+44 (0) 1274 679710
The definition of a homestay is:
An arrangement that provides accommodation for students or tourists in the home of a family in exchange for payment
Source: Oxford Learners Dictionary
Another phrase for homestay is ‘host family’. The two phrases mean the same thing and can be used interchangeably.
Most of our homestay families are introduced to us personally by people we trust. Once we have been introduced to a family, we send them an application form which asks for information about the home and the people who live there
We must receive two satisfactory references for the homestay, and we will complete police checks for everyone living in the home aged 16 years or older before sending any students to stay there. We are in regular contact with our homestays, so if someone’s circumstances change we can act accordingly.
What role the homestay family plays
The homestay provides a safe environment for students to learn about the culture of the UK. The host family can introduce them to common British activities, such as BBQs in the summer, walks in the spring, and bonfires and Halloween in the autumn. Staying with a homestay family is a great opportunity for a student to experience a wide range of activities that they may not have at home or at school.
For the homestay family, the experience can be very rewarding. Through this role you can learn about different countries and cultures, and in return share your knowledge and experience of Britain and the British culture.
For students, living with a homestay provides an opportunity to experience home life in England and to practice English in a comfortable and natural environment. Students live as part of the family, sharing meals, chores and social activities.
Want to know more about homestay?
If you would like to know more about becoming a Study Links homestay, click here
If you are a student who would like to know more about what it is like to live with a Study Links homestay, click here
Study Links have over 20 years of experience placing students with suitable homestays, and a team dedicated to organising homestay bookings. To find out what it is like to be a homestay, click here.
As a homestay, you will get to know the Study Links Homestay & Transport Organiser for your area very well. Our homestay team ensures that homestays and students are only placed together if we truly believe both parties will be happy with the match. We also organise social activities for families, such as our annual homestay BBQ, to create a homestay community and allow people to share their experiences
Working with Study Links
Bookings are based on:
- Student preferences
- Homestay preferences
- Feedback from students and homestays after every homestay placement
- Our team’s experience and training
Because of our many years of experience, our student-homestay matches are usually right the first time. Of course, if the student or homestay do not feel comfortable with the match, your Homestay & Transport Organiser is at hand to provide the help you need.
Homestay Application Process
Our team will:
- Process your initial enquiry and application
- Interview you and carry out an inspection of your home
- The interview consists of family lifestyle, family members, preferences, pets, capacity, availability, and guidelines. We also run DBS checks on all household members that are 16 years and above
- When visiting you for the first time (or re-visiting you) we will look at aspects such as overall cleanliness and safety, location, transport links, and accommodation, to verify that the home meets our high standards
FAQ