FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Hosting an international student is a big decision, and we’re here to help.
Browse our frequently asked questions, and if you’re not fully satisfied simply call to speak to one of our representatives.
FAQ'S TO BE A HOST
What are my responsibilities as a host family?
Families must provide a bed, breakfast, and evening meal & have easy access to local transportation to and from the students' course centre and a stable, caring environment. Some bookings require a packed lunch (for younger students only). Host parents must submit an application, references, and are subject to a home visit by one of our experienced staff. Students bring their own spending money for personal needs, souvenirs, entertainment, and other incidentals.
I am not a “traditional” family, is it still possible to host?
Of course! Our hosts come in all shapes and sizes and we welcome families such as single parent households, empty-nesters, and families with small children.
May I host more than one student at a time?
Yes, you may host up to four students. Some families like to host more than one student, as it gives the students a companion. It also gives your family the chance to learn more about another culture. Up to 3 students may share a room and up to 4 in your home, but all must have their own bed.
Remuneration?
All of our host families receive monetary compensation for hosting students. This sum is meant to support your family in the weekly costs of hosting a student.
What if there is a problem with our student?
We have many years of experience of managing host families and your local accommodation coordinators are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week if you have any questions or concerns. We will work with you to solve any problems as a ‘team’. Our students must comply with all programme rules and our staff will ensure they follow these while with your family.
In case of an accident or illness, who do we contact?
Help is only a phone call away – Hostlink staff are available to you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This will be detailed by your local office prior to any booking.
Where will our international student/s study?
Term time study students will attend classes at a language school / college in, or close to, your community during term or summer time.
Younger study students will attend Summer Courses to include daily English and cultural lessons in the combined with a full activities programme that students will take part in every day and occasional evenings too as well as some excursions on the weekend.
Cultural stay (usually Mon- Fri) students will arrive Feb – June then Sep – Dec. They will not study but visit places of interest and attractions e.g. London, Oxford, Windsor, Bath
Who are the guests & how are they verified?
Our homestays are booked by agents, university students, language students and private organisations who want to experience the local community and culture of the place they are visiting. You decide who stays with you and when.
Do I need insurance for hosting guests?
Accidents can happen anytime, anywhere, so for peace of mind you want to be prepared. We suggest you source some house/contents/liability insurance from a local provider for any situations that might arise during a stay.
Do I have to collect Students?
For the Mini cultural stays (Mon-Fri) you will need to collect every evening and drop off each morning to a local meeting point. For the longer stays some require pick up on arrival and drop off on departure and the rest of the time they make their own way to and from school. Other longer term individual bookings normally arrive at your house by taxi at a designated time and date that has been confirmed with you.