Student & host family expenses: who pays for what?

Students are expected to pay for their own lunches during the school week. If you are providing lunch supplies for them in the house but your student would rather eat at school, that would be their expense.

Host families provide for an exchange student, so if you decide to eat out for a meal and you expect your student to go along, plan to pay for them. Set guidelines for your family around meals that are eaten outside the home. One host mum says, “When we go out, I look over the menu and tell my sons and student how much they’re allowed to spend at that restaurant. I usually pick an average of the prices listed and everyone is expected to stay under that. This helps keep our meals affordable."

Students usually have little experience managing and budgeting money; your guidance will be needed and appreciated. Your student may not realise all the expenses associated with social activities and entertainment or the reoccurring expenses like a monthly cell phone plan.

Students are encouraged to budget 250-300 Euro per month during the exchange. Prior to their arrival and throughout the exchange, it is helpful to provide a list of monthly expenses, like their mobile phone plan and toiletries, as well as any one- time fees they should be aware of such as family holidays, sport expenses, additional school fees or tickets to local events.

Your student may try to open a local checking account so their parents can deposit money for their spending money. Not all banks allow a minor from abroad to obtain an account. For everyone's protection, we do not recommend co-signing on a bank account for your student. Instead, encourage your student to use their debit or credit card from back home.