Every year thousands of foreign students come to Britain to experience the countries excellent education facilities. Given that England has one of the most prestigious schooling systems in the world, it is not surprising Britain is the destination of choice for so many. While the promise of a good education is undeniably the main reason students consider Great Britain, many also move to the UK in the hope of experiencing English life first hand
However, given that there are currently over *400,000 foreign students studying in the UK, many find it difficult to find somewhere to live. This is especially true in places in like London where accommodation is scarce at the best of times. Although there are a few accommodation options for students to choose between, one of the most practical options is to stay with a local family.
While the thought of inviting someone to live in your home may sound like a daunting prospect, welcoming an internal student into your family can be hugely rewarding. Whether you want to explore new cultures or just meet new people, becoming a host opens up a world of opportunity. Despite the benefits of hosting, many people seem to have some misconceptions about what it actually means to become a host.
Firstly, many people think you have to completely change your lifestyle in order to accommodate for the needs of the guest. However, in most cases, students choose to live with a local family because they wish immerse themselves in a typically British family life. So while you will be required to provide your guest with care and attention, changing your lifestyle is not necessary. Perhaps, through involving your international guest in your day to day routines the family routines, you could even share some of the things you and your family enjoy doing with your guest.
Another major point of concern is with regards to what happens if the host and guest do not get along. However, given that students and hosts are carefully matched together, you can be safe in the knowledge that your guest will be a good fit with your family. Through using a trusted agent, you can guarantee that you will receive all the help and support you need in the unlikely case things do not got plan.
Finally, despite popular belief, becoming a host does not necessarily have to be an arduous process. While if you wish to host international students under the age of 16 there are some additional security check which require completing, for older students all you require is a spare room and a willingness to welcome an international guest into your home.
While people have their own ideas about what it would be like to become a host, the reality of hosting is a rewarding opportunity to meet some interesting people. In addition, given that you will get paid for your contribution, Homestay is also a great way to earn an extra income. So if you would like to become a host, why not register today to find out how you could help an international student get the most out of their stay in England?
*http://www.ukcisa.org.uk/Info-for-universities-colleges–schools/Policy-research–statistics/Research–statistics/International-students-in-UK-HE/#