Why host students?

Our host families find hosting students is a rewarding experience, not only for the extra money it brings in, but also for the contact it gives them with young people of different nationalities.  Host families with children in particular benefit from meeting children from other cultures, and often long-lasting friendships spring up.

We are always looking for caring host families, as we believe that students have a great opportunity to improve their English when they live with a family.  Our homestay co-ordinators have experience of hosting students themselves, so are able to give advice about a range of issues and will support you throughout the student’s visit.

What’s involved?

Once you have expressed an interest, then the homestay co-ordinator for your area will arrange a visit.  They will check your accommodation and where the student will stay to ensure it meets our standards, and also find out more about your family, such as your occupation, interests, pets, and number of children you have.  This helps us to build a profile for when we come to match you with a student.  You will also have the opportunity to ask any questions.  Once you have been approved, our co-ordinators will let you know dates and venues for our courses and start to place students with you.

Homestay centres

EASTBOURNE

Eastbourne is a well established and popular centre for students, who usually study at Sussex Downs College or Eastbourne College.  Bus passes are provided so host families need to be close to a bus route.  Our homestay co-ordinators are Sue Stork, Stephanie Theodoulides and Pauline Lorence.  Students have hot meals at the centre, so only require packed lunches on Saturday excursions.

BATH

Bath is a popular centre for students who usually study at the Paragon School, Lyncombe Vale.

Our homestay co-ordinators are Tom and Verna Sutton.  Students have hot meals at the centre, so only require packed lunches on Saturday excursions.

KINGSTON

Kingston is a popular centre for students who study at Kingston University.  Our host families are based in the areas of Kingston, Thames Ditton, New Malden and Worcester Park.  Bus passes are provided so host families need to be close to a bus route.  Students have hot meals at the college, so only require packed lunches on Saturday excursions.

If you are interested in hosting students in this area, then please call our independent homestay co-ordinator, Mary Clark, on 0208 9493157.

Safeguarding students

A new government scheme, known as the Vetting and Barring Scheme, came into effect from November 2009 that aims to protect children from unsuitable people.  Adults who host for us (i.e., both partners) will need to become registered with the ISA (Independent Safeguarding Authority).  New host families can register from July 2010.  Unlike a CRB check, once you are registered and on the database, this does not become out of date, and it also avoids the need to have a different CRB check for different organisations.  For further information, please see the ISA’s website, www.isa-gov.org.uk.

Contact us

If you are interested in hosting in Eastbourne or Bath, please send an enquiry via info@elac.co.uk.

“We really enjoyed making our students feel at home and getting to know them.  They loved playing on the trampoline with our children and trying their first English cooked breakfast!”  Sarah, Bath

© Elac Study Vacations 2010