there to the school.
- Ensure the student leaves the house early enough to arrive at school by 9:00 am on their first day.
A small amount of guidance at the beginning of the stay can make a very positive difference to a student’s confidence and overall experience.
Meals
Half Board
Breakfast and an evening meal should be provided from Monday to Friday, with lunch also provided on Saturdays and Sundays.
Students should also receive dinner on the evening of arrival and breakfast on the day of departure.
Full Board
Breakfast, lunch and an evening meal should be provided from Monday to Sunday. From Monday to Friday, lunch should be provided as a packed school lunch.
Students should also receive dinner on the evening of arrival and breakfast on the day of departure.
Bedroom Requirements
The minimum requirements for a student bedroom are:
- A comfortable full-size bed.
- Adequate storage space for clothes and personal belongings.
- Adequate heating, lighting and ventilation.
- Clean bed linen, which should be changed weekly.
Please note that where students are accommodated in a twin, triple or quad room, all of the above requirements must be provided individually for each student.
Bathroom
A clean and hygienic bathroom or shower room is essential. There should be sufficient hot water available to allow students to have at least one bath or shower each day.
Students should also be given reasonable access to bathroom facilities and enough time to use them comfortably, particularly in busy households.
It is helpful to explain how bathroom facilities operate within the home, including:
- how the shower or hot water system works,
- any schedules or limitations regarding hot water,
- and any household expectations regarding bathroom use.
Please do not assume that all students will be familiar with Irish homes or bathroom systems. Clear and friendly explanations can help avoid confusion and make students feel more comfortable during their stay.
Student’s obligation to homestay provider
Students are expected to live as members of the household and to adapt, as far as reasonably possible, to normal family life during their stay.
We encourage students to remember that they have chosen to come to Ireland not only to study English, but also to experience Irish culture and daily life. For this reason, we expect students to make a genuine effort from the beginning of their stay to adapt to their new surroundings and participate respectfully in the household environment.
Students are expected at all times to behave with courtesy, respect and consideration towards their Home Stay Providers and all members of the household.
They are also expected to respect household routines, rules and reasonable standards of behaviour throughout their stay.
Additional Guidelines for Students Under 18
In the interests of student welfare and safety, all Home Stay Providers hosting students under the age of 18 are asked to take additional care and follow the guidelines below.
General Safety
Host families should:
- Always know where the student is going and their expected return time.
- Know, where possible, who the student is going out with.
- Ensure the student has your contact telephone number and the ISI Dublin emergency contact number.
Students under 18 are not permitted to stay overnight anywhere other than their approved host family accommodation unless prior written permission has been granted by both the student’s parent/guardian and ISI Dublin.
If permission for an overnight stay has been approved, ISI Dublin will inform the host family in advance.
Evening Curfews and Returning Home
Students are expected to return home for dinner at the agreed time.
After dinner, students may go out again locally, subject to the following conditions:
- Students under 18 must not travel into Dublin city centre in the evening unless permission has been granted by ISI Dublin.
- Students may socialise within the local area while respecting the following curfews:
- June to August: 10:00 pm
- September to May: 9:00 pm
The exception to these curfews is where students are attending a pre-arranged school activity organised or supervised by ISI Dublin.
ISI Dublin Social Organisers accompany all students under 16 years of age on organised evening activities.
Students Under 16
When supervising students under 16, host families are asked to use common sense and appropriate judgement. Aside from the guidelines above, we recommend treating requests to go out in the evening in the same way you would for your own children of a similar age.
Students Aged 16–17
Students aged 16 and 17 should:
- inform the host family of where they are going,
- advise what time they expect to return home,
- and contact the host family if they are running late.
Student’s Visitors to the Home
Students may invite one or two friends to visit the home occasionally, provided that:
- the timing is appropriate,
- they ask the Home Stay Provider for permission in advance,
- and the visit is respectful of normal household routines.
Visitors are not permitted to stay overnight in the host family home unless prior permission has been granted by both the Home Stay Provider and ISI Dublin.
Telephone
Students are not entitled to use the host family’s telephone for outgoing calls. Students are advised to purchase prepaid mobile phone credit or SIM cards, which are widely available in convenience stores and supermarkets throughout Ireland.
We would, however, ask host families to allow students to receive occasional calls from parents or family members, particularly during the early stages of their stay.
Please ensure that students understand that telephone calls should take place at reasonable hours and should be of a reasonable duration, with consideration for the household and other members of the family.
Wi-Fi and Internet Access
Students should be provided with reasonable access to Wi-Fi and internet services within the home for normal day-to-day use, including communication with family, schoolwork and general information access.
We ask students to use internet services responsibly and respectfully, particularly regarding excessive downloading, streaming or late-night noise associated with online activities.
If there are any household rules regarding internet usage, passwords, time limits or restricted access areas, these should be clearly explained to the student at the beginning of their stay.
Cleaning of Bedroom
Students are expected to keep their bedrooms reasonably tidy during their stay and to make their beds each morning.
Host families should vacuum student bedrooms and change bed linen once per week.
Please remember that students come from a wide variety of cultural and family backgrounds, and some expectations regarding tidiness, routines or household responsibilities may need to be explained clearly and patiently at the beginning of the stay.
At ISI Dublin, we make every effort to place students in households where we believe they will be a good match. However, from time to time, situations may arise where difficulties occur or expectations differ.
If you have any concerns regarding a student’s behaviour or conduct, please contact ISI Dublin immediately. Our policy is to listen to and support both the student and the Home Stay Provider, and where possible, to resolve issues amicably through communication before considering a move or alternative accommodation arrangement.
Concerns and Accommodation Changes
If You Are Concerned About Your Student
At ISI Dublin, we make every effort to place students in homes where we believe they will fit comfortably into the household environment. However, from time to time, situations may arise where difficulties occur or expectations differ.
If you have any concerns regarding a student’s behaviour, attitude or wellbeing, please contact ISI Dublin as soon as possible.
Our approach is always to listen to and support both the student and the Home Stay Provider. Wherever possible, we will try to resolve issues through communication and mutual understanding before considering a change of accommodation.
If a Student Is Unhappy in the Accommodation
Occasionally, students may request to change accommodation. In many cases, these situations are the result of misunderstandings, cultural differences or differing expectations.
Some of the more common reasons students request a move include:
- Concerns regarding food quality, variety or quantity.
- Concerns regarding cleanliness or tidiness within the home.
- Feeling unwelcome or excluded from family life.
- Being asked to spend excessive time alone in their bedroom.
- Excessive numbers of students staying in the home.
We kindly ask Home Stay Providers to keep these points in mind throughout the student’s stay and to make every effort to provide a warm, welcoming and comfortable environment.
Please note that, in certain situations, and in accordance with our safeguarding and child protection responsibilities, ISI Dublin reserves the right to remove a student from a host family immediately and without detailed explanation where this is considered necessary for the welfare, safety or wellbeing of the student.
Medical Issues
If a student requires medical assistance during their stay, please contact ISI Dublin as soon as possible. The school can assist and advise regarding the most appropriate course of action.
Where necessary, an appointment should be arranged with a local GP or medical service.
Students from EU/EEA countries are generally covered through the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) scheme. Non-EU students are required to have appropriate private medical insurance for the duration of their stay in Ireland.
Please note that medical consultations or treatment may need to be paid for in advance. Students should therefore retain all medical receipts and documentation for insurance reimbursement purposes.
In the event of a medical issue, accident or emergency, please contact the ISI Dublin office or emergency telephone number immediately.
Payment
Payments to Home Stay Providers are processed monthly.
Payments are calculated based on the nights students stayed in your home between the first day and the last day of the month. A detailed payment breakdown will be sent to you by email outlining the students hosted, dates of stay and payment calculations.
Accommodation payments are calculated on a nightly basis. The nightly rate is determined by dividing the weekly accommodation rate by 7 nights and multiplying this amount by the number of nights the student stayed in the home.
Payments are made directly to your bank account at the end of each month. Please note that, depending on bank processing times, transfers may take until the 5th of the following month to appear in your account.
If you believe there is any discrepancy or issue with your payment, please contact ISI Dublin as soon as possible so that the matter can be reviewed and resolved promptly.
Please refer to the accommodation rate sheet for current hosting rates here.
Cancellations and Accommodation Changes
The following cancellation terms apply to Home Stay accommodation bookings:
- Student requests a move for approved reasons*: No cancellation fee applies.
- Student cancels with at least 2 days’ notice: No cancellation fee applies.
- Student cancels with less than 48 hours’ notice: A 2-night payment will apply.
- Home Stay Provider requests that the student leave the accommodation: No cancellation fee applies.
* ISI Dublin reserves the right to remove a student from a Home Stay Provider in the event of:
- a student welfare or safeguarding concern,
- a complaint by the student, parent, group leader or agent,
- or a breach of the regulations outlined in this manual.
In such cases, ISI Dublin will provide as much notice as reasonably possible, depending on the seriousness of the issue. In certain serious situations, immediate removal of the student may be necessary and no notice may be given.
Where ISI Dublin has to remove a student from a Home Stay Provider, no cancellation fee will apply. The Home Stay Provider will be paid only for the nights during which the student stayed in the accommodation.
Emergency Contact Information
In the event of an emergency, please assist the student as best you can and contact ISI Dublin immediately.
Office opening hours are:
Monday to Friday, 8:30 am – 5:30 pm
Telephone: 01 872 7888
In the event of a serious emergency outside office hours, please contact the ISI Dublin emergency number:
087 786 4937
This emergency phone is monitored 24 hours a day by an ISI Dublin staff member who will assist with urgent situations. Please note that this number is for genuine emergencies only.
GDPR and Data Protection Policy
Please read our GDPR policy, which forms part of these guidelines.
Child Safeguarding Policy
Please read our Child Safeguarding Policy which forms part of this agreement
Home Stay Provider Agreement
By becoming a Home Stay Provider with ISI Dublin, you confirm that you have read, understood and agreed to comply with the terms, conditions, standards and guidelines outlined in this Home Stay Guide.
Home Stay Providers are expected to maintain these standards throughout the duration of their partnership with ISI Dublin and to cooperate fully with the school in matters relating to student welfare, safeguarding, accommodation standards and communication.
ISI Dublin reserves the right to review, update or amend these guidelines and policies from time to time in accordance with operational, legal, safeguarding or regulatory requirements.
Failure to comply with the standards outlined in this guide may result in warnings, suspension of placements or removal from the ISI Dublin Home Stay Provider programme.