The safety and wellbeing of all students under the age of 18 is our highest priority. All Homestay Hosts are carefully selected in accordance with our safeguarding procedures and must successfully complete an Enhanced DBS check, home inspection and suitability assessment before hosting students. Homestay accommodation is monitored throughout each student’s stay by our Accommodation and Welfare Team.
WHO ARE THE HOMESTAY HOSTS ?
Students staying in homestay accommodation live with carefully selected Homestay Hosts in Exeter.
All Homestay Hosts undergo a formal approval process before students are placed with them. This includes a home visit and interview carried out by our Accommodation and Welfare Officer, assessment of suitability to host under-18 students, and completion of an Enhanced DBS safeguarding check. Additionally we carry out a Social Services check with the local authority.
We select welcoming hosts who enjoy supporting young international students and helping them feel comfortable and safe during their stay in the UK.
WILL MY CHILD BE MET ON ARRIVAL ?
Yes. Students are welcomed on arrival in Exeter and introduced to their Homestay Host. For students arriving at Bristol Airport, an airport meeting service may be available on request.
Homestay Hosts also ensure students arrive safely at school on their first day and help them become familiar with their daily journey.
WHAT ACCOMMODATION CAN YOU EXPECT ?
Homestay Hosts provide a clean, warm and comfortable home environment suitable for young international students. Students are accommodated in an appropriate bedroom with adequate space, suitable sleeping arrangements and access to washing facilities.
Bed linen and towels are provided, and laundry facilities are arranged during longer stays.
To support appropriate supervision and student welfare, no Homestay Host accommodates more than four students at any one time.
Each Homestay Host accommodates a maximum of four students, helping to maintain a supportive and well-supervised environment.
WHAT MEALS ARE INCLUDED ?
Homestay Hosts provide full board every day:
breakfast before school - a typical English packed lunch - an evening meal
Meals reflect typical British home cooking, and dietary requirements or preferences are always taken into account.
WILL MY CHILD SHARE WITH OTHER STUDENTS ?
Students may share a room with a friend or with another student of a different nationality. Mixed nationalities are encouraged where possible to promote English language use and cultural exchange.
HOW DO STUDENTS TRAVEL TO AND FROM SCHOOL ?
Exeter is a safe and manageable city for young learners. Students normally travel by public bus using the travel pass included in the programme. Journeys are typically no more than 30 mins by bus.
Following evening activities, students who are not within safe walking distance — or who are not old enough to travel independently — are collected by their Homestay Host.
HOW DO WE MATCH STUDENTS WITH HOMESTAY HOSTS ?
All students complete a detailed accommodation profile before arrival. This information enables our Accommodation Team to match students carefully with suitable Homestay Hosts, taking into account age, interests, preferences and individual welfare needs.
Placements are monitored throughout the programme, and support is available at all times should any concerns arise.
