Sponsored Editorial

An exceptional teacher makes all the difference, at every stage of education – whether it's nurturing foundational knowledge in childhood, progressing through primary and secondary school or pursuing higher studies. The same is true for language learners.

Individuals of any age and skill level can venture into learning a new language, often finding immersion to be the quickest, most effective method. This is where Influent excels. The company specialises in offering full-immersion homestay language programs abroad for kids, young adults, adults and professionals alike.

At the heart of Influent’s tailored courses are its exceptional host teachers. By opening up their homes and sharing their language expertise, hosts provide students with the opportunity to immerse themselves in the language in its native country, benefiting from private lessons, full-board accommodation and activities.

Are you considering becoming a host teacher but are unsure about the process and benefits? We interviewed one of Influent's host teachers to offer deeper insights...

How did you get into language hosting?

I was looking to start a new chapter in my career. Having dedicated the past seven years to shaping young minds as an English teacher at a local secondary school, I yearned for an opportunity that would leverage my teaching qualifications and skills. Language teaching had always interested me, and when a friend introduced me to Influent, I knew it was the perfect fit. I’ve been a host for three years now and I’ve never looked back.

What are the benefits of being a language host?

Becoming a language host offers many benefits. Firstly, it provides a flexible way of earning income from the comfort of your own home. As a freelancer, you decide when to work and who to host, allowing for a work-life balance tailored to your needs.

Hosting also allows you to immerse yourself in different cultures, broaden your horizons and establish meaningful connections with people from around the globe!

Honami: “Thank you for arranging this wonderful family! Carla listened to my English carefully, and she got me to feel confident. Paul was also very kind. He taught me about the city. I love the family and this city. I can highly recommend this program.”

What do you enjoy most about hosting and teaching from home?

Hosting and teaching from home is an interesting, fulfilling and rewarding experience. One of the greatest joys is getting to know individual students and learning about their culture and background. As a host family, my daughter and I have a cherished tradition – we invite our guests to share a typical meal from their homeland, which we then cook together!

Noah: “The lessons were very, very good. I learned so many new things in a fun and motivating way. The activities were also great. We have done a lot of great things and even every day. My room was very clean and nicely furnished. In addition, I had space for my things and I could sleep very well.

“I felt comfortable at all times and everyone was very nice. There was always delicious food. I also got along very well with their son Blake, that was great. But everyone was super nice, lovely and hospitable. Very, very good.”

In your opinion, what makes an ideal language host?

Anyone can host – whether you live alone, are a couple or have children. On a practical level, a spare bedroom and a comfortable home are essential to accommodate the student or students (yes, you can host more than one person at a time). You will need to provide good home-cooked meals and make your guest or guests feel welcome and cared for.

Ultimately, I’d say an ideal host is someone who is genuinely interested in the wellbeing and progress of their students, and willing to go the extra mile. I treat my students as friends who have come to stay! I try to immerse them in my family’s everyday life and engage in conversation with them as much as possible.

What qualifications do you need to host and teach students?

To become a host teacher, certain qualifications and experience are required. This may include a teaching certification such as TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language), TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages), or a PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education), a university degree in any academic subject coupled with a minimum of two years of teaching experience. These qualifications ensure that hosts have the necessary skills and expertise to effectively teach and support language learners during their homestay experience.

Charlotte: “These two weeks with the family was a wonderful experience. When I arrived, they received me with a smile and they gave me a feeling of security. In addition to this very comfortable vibe, I feel that I improved a lot in English: vocabulary, pronunciation, discovery of new expressions.

“To discover the English culture in this family so lovely, kind, funny, generous, helpful was a real pleasure and I'm pretty convinced that it's the best family you can have.”

Who are the language students?

Language students come from diverse backgrounds, nationalities and age groups, ranging from children and teenagers to adults, from beginners to advanced learners. You may be helping a child improve their language skills or assisting an adult learner in achieving fluency.

What does a typical homestay look like?

Homestays vary in duration, ranging from one to three weeks, and typically include private tuition sessions, full-board accommodation and optional activities. The number of hours of tuition and the inclusion of activities may vary depending on the program and the preferences of the student. From exploring local sights and participating in cultural activities to simply engaging in everyday conversations, you will be compensated for your time and expenses.

How does the process of language hosting work?

The process of language hosting begins with a student booking inquiry, which is presented to hosts for approval. Hosts have the flexibility to accept or refuse bookings based on their availability and preferences. Once registered, hosts are eligible to be considered for any suitable inquiries that align with their schedule and accommodation.

Throughout the process, hosts are supported by a team of Influent's Regional Managers who provide guidance and assistance as needed, ensuring a smooth and seamless experience for both hosts and students.

How much can hosts earn?

This varies depending on several factors, including the program, the number of hours of tuition, the inclusion of activities and your location. As a host, you are compensated for your time, expertise and expenses, with payments detailed in the booking proposals. Whether it's hosting short-term stays or longer-term immersion programs, you have the potential to earn a competitive income while engaging in a fulfilling and rewarding experience.

Arianne: “This week was wonderful! The host family was very welcoming, they did all the things they could do to make me feel like home. All the lessons were interesting and helped me to improve my listening and writing comprehension as well as my writing and speaking, especially my ability to write and speak like a native and my English pronunciation.

“In addition my teacher Julia was very encouraging, pointing out all the progress I made in each lesson, that’s why it was very pleasant to be taught by her! Besides, we did many different activities such as walking the dog, shopping and museums which were very interesting! In conclusion it was a fantastic stay and I am looking forward to doing another one in the future!”

To learn more about becoming a host teacher with Influent and contact the team, visit the website: www.influentme.com/become-a-host-family.