Student host

[glas house]

Morning everyone,
Do any of you have expertise of taking in foreign exchange students. I have applied to an advert to host exchange students and before going ahead would like to hear anyone else's experience. The woman I've spoken to said they are aged between 13/15 have to be given breakfast then dropped about 2 miles from my home to a pick up point in the city center for 7.45 with a packed lunch so they can go to school for the day. I then have to pick them up at 19.00 and give them a two course evening meal and a bed for the night. I would be paid £20 a night. Im thinking by the time I've paid petrol, food and the extra gas and electricity I might not make much money? Any thoughts?

I know someone that does similar and gets more than that. Say no and look elsewhere that's not worth the time!

I have done so in the past, just for a week at a time, maybe 3 times? It was when my DD was studying a foreign language at school and the school arranged exchange trips.

I doubt you'll make any money at all on £20/night , especially when you factor in extra showers, laundry, petrol etc. If that's the only reason you're doing it, I wouldn't bother.

If OTOH you've an interest in the country from which these kids come from, if you want to practice the language, if you've got children who would be interested or want to practice the language or this is part of an exchange trip for them, then go for it. In those instances, it's not just about the money.

(I don't remember getting any money from hosting, but the exchange trip for my daughter was heavily subsidised so it all seemed ok! The only sticky bit was hosting a 14 yr old who didn't like vegetables and was into F1, when we were a vegetarian household into eco issues!!)

Truthfully I was doing for the extra cash. Im a TA so thought it might have been away to top up my wage but its probably not worth it. By the time I've bought stuff for their packed lunches I'll probably be out of pocket actually.

Is it £20 per child? My cleaner used to do this - she had two spare bedrooms, each with two twin beds in them and was making £80 a night or £560 a week.

I do this. Take 2 at a time and get £150 a week each but fees increasing to £210 each. It wouldn't be worth it for one. It's very wortwhile for 3. Don't have to drive them anywhere. I don't cook breakfast but have the usual breakfast things - cereal, toast, croissants - available and they get it for themsleves. Cook an evening meal and they have to have lunch too at weekends. Anythign else you want to know?