Judith Rose, Student Service Manager at BEST In Bath language school, explains the opportunities available for hosting students in Bath throughout the year
Like Italian food? Been to Spain on holiday? Why not bring some international energy into your home in Bath? As one of the host families for Bath’s leading language school, you earn extra money, learn about other cultures and give teenage students a chance to experience what it’s like to live in a Bath family.
It seems a great chance to earn some money and enrich your cultural experience, but what are the pros and cons?
The students come from many different schools and backgrounds, and from all across Europe: some have never had the chance to come to the UK before, especially with the lockdowns and new documentation needs. They’re all excited to be here and keen to find out what it’s like to live here too.
Hosts say the students usually enjoy trying new foods, especially whatever home-cooked favourites you make, and that their families have really benefitted from mixing with people who have other languages. Sometimes the students will even offer to cook a meal for you, teach your children a new card game or invite you all to visit when you’re next in their country!
I’m struggling to think of the cons – it’s usually such a positive experience other than having to do extra laundry! Of course, there will be times when hosts don’t quite gel with their students, and it’s often when students come with a lower level of English and there’s a miscommunication.
That’s why as a local school we’re always on hand and available to help – hosts say they work with us in particular because of this relationship – it’s all about the people! It’s so important to have that close connection so any little problems can be smoothed out – it’s all part of the learning experience for the students too.
BEST in Bath is a small, long-established, British Council-accredited language school on Queen Square in Bath, offering short courses to mainly European students aged 14-17 throughout the year, with a teenage Summer School running for two two-week blocks throughout July. Hosts look after students in groups of two or more. Alternatively, they can host adult Group Leaders singly – these are the adults who accompany the groups.
We develop a close relationship with our hosts; many of our hosts have been with us for generations!
Hosting for BEST in Bath is a rewarding, fun and educational experience for everyone in the family, as well as an opportunity to learn about different languages and cultures, and to create long-lasting friendships.
Our host families are the students’ home away from home, and BEST in Bath host families provide a welcoming, safe and comfortable environment for our students to ensure they get a great experience abroad. Not only do students do lessons in-school, they enjoy a rich cultural programme during their stay, and hosts are an essential part of this.
We’re with you every step of the way – from making sure you know who your students will be and what their programme is, to giving advice and support before and during their stay. The students need breakfast and dinner daily, and (usually packed) lunch at weekends, as they are often heading out on excursions. We pay you per student per night, and you would receive this on the last Friday of their stay.
The nightly rate per student is £27.50 from March, and the rates go up in July to £235 per student per week.
BEST stands for Bath English Study Tours, but the acronym also reminds us where we position ourselves.
Our current hosts tell us it’s such a lovely experience for their families: as well as earning extra money, in opening up your home to international students you develop international friendships and give your families a real insight into other cultures, whilst sharing your own.
Please come and join us! Call Judith in office hours on 01225 424114 or email email hidden; JavaScript is required or email hidden; JavaScript is required
