Host Families

Host a Child

Our 40-year program continues to address the changing needs in today's Northern Ireland as well as providing rich cultural opportunities for the American host families.  The five week program includes goals to building stronger cross-community understanding and tolerance, and creating opportunity for establishing deeper, meaningful relationships with host families.


Host families and participating children in Northern Ireland will be identified and confirmed through our long-standing and proven interview process.

 

A typical 5-week visit

Everything in America is new and exciting - from the food to the freeways.

  • Riding bikes, playing outdoors after dark, not being stopped by soldiers and having the freedom to be a child can become some of the child's best memories.
  • You may find that your child is not familiar with baseball, softball, American football (football to them is our soccer), ice hockey and ice-skating, or ten pin bowling.
  • In addition to mosquitoes, squirrels, fireflies and snakes may be new.
  • Try seasonal activities or customs: an Easter egg hunt, baking and decorating Christmas cookies, an American style birthday party, regardless of the child's birthdate. This is your chance to show them everything that makes America such a unique and fun place to live.

 

FAQs
Get answeres to frequently asked questions about being a host family and the children you will host.

Host Family Qualifications
Families of all sizes, configurations and income levels have hosted children from Northern Ireland. The key qualification is that you can open your home and heart

Additional Resources
Found out more on Irish recipes, books, films, websites  and common translations.