There are many factors to be considered when matching students and host families:
Timing
Depending on when you apply, you may have to wait to receive your possible matches. Usually student information is available for matching about 60 days before arrival.
Input
For some groups, matches are made by the local teacher. For others, you may also have the option to review the student profiles to determine a few that might fit in well with your family. In some cases, L&F will make the match.
Shared Interests
More than gender or age, common interests usually determine the success of a match. If the student likes the same kinds of activities that you normally engage in, you are more easily able to include them in your daily lives and the experience will be more fun for everyone.
Health Restrictions
We also look at any special circumstances like pet allergies, whether they would do better in a rural or urban experience, number of siblings, etc.
Gender Preferences vs. Restrictions
Families will indicate on their application if they have a preference of gender for their visitor. If your family is open to hosting either gender and have the rooming space, this will increase the chances of finding a good match and can also be a unique chance for some families to experience a sister/daughter or brother/son that they haven’t had, even if for a short time.
Note: Students are matched one per host family for maximum immersion and for their adjustment purposes, we do not recommend splitting the student stay between multiple families.