Why do overseas students choose Homestay over other accommodation?
When an International student chooses to study in London they will be presented with different accommodation options. Options available to students will include Homestay, Halls of Residence, Hostels, Student House Shares, Hotels and many more.
Imagine sending your son or daughter to study or work in New York, Tokyo or any other major city abroad for the first time. You will naturally be excited for them but at the same time will want to make sure they have a rewarding and positively memorable experience of their time abroad.
Perhaps you do not have children but yourself have lived abroad. If so, you will know first hand that integrating yourself in a new country, speaking a new language and fitting in with a new culture will present challenges on every level.
For many students it is their first time visiting London and, for some, it may be their first time travelling abroad without their parents. Many visiting international students will sit down with their family at home to decide on the best options for their stay in London. Their choice of accommodation will be as important as where they choose to study.
International students who choose to live with a Host Family over other options want to be integrated into a “home away from home” environment where they can live within a typically British home, experience our culture and have further opportunities to practise their English.
Hosting an international student can be more akin to fostering than it is to renting a spare room out to a lodger. Hosting a student should not, however, take over the normal routine of your home life as students will integrate into the normal running of your family home. New Host Families often ask if they are required to organise excursions or activities for their students on weekends. This is not required as many schools and colleges will often offer the student this option themselves. Students will, however, expect to be included in as many aspects of family life as possible.
Students who have visited the UK before often recount how their first experiences of London have shaped their opinions of our culture, of British people and how they view the UK. Where a student has had a positive first experience of the UK they will retain it for the rest of their lives.
Homestay can be a hugely rewarding experience for Host Family and student, as well as the start of lifelong friendships for both.