Hosts International founding Director, Peter Brown, is nominated for two prestigious Lead5050 #WIE awards in recognition of his services to the international education industry. Hosts are also supporting the main sponsors for the Charitable Endeavour Award – English UK London, the capital’s network of English language schools, further education colleges and universities, fully accredited by the British Council.
When an international student is trying choose the right hosted homestay accommodation provider, it may not be enough to hear about perfect, light-filled rooms with latest on-trend, duvet covered beds, plush cushions, modern furniture and nutritious healthy meal plans! Increasingly, there is a need to discover the story behind a company or brand. In today’s world of online forms, chat bots and automated messages, we seek to connect with a human presence – and get to know more about them on social media!
A potential host family with a spare room are likely to be asking similar questions! Homestay providers need to be sure that their young guest has been well chosen and all arrangements properly organised, and in place. In other words, trust! Especially, in the competitive hustle and bustle of international student homestay accommodation.
Both student and homestay provider are looking for clues, and seeking reassurance to know who or what are the essential guiding principles behind an organisation that has made Hosts International, a firmly established British Council approved company. Over nearly three decades, Hosts has established a remarkable reputation for helping to support the education of successive generations of international students by its national network of 5,000 host accommodation providers.
Essential driving force as homestay providers
It was in 1988, that Peter Brown began Hosts International, founded upon his belief that all women from whatever country, culture or background can also be inspired to travel and fulfil their ambitions to study in the UK. Throughout his 50 years in business, Peter has always championed women, who may have come from humble beginnings but are given the opportunity to advance their careers and rise to key role positions.
Not surprising then, that it is women who continue to be the enduring driving force at Hosts International as homestay providers of a safe, secure and warm family atmosphere for students from all around the world.
Among Peter’s many projects to support female enterprise is Her Ride, a women-only run, private hire taxi company based in Oxfordshire, which caters exclusively for female passengers and only uses female drivers. Perfect for young female international students away from home for the first time who are studying in Oxford. Peter’s aim is for more Her Ride cabs to be eventually rolled out in key university towns across the country.
Recognition as an industry leader for women within education and travel now sees Peter nominated for a Lead5050 #WIE (Women In Industry) Award in the category of ‘Champion of Change 2017’ (Sponsored by ESL Language Travel), and Hosts International, itself – nominated as ‘Enlightened Employer Award 2017’ (sponsored by DID Deutsch Institut).
Honour and celebrate the incredible inspirational work of both men and women
Lead5050 is a global professional network, dedicated to raising the profile of women in the international education industry, and to help them achieve positions of leadership.
The awards ceremony – to be held on 28th October in Berlin – will be the first time that Lead5050 #WIE is to formally honour and celebrate the incredible inspirational work of both men and women in their commitment to gender equality, one which often goes unnoticed. The evening will be hosted by journalist and broadcaster, Katie Puckrik, a former presenter of iconic 90’s Channel 4 music show, ‘The Word’.
Hosts International likes to ensure that they always dot their “i”s, and their “t”s are also crossed – as you would expect an organisation involved in education! On October 28th, fingers will be definitely crossed for Peter as the winners of the nominations are announced. You’ll be able to get all the inside track of what happened on the night right here!
Aiming to remain forward thinking and inclusive as ever, you will always get to see and hear the bigger picture at Hosts. One that could also be playing a part in shaping your role in a transformed future world – for women as well as men.