Welcome to our Meet the Host page!
We sat down for a coffee with some of our hosts to give you an insight into what makes them tick, and why they decided to host.
SANDRA – STREATHAM, ZONE 3
Why did you start hosting?
When I was travelling through South and Central America I stayed with a host family and my Spanish improved dramatically. My host family were so warm and I wanted to give that experience to someone coming to London.
Best Experience?
Each experience is different but we had a young Japanese lady stay with us for 1 year. I enjoyed this because we really got to know each other; we’re still friends til this day.
Worst Experience?
I’ve been hosting for 3 years and have been lucky not to have had a bad experience yet.
Hobbies?
Dancing and swimming are two of my passions. If students are up for it, I take them to my dance class and they seem to love it!
Favourite part of London?
I love Brixton and Streatham and think they embody what London’s all about. I’m also a huge foodie so am spoilt for choice on my doorstep.
DORIS – SOUTH WOODFORD, ZONE 4
Why did you start hosting?
The kids went off to university. My husband and I realised the house felt very empty all of a sudden. We like having company and helping people improve their English.
Best Experience?
We have 2 rooms to offer to guests and one time we had a student in one room, and their parents visiting in the other. We got to know the family really well and they come back to visit once a year. We have a great time.
Worst Experience?
We had a burst pipe whilst one student was staying with us, so there was water everywhere for a day or so. Luckily nothing was permanently damaged and the student was very understanding, even helping us to get the place back in order.
Hobbies?
My husband George is a very keen gardener, we always have fresh vegetables. Other than this we enjoy slow dancing, talking to new people and going to church.
Favourite part of London?
We really like South Woodford but I think our favourite part of London has to be Leicester Square, where George and I met many moons ago!
JANET – ARSENAL, ZONE 2
Why did you start hosting?
I’m quite sociable, and had a couple of spare rooms in my home. A friend of mine did it and thought I’d like it, so I thought “why not give it a go?”.
Best Experience?
I hit it off really well with an Italian student I had come and visit. I feel like I’ve seen her grow up and last summer, went to her wedding in Italy. It was gorgeous.
Worst Experience?
I’ve got a couple of rooms which are open for guests. It only happened once but the two students I had in had a bit of a personality clash, so I had to sit down with both of them and work it out. It all worked out in the end though!
Hobbies?
I’m a season ticket holder at Arsenal, so go to every home game. Sometimes students come along and I get to show them how it’s done! Pies and beers included!
Favourite part of London?
I’m an Arsenal fan so I have to say Arsenal really haha!
SUNITA – EALING, ZONE 3
Why did you start hosting?
My son stayed in homestay when he was travelling on his gap year. He came back with great memories and suggested we do it as a family.
Best Experience?
I can’t pick one!
Worst Experience?
Our guests are generally very happy, but there was one student who was very rude and angry a lot of the time. I spoke to him directly with my husband and it turned out he was dealing with the loss of a loved one. Being so far from home made it even harder. However, after our conversation we were able to support him much better. When he got back home he wrote us a lovely letter thanking us for all our help and kindness.
Hobbies?
Shopping (see below), but enjoy spending time with loved ones, reading classic literature and poetry and attending pottery classes.
Favourite part of London?
Bond Street, I love shopping!
HOST FAMILY ENQUIRY
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