Hosting
Host a teen this summer.
One bed, four weeks and indelible family memories that leave a lasting imprint on your heart, and connecting you across countries.
Open the applicationThe timeline
How it works.
Four steps across the spring. Most families say the hardest part is deciding to start.
- Winter
Apply online
A short form about your family, your teen and your summer. It takes about fifteen minutes and commits you to nothing.
Open the form → - Early spring
We visit your home
We come over, meet everyone and answer the questions you did not want to put in an email. Background checks and insurance paperwork happen here.
- Spring
Three preparation meetings
You and your teen meet the other host families before anyone lands. By June you already know the group your teen will spend the month with.
- Late June
You meet your teen
Airport greeting, welcome signs, a long flight behind them. The month starts the moment they walk out.
Straight answers
What it asks of you.
- Money
- Food and a bed for one extra teenager, plus the odd potluck dish. Every activity and outing is paid for by the project.
- Time
- The month is the commitment. Camps, jobs, and family holidays come off your teen's calendar. Families consistently say the experience is well worth setting that time aside.
- Driving
- Both teens, to and from daily activities.
- Paperwork
- Background check, proof of home and auto insurance.
Questions
What families ask.
Does it cost us anything?
There is no program fee. You cover food and a bed for one extra teenager and contribute the occasional potluck dish. Every activity, outing and trip across the four weeks is paid for by the project through donations and grants.
How old does our teen have to be?
Host teens are 14 to 16. Your teen is matched with a Northern Irish teen of the same age and gender, and the two of them do the month side by side.
What if we have never done anything like this?
Most families have not. That is what the in-home visit and the three preparation meetings are for. You will get to know the other families, counselors and have support for the entire project from experienced counselors, a program director and board members, all who have previously been host families or participated as teens.
Do we have to be religious?
The program visits both Protestant and Catholic services as part of its work, and host families come from a range of backgrounds. What matters is that your family is willing to take part in the full month.
What does the month do to our summer?
It takes it over, honestly. Outside camps, jobs, and family holidays need to come off your teen's calendar for those four weeks. Families who plan around that have a much better time than families who try to do it all.
Can we host if both parents work?
Yes, many host families do. The daily activities are run by the program director and counselors, so the main ask is transportation to and from each activity. There will be volunteer chaperone opportunities, a weekend meant for just families and their teens, and you'll want to spend time getting to know your Northern Irish guest.
What are the exact dates this year?
Teens arrive in late June and stay about four weeks. Confirm the current year's arrival date and application deadline with us before you apply.
Ready
Just fifteen minutes to take the first step.
The application is a short form designed to start a conversation. Nothing is decided until we've met you and you've had the opportunity to learn more about the program.