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Why Host?

Being a host family is a rewarding, fun and educational experience for all members of the family and an opportunity to create long-lasting relationships. Your family has the opportunity to connect with new friends from around the world, embracing the experience of discovering diverse cultures and languages,

 

You’ll become a key part of our visitors’ time abroad and their experiences, becoming the students’ home away from home. You’ll provide a safe and comfortable environment for our students to ensure they get the best experience abroad as possible.

Host families allow students and teachers to live as locals, with local people, giving a deeper insight into British culture and enabling them to rapidly improve their English.

We are currently seeking new host families to join this community.

If you have any questions, or would like further information, please contact us at any time: homestay@opportunity-education.com

Contact number: 07511800119

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Host Roles & Responsibilities

We ask that families can provide each student or teacher with:

  • A warm and friendly welcome
  • A clean, comfortable, well-lit room, with sufficient heating, ventilation, natural light and storage
  • Bed linen and towels, washed on a weekly basis
  • Regular access to the bathroom
  • A nutritious breakfast and dinner every day
  • A lift to and from the host school

Both hosts and students are given guidelines explaining what is expected of each of them.

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The Application and Screening Process

Ensuring that our students / teachers are welcomed into a safe and welcoming environment is crucial. Families wishing to host international students are screened and interviewed in their homes by our staff, and then regularly visited and monitored to ensure high standards.

 

– Review our website, and read the Homestay Host Family Guide

– Make an enquiry or complete our online application form

– A staff member will then follow up with you to arrange a home inspection

– A DBS Disclosure is applied for all family members who are above the age of 16 and will be spending unsupervised time with the students

– Successful hosts are added to our database, and sent our Homestay family guide

– Hosts are contacted well in advance of any potential opportunities to host

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Top Tips For Successful Hosting

– Show your visitors around your house, introduce them to family members and let them know your house rules

– Take your visitors food shopping to give them a taste of British food culture and let them choose something they would like to try

– Watching a film either at the cinema or at home gives further insight into British culture and language (don’t forget to put the subtitles on!)

– Take your students for a walk in the park or local area to show them around and let them familiarise themselves

– Playing board games provides a fun and casual setting for your visitors to practise their English

– Introduce your visitors to traditional British dishes; roast dinner, fish and chips, BBQ

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Frequently Asked Questions

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How much will I be paid?

Host families are typically paid per night, per student. This is meant to support your family in the costs of hosting a student. Families can earn up to £840 a week this way.

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I live alone, can I still host?

Yes, we do not place restrictions on single occupancy households.

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May I host more than one visitor at a time?

Yes, we encourage you to host 2 or more students if you have the space to do so. Some families like to host more than one student as it gives the students a companion. Up to 2 students may share a room, but all must have their own bed.

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We are not a ‘traditional’ family, is it still possible to host?

Yes, we welcome a diverse range of hosts including single parent households, empty-nesters, and families with small children.  Our key requirement is that homestay providers provide a safe, clean, and comfortable environment for our students / teachers.

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We only have one spare double room, can we still host students?

Yes, in instances where there is only one double bed available,  we can provide an additional foldable bed for a second student. Alternatively, a double room can be used to host a teacher who can stay alone with a host family.

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What ages will the students be?

Students are usually between the ages of 12 and 16, although can be as young as 9 and as old as 18.

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What are my responsibilities as a host family?

Families must provide a bed, breakfast, an evening meal (some hosts may provide a packed lunch), and most importantly provide a safe, stable, friendly environment. Hosts must submit an application, references, and will have a home visit by one of our staff. Students bring their own spending money for souvenirs and entertainment

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What do I provide for mealtime?

Further information on suggested meals will be provided, as Chinese guest typically enjoy certain foods. However, there should be no need to alter your daily routine too much. Breakfast might be a simple meal of cereals, eggs, bread and fruit, while dinner could be a meat and rice based dish, pizza or noodles!

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What if there is a problem with our student?

Our friendly team will provide all of the support and advice you need. Our students must comply with all programme rules and our staff will ensure they follow these while with your family. If a student has an accident, or is ill, our staff are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.