HOW IS THE HOST FAMILY SELECTED?

The host family will probably have a son or daughter involved in the exchange programme, so will be sensitive to the needs of the visiting student. The host family will be selected with every care taken to match the visitor with a compatible family, with special regard given to home values and interests. The hosts will care for the visiting student as if he/she were part of the family. The hosts will provide transport to and from the school, and, where possible, will be the same arrangements as they use for their own children. They are also expected to provide the same leisure and entertainment facilities as those given to their own children in the evenings, on weekends and during the holidays. Of course, the visiting student is expected to be sensitive to the expectations of the host family and to adapt, as necessary, to fit in to their new surroundings. In the unlikely event of any tension or conflict, the Head of Counselling Services, RS Co-ordinator or other senior staff will mediate to resolve the situation. If the match proves to incompatible, the visiting student will be re-housed with a new family, with the support of the Head of Counselling Services, RS Co-ordinator and other senior staff.

Names, addresses, telephone numbers and email addresses will be provided to encourage contact between the visitor's and the host families.