Welcoming your Students: Creating a Great First Impression
Laid out with care—small natural gestures can help students feel welcome from the very first moment.
Setting the Tone for a Positive, Memorable Stay
The arrival of your international student is an exciting moment—not just for them, but for your household as well. Those first hours are a unique opportunity to create a sense of comfort, trust, and belonging. You only get one chance to make a first impression, but with a few thoughtful steps, you can help your guest feel instantly at ease.
Whether your student is coming from Germany, France, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Poland or the Nordic region, a warm welcome helps reduce first-day nerves and sets the stage for a meaningful exchange.
Here is how to make those early moments count.
Be present for the arrival
If possible, try to be home when your student arrives. Greet them with a smile, help them settle in, and offer a warm drink or small snack. Travelling—especially across borders—can be tiring, so keeping things simple and calm is often best. If someone else is doing the pickup, make sure you are ready to welcome them warmly when they get home.
Give a simple house tour
Show your student around the house so they know where everything is. Keep it friendly and low-pressure—point out the bathroom, kitchen, Wi-Fi code, and where they can store their belongings. Let them know what is available for them to use, and reassure them they are welcome to ask questions at any time.
Explain house routines gently
Within the first day or two, it helps to explain your basic routines—mealtimes, curfews, when the shower is free, and how laundry works. You do not need to go into detail straight away. A light, friendly tone works best. A short written summary (in simple English) can be useful too, especially if their language skills are limited at first.
Give them space to settle in
After the initial welcome, give your student some quiet time in their room to unpack and settle. You might offer: “Take your time settling in, and let me know if you need anything.” This balance of kindness and space helps reduce overwhelm.
Be mindful of nerves
Even confident students may feel nervous when they arrive. New country, new language, new people—it is a lot to take in. Do not worry if they seem quiet at first or unsure how to interact. A gentle, reassuring presence speaks volumes. Trust builds quickly in a calm, caring atmosphere.
Start with simple conversation
Once they have rested a bit, ask a few easy, friendly questions—about their journey, their hometown, or their first impressions of Ireland. Avoid jumping into lots of practical talk right away. Keep things light and let conversation flow naturally.
Share something personal or local
Telling your student a bit about yourself or the local area helps them feel connected. You might say, “We usually eat dinner around 7,” or “There’s a nice park nearby if you like walking.” These small details turn your home into a familiar place.
Create a sense of belonging
Make it clear they are not just a guest—they are part of the household. Saying something as simple as, “Feel free to make yourself at home,” or “You are welcome to join us for anything,” creates a feeling of safety and inclusion.
The first day does not need to be perfect. You do not need to entertain or impress. A clean room, a kind word, and a calm environment are more than enough. When students feel welcomed without pressure, they are more likely to settle in, engage with your family, and enjoy their time in Ireland.
If you are curious about hosting, check out our other blog posts or sign up to become a host family. We would love to hear from you!
