Coeliac and school exchange

[Hanno]

Hi,

My son is a German Student (14 and coeliac) and wants to spend some time in UK. Therefore we are looking for a host family with coeliac background for an exchange - or for a family with school kids who's willing to take him as paying guest.
I already tried Coeliac UK, their local groups and the British Council - without success. And the professional organisations are of no use as well as they don't handle coeliacs.
I appreciate all advise, Hanno

[TooBusyByHalf]

Hi hanno, How long are you looking for and when? 14 is a bit old for my kids and none of them learn German, or else I'd have offered myself.
I dont think a gluten free diet is that hard for most competent family cooks - so you may be able to find a non-coeliac family more easily than restricting your search to coeliacs. So long as they are willing to make the effort and understand his diet it shouldn't be that big a deal?
One idea might be to find a school that teaches German in a town/area you like the look of and ask them if you post a small ad in their newsletter /web notice board. All uk secondary schools detail the subjects they offer on their websites.

[notapizzaeater]

On Facebook their is a group called coeliacs in the uk, perhaps try posting on it. My son hasn't started German yet or the right age group :-(

[HSargent]

Hi Hanno,
Have you had any luck? I have a 14 year old daughter who studied German for two years. She is coeliac and we have a completely gluten free household.
If it was possible, what are your son's interests and when would he think of coming over? Which city are you near, we visit Munich quite regularly.
We are 25 minutes from London.
Regards,
Helen