Xilfee F.A.Q's

We get lots of questions asked by our language hosts, tutors and students. Here are some of the most relevant to Xilfee and how to make the most of the site and find like minded language students, hosts or tutors.

To reveal / hide the answers to each question click on the image.

HOW DO I FIND OUT ABOUT EACH HOST / STUDENT?

When hosts or students register on this site, they fill in form. Some of these details can then be searched through using the Find A Host / Find A Student menu option. Once Search is clicked, host / students whose profile matches the selected criteria will be listed.
Alternatively just select View all Hosts / View all Students from the front page to see a list of all the registered students.

From these lists you can then view more detailed information on the host / student along with links to any uploaded pictures or videos.

HOW DO I SELECT A HOST / STUDENT?

Once you have found a host / student you can use our FREE emailing systme to apply to the student. This is done via the Host or Students main details page. When the host / student logs in to their account they can view these messages and reply either positively or negatively.

You can view the progress of your applications (either sent or received) via your own Account Panel.

Please note in order to do this you MUST have filled in your own registration details.

HOW DO I CONTACT A HOST / STUDENT?

Our FREE emailing system allows you to indicate your interest to a host / student, however you need to become a PREMIUM MEMBER before you can get any contact details for hosts / students.

PREMIUM MEMBERS will be presented with these contact details in the host / students main details page.

WHICH STUDENTS REQUIRE A VISA?

It is easy to take students within the European Economic area as EU residents may travel freely within the EU without any restrictions. There are 27 countries within the EU, these include:

Austria
Belgium
Bulgaria
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Hungary
Ireland
Italy
Latvia
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Malta
Netherlands
Poland
Portugal
Romania
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Sweden
United Kingdom

If in doubt about whether or not you need a visa, check this website if travelling to the UK: -
Foreign & Commonwealth Office

WHO ORGANISES ALL THE ARRANGEMENTS?

Once the host & student have been matched, contacted each other and agreed in principal to a visit, all the arrangements have to be made, and details filled in. This HAS to be done by the two parties involved, Xilfee takes no further part in the process.

You will need to consider & agree the following: -
1. Cost of teaching & overnight accommodation.
2. Method & breakdown of payment(s).
3. Start & end date of visit.
4. Method of travel by the student, point of entry to the UK, & where the host family will meet & collect the student from (As well a the return journey).
5. Teaching program - hours taught & when lessons occur.
6. Parental / Guardian advice on what the student can do (e.g. are they allowed out during the day / night?).
7. Does the student smoke.
8. Does the student have any medical problems or allergies.
9. Any other issues with regard to activities host have in mind for the visit.

HOW IS PAYMENT ORGANISED?

It is up to the individual host or tutor to set their own fees. When deciding what to charge it is sensible to take into consideration several factors including: -

Your experience
If tutoring, how much demand there will be for your services?
Which subjects you specialise in
What area do you live in; is it interesting - (London) or naturally beautiful(Peak District)
The quality of your accommodation
What the students plan to do with their study; ie if you teach teenage students basic language skills you will not be able to command the rates of a tutor of medical English
Consider the type of students you wish to attract; mature couples, young children who are visiting overseas for the first time, teenage students who like to go out at night, people who you will build and instant rapport with (those who are interested in your taste in music, dance, computers, politics etc)

Once the host & student have agreed on the fee payable, they will also need to set out the method of payment & how this breakdown.

We would recommend that a deposit is paid upfront(to cover initial costs for the host), followed by weekly payments during the visit (so that all costs are covered during the visit & the student also has an emergency fund available).

HOW DO I BECOME A PREMIUM MEMBER?

Just go to the Premium Membership page and click on the link.

You will be taken through to PayPal to complete your transaction, and once Xilfee has been notified of your payment we will then let you know (by e-mail) when your membership became active & will terminate.

The next time you log in to the site you will be able to view the contact details of other Premium Members and then contact them directly to arrange your visit / course.

WHAT QUALIFICATIONS DO I NEED?

The site is open to anyone to register regardless of your qualifications. We would highly recommend obtaining a TEFL certificate at the very least to benefit your tuition. Obviously hosts with better qualifications will be more successful at attracting students, although in some cases the Student may be looking for your professional skills i.e. business / IT knowledge.

WHAT SHOULD I INCLUDE IN MY LESSONS?

You should provide a high quality course tailored to the individual needs of your student. Be Careful to find out and understand what your student requires of the course and prepare carefully so that these goals can be satisfied within the teaching hours you have agreed.

Good practise involves: -
1. An inital Ability assessment - Find out your students abilities.
2. Use of imaginative teaching materials & exercises - Don't rely on textbooks, students use these all the time at school and generally enjoy a more 'fun' orientated approach.
3. A mixture of activities & exercises - could be written work, multiple choice quizzes, dictation, conversation etc.
4. Where requested aim your tuition at specialist subjects - Use of medical / business terminology.
5. Finish with another Ability assessment - Show your student how they have progressed.

CAN I HOST A STUDENT WITHOUT TEACHING THEM?

Yes - some students may be looking to visit your country on a cultural basis, or as part of an exchange with your own children. If this is what you want to do, just select the relevant options on the Host Registration form.

WHAT TAX IMPLICATIONS ARISE FROM HOSTING INCOME?

All monies earned are liable to being taxed and must be declared to the relevant tax authorities in the EU. Different countries throughout the EU will have different legislation regarding taxation and how much you can earn before paying tax.

For the United Kingdom see the HM Inland Revenue site.

National insurance is subject to each countries own rules;
For the United Kingdom see the Governments advise website

ARE MY CAR OR HOME INSURANCES AFFECTED?

Students are taken at your own risk, we do not pay for any accident, intentional or otherwise and you must be covered by accident insurance. Remember to take out the correct insurances for both your house and car. If the student has an accident and you are not correctly insured you may be liable and in the worse case, lose your house or have a prison sentence levied upon you.

WHAT HAPPENS IF A DISPUTE ARISES?

It is up to the parties to come to an agreement in the event of any disputes. It is strongly recommended that you establish all criteria for any visit with your student prior to their departure for your home (Dates, course duration, lesson length, tuition cost & accommodation cost etc, as well as what you expect of the student outside of the lessons).

Xilfee will not arbitrate in any disputes, under certain circumstances we may provide an opinion

WHAT DO I DO IF MY STUDENT DAMAGES MY HOME / STEALS FROM ME?

Please ensure that your home insurance policies are up-to-date and allow for the hosting of overseas students.

In the rare instance of damage / theft, Xilfee cannot be held responsible or liable in any way.

HOW DO I ENSURE MY STUDENT IS TRUSTWORTHY?

Xilfee have provided you with the means to get an idea of what each student likes and is hoping to achive through their visit. It is NOT a complete picture of the student, it is VITAL that once you have decided to approaching a student that you 'vet' them thoroughly. Some of the things you should establish prior to issuing an invitation / accepting a student proposal are: -

1. Are they geniune - ensure contact / email details are real.
2. Get a picture of your student (so you can identify them when they arrive in the UK).
3. Have a couple of conversations - it is the best way to find out the full background to your student & establishing their credibility.

Hosts should also avoid lending money to students, and if you allow the use of your telephone, be careful in supervising its use.

WHAT DO I DO IF MY STUDENT BECOMES ILL OR IS INJURED?

Students who visit the UK from EU countries should will be elligable for free treatment from your own doctor or local hospital. They should have proof of their identity and all relevant documentation (E-111).

Non EU visitors should all have travel insurance to cover all eventualities whilst staying with you.

CANCELLING A TRIP

If a host cancels and the student has paid a deposit or for transport of a flight, the host should reimburse the cost of the transport (at cost) and send the full deposit back. This should be done within 7 days of the host cancelling . If you do not return monies within 7 days, we reserve the right to take your details off the database without a refund and will not necessarily allow you to resubmit in the future. Of course, there may be occasions whereby the cancellation is unavoidable and you may wish to move the course date and rearrange. This is strictly at the discretion of the student.

If a student cancels and the student has paid a deposit, it is normal to take 25% of the fee (or the deposit paid) and if the cancellation is made within 7 days or less of the start of the course, then the full 100% of the course is owed. Of course, there may be occasions whereby the cancellation is unavoidable and you may wish to move the course date and rearrange. This is strictly at the discretion of the host.

WHAT ACCOMMODATION SHOULD A HOST PROVIDE?

We would expect that a good level of accomodation should be provided in a clean & tidy home. A basic guideline would be the following: -

1. An individual bed with clean linen & sheets (clean linen & sheets each week).
2. Drawers & Wardrobe space for storing clothing.
3. A quiet room with desk and chairs for study & lessons.
4. Provision of 3 meals a day - including one main meal.
5. Private use of wash facilities, which must include either a bath or shower.
6. The free availabilty of laundry facilities.
7. Where requested by the student & offered by the host, a private bedroom for the student.

For a full and detailed listing of recommended facilities please see the host / student guides.

WHAT ARRANGEMENTS SHOULD BE MADE WITH REGARD TO STUDENTS GOING OUT ALONE?

The advise and wishes of the students parents should be sought during the organisation of any student visit. If in doubt about the activities of a student you can also contact there parents / guardians during the visit. The final say lies with the host.

General guidance: -
DAYTIME: If your student goes out during the day once teaching time is over, it is expected that he/she will be back for mealtime.
EVENING: For under 18's only activities supervised by an adult are advised. For over 18's the student should abide by the advice & wishes of their host family.

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