Question 1

What is a host family?

Accepted Answer

This is a family which provides accommodation for a foreign student in their home. The “family” can be of any size or composition.

Students stay in single or shared rooms and the host family provides dinner, bed and breakfast every day, with light lunches at the weekends (Junior students, aged 8-13, also require a packed lunch each day). The school pays a good weekly rate, the amount depending on the type of room and age of student.

Above all, what matters most is that the host family shows genuine care, helping the student feel comfortable, valued, and part of the family. Creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere and being willing to go the extra mile can have a lasting positive impact on the student's experience.

Question 2

Where do the host families live?

Accepted Answer

The majority of our host families are located in Sidmouth, but Junior students can also be placed outside the town in Ottery St Mary, West Hill, Feniton, Honiton, Newton Poppleford and Otterton.
School transport is sometimes available to transfer these Junior students to and from Sidmouth (chargeable).

Question 3

Why do families take students?

Accepted Answer

• They enjoy meeting people from other countries and cultures.
• To earn extra income – you can earn up to £7,500 per year tax free on the Inland Revenue “rent a room” scheme.
• They want their own children to learn to integrate with other nationalities. Many now have “extended families” all over the world.

Question 4

Where do students come from?

Accepted Answer

Over 40 different countries!

Question 5

What age are they?

Accepted Answer

The students are divided into three groups; Adult 18+, Teenage/Young Adult 13-18 and Junior 8-13. Host families can choose which age group they prefer to host.

Question 6

What checks will be carried out on the host family?

Accepted Answer

The main host family carer/s will be subject to personal references and child protection checks. In addition, all host family members aged 16+ taking students aged under 18 years old will be subject to DBS checks.

Question 7

Why do students come?

Accepted Answer

They come to study English for various reasons; for their career development, to prepare for examinations, for a study vacation etc. Some come as individuals; others come as part of a group.

Question 8

How long do the students stay?

Accepted Answer

Students stay for different lengths of time, from 1 week to 1 year! A host family can choose the dates they would like to take students and the length of stay they would prefer.
The school can work around holiday dates.

Question 9

How many days do they attend school?

Accepted Answer

They are at school 5 days a week from 09.00 to 16.00 hrs. The students have classes from Monday to Friday. They also have a social programme which includes afternoon activities, a Thursday half-day excursion, a Saturday full-day excursion and evening activities (no evening activities for Juniors). Sunday is their free day which is normally spent with the host family or new friends.

Question 10

What if there is a problem?

Accepted Answer

The school offers comprehensive support for host families, including a 24-hour emergency phone service.

CONTACT US

Send us a message  and we’ll get back to you shortly.

Become a host family

Become a host family

CONTACT US

Send us a message and we’ll get back to you shortly.

Become a host family

Become a host family

Send us a message  and we’ll get back to you shortly.