Host families in the UK
Welcome students into British family life and give them the opportunity to experience English naturally in its everyday cultural environment.
Host with AKLIO Immersion
AKLIO works with host families in the United Kingdom and with British families living in Brittany.
In both settings, the principle is the same: students are welcomed into everyday family life and experience English through genuine conversations, shared meals, activities and daily routines.
British families in Brittany
Create an English-speaking environment in Brittany where students can experience daily life, conversation and cultural exchange without travelling abroad.
More than a place to stay
Host families are at the heart of the AKLIO Immersion experience. You do not need to be a teacher to become an AKLIO Host Family.
A welcoming home
Offer a comfortable, caring and respectful environment where a student can feel safe, included and at home.
A cultural exchange
Share your traditions, interests and way of life while discovering another culture through the student you welcome.
Everyday English
Give the student regular exposure to naturally spoken English through conversations, meals, activities and ordinary family life.
Who can become a host family?
We welcome applications from a wide variety of households. You may have young children, grown-up children or no children living at home.
Host families may be couples, single adults, retired people or families with children. Previous hosting experience is helpful, but it is not required.
What matters most is your willingness to provide a safe, respectful and welcoming home and to include your student in everyday family life.
Every application is considered individually. AKLIO will take the time to get to know you, understand your household and answer your questions before any placement is proposed.
Every host family should offer
- A clean and comfortable bedroom
- Appropriate meals during the stay
- A safe and respectful home environment
- Time for conversation and interaction
- Inclusion in ordinary family life
- Respect for the student’s background and needs
You will be supported by AKLIO
Whether you have hosted students before or are considering it for the first time, AKLIO will support you throughout the placement.
Before the stay
- Clear information about the student and programme
- Guidance to help you prepare for the arrival
- An opportunity to ask questions
- Careful matching with your household
During the stay
- A named AKLIO contact
- Regular communication when appropriate
- Practical guidance and reassurance
- Support if a concern or difficulty arises
After the stay
- An opportunity to share your feedback
- Support in preparing for future placements
- No obligation to host again
- A relationship built on trust and communication
A thoughtful matching process
A successful placement begins with the right match. AKLIO does not simply allocate students to available bedrooms.
We consider the needs, expectations and personalities of both the student and the host family before proposing a placement.
You will receive relevant information about a prospective student before confirming that you are comfortable welcoming them into your home.
We may consider
- The student’s age and level of independence
- Interests and hobbies
- Household composition
- Dietary requirements and allergies
- Pets in the home
- Location and transport
- The expectations of both parties
One-to-one English tuition may also be available
Some AKLIO Immersion programmes may include individual English tuition alongside the host-family experience.
Hosting and teaching are separate roles. A host family does not need to provide lessons in order to welcome an AKLIO student.
Where tuition forms part of the programme, AKLIO will organise the appropriate teaching arrangement according to the student’s needs and the local situation.
Two possible arrangements
A visiting teacher
A qualified teacher may come to the host family’s home
to provide individual lessons.
A teacher within the household
Where a suitable member of the host family has
appropriate teaching experience,
they may also provide the individual tuition.
In both cases, formal tuition is distinct from the everyday English naturally experienced through family life.
Do you have teaching experience?
Teaching experience is not required to become an AKLIO Host Family.
However, if you or another member of your household is a teacher, retired teacher, tutor, teaching assistant or experienced educator, we would be interested to learn more about your background.
For selected programmes, suitable host-family members may be offered the opportunity to provide one-to-one English tuition as an additional role.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to be a teacher?
No. Teaching experience is not required. We welcome households able to provide a safe, caring and welcoming home.
Do I need previous hosting experience?
No. First-time host families are welcome. AKLIO will explain the process, help you prepare and remain available throughout the stay.
Where are AKLIO Host Families located?
AKLIO develops its host-family network with families in the United Kingdom and with British families living in Brittany.
Will the student need their own bedroom?
Accommodation requirements depend on the programme and the student’s circumstances. The available bedroom and household arrangements will be discussed during the application process.
Can we choose when we are available?
Yes. Registering as a host family does not mean that you must accept every placement. You can tell us which dates and types of stay may suit your household.
Will we receive information about the student?
Yes. AKLIO will provide relevant information before asking you to confirm a proposed placement.
What happens if there is a problem?
You will have a named AKLIO contact and clear guidance on what to do if a concern arises. We will work with you to find an appropriate solution.
Do I have to provide English lessons?
No. Hosting and teaching are separate roles. Host families are not expected to provide formal lessons.
Can English lessons take place in our home?
Yes. For programmes including individual tuition, lessons may be provided by a qualified teacher who comes to your home or, where appropriate, by a suitably experienced member of your household.
Join the AKLIO Host Family Network
Whether you are an experienced host or are considering welcoming a student for the first time, we would be delighted to hear from you.
Tell us about your household, your location, the accommodation you can offer and the periods during which you may be available.