For many students, staying with a local host family is one of the most enjoyable and rewarding parts of their stay in Exeter.
Out motto for IPC hosts is 'Friendliness and Cleanliness'. We look for hosts who will give a warm welcome and will enjoy talking to their students. We look for hosts with clean homes and comfortable spare rooms.
Homestay accommodation allows students to experience everyday life in a British household while practising English in a relaxed and supportive environment. Many students develop lasting friendships with their host families and gain valuable cultural insight.
IPC Exeter works with a network of carefully selected host families who bring added value to our programmes. A student who is happy at home will be productive at school.
What students can expect
Students staying with host families typically receive:
A comfortable bedroom - usually shared with a friend
Breakfast, a packed lunch and an evening meal each day
A welcoming family environment
Opportunities to practise English outside the classroom
A lift in to school on the first day of the course. After the first day students use the bus pass provided to travel to and from school.
Some families may host more than one student, often from different countries, which helps students continue practising English during their stay.
Location and travel
Host families live in residential areas of Exeter or nearby neighbourhoods with convenient access to the city centre and IPC teaching locations.
Students travel to and from school by public bus using their bus pass provided. This is a digital service and covers all journeys inside Exeter.
Hosts provide detailed route plans for students and the experience of travelling by public bus in a new city creates another language learning and confidence building activity.
Careful selection of host families
IPC Exeter places great importance on selecting host families who provide a safe, welcoming and supportive environment for students.
Host families are chosen based on:
suitability of the home environment
willingness to host international students
ability to provide a supportive and friendly atmosphere
Many of our host families have hosted students for many years and enjoy welcoming young people from around the world.
Student welfare and safeguarding
The wellbeing and safety of students is a priority for IPC Exeter.
Students under the age of 18 are placed with host families who understand the responsibilities involved in hosting younger students. IPC staff remain available throughout the programme to support students and families if any questions or concerns arise.
Students are encouraged to speak with staff at any time if they need assistance.
More information about our safeguarding and welfare procedures can be found on our Policies & Safeguarding page.
A valuable cultural experience
Living with a host family helps students become part of everyday life in Exeter. From sharing meals to learning about local traditions, homestay accommodation gives students a genuine experience of life in the UK while improving their English naturally.