Your Homestay

Living Happily with Your Host Family

Please ask questions at any time — good communication is very important. If you are not sure about something, just ask. Your host family will be happy to help.

Every home (including your own) has house rules and daily routines. For example, there may be set meal times, shower times, or quiet hours. It is important to learn these quickly so you feel comfortable and confident.

Remember, you are staying in someone’s home. You are a welcome and valued guest, but it is not a hotel. Being polite, respectful and flexible will help everyone enjoy the experience.

Your First Evening with Your Host Family

Your first evening may feel a little nervous — and that is completely normal. Your host family also wants you to feel welcome and comfortable. A good way to start is with simple, friendly conversation. You can say “Thank you for welcoming me” or “I’m happy to be here.” You might talk about your journey to the UK, your hometown, your hobbies, or your family. Keep your conversation simple and natural. Smiling, being polite, and showing interest will help everyone relax and enjoy the evening.

Try these questions while you are having dinner:

Important Questions for Your Host

Contact

Can we exchange phone numbers?
Do you use WhatsApp?

Meals

What time is breakfast and dinner?
What should I do if I am late?
Do I prepare my own lunch?

Bathroom

When is the best time to use the shower?

Evenings

What time should I be home?

School Travel

What is the best way to get to school?

Laundry

When can I wash my clothes?

Wi-Fi

What is the Wi-Fi password?

House Rules

Are there any house rules I should know about?

What Time Do I Need to Be Home?

Your group leader will set the rules for the time you need to be tat home and if you are allowed out in the evenvings. We call this the curfew time.

If you are allowed we normally advise the following curfew times:

Ages 15–17

You must ask permission to stay out without supervision
You must be home by 22:00

Ages 12–14

You must not go out in the evening without a Group Leader
You must be home by 21:00

All students

Go straight home after school
Your host will expect you home between 18:00 and 19:00 for dinner time

Homestay Top Tips

Be polite and helpful.
Tell your host family about food you like and do not like.
Speak English as much as you can.
Remember, you are staying in someone’s home, not a hotel.
Follow the house rules.
Lock the front door when you go out.
Respect private areas like bedrooms and cupboards.
Keep noise low at night.
Turn off lights and heaters when you leave a room.
Keep your passport locked with you valuables safe in your suitcase.
Take short showers.
Do not put hair straighteners on carpets.
Do not eat in your bedroom.
Ask your host family before inviting friends to the house.

Living Like a Local in the UK

Living in the UK may feel a little different at first. British people value politeness, privacy and punctuality. People often say “please,” “thank you,” and “sorry.” You will usually need to queue in shops and wait your turn. It is important not to stand in large groups and block streets or shop doors. People also expect you not to drop rubbish and to keep public spaces clean. On buses and trains, speak quietly and respect other people’s space. At home, dinner may be earlier and evenings are often calm and quiet. Be open-minded, observe how others behave, and enjoy learning about a new culture.

Practical items

Keys: your host might not give you keys to their house. If they do it is very important they can trust you to close and lock the door when you leave and enter their home!

Laundry: we normally expect groups on a stay of 2 weeks or less to bring enough clothing with them for the whole stay. Hosts are only expected to do some “light” washing for you while they are here. This is some underwear and a few outer garments. Hosts are not expected to wash lots of clothes during your stay.

Key Information

Your Homestay

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