Host families: Language school seeks accommodation for international students in Eastbourne and surrounding areas
EF was founded in 1965 and our Eastbourne school opened in 2016, where we offer a wide range of English language courses to students from over 50 countries.
As part of our Host community, you can choose to accommodate students year-round or just during the summer. The choice is yours. Your support plays a key role in fulfilling our mission to break down the barriers of language, culture and geography that divide us.
Becoming a Host Family for international students means becoming part of an exciting cultural exchange – and there’s every chance you’ll learn as much from our students as they will learn from you.
We asked EF Language School to give us the lowdown on hosting students – what to expect, what you’re committing to, and how it all works.
They said: “You can be part of our EF Community, which offers 24-hour support plus an EF Host Loyalty Programme where you earn and redeem points for products.” They also have an ‘EF Community Card’ which gives discounts in dozens of Eastbourne shops and venues.
With EF’s 55 years of experience in hosting, you will be in safe hands with their dedicated support team.
Your questions answered:
What if I only want to try this as a short-term thing, or can’t offer accommodation for long periods?
Some placements may last just a couple of weeks, but some could be much longer term – and that depends entirely on the host’s wants and needs. The EF Community has flexible hosting dates to fit in with you and your life.
“The minimum is a one-week stay. But we have students here all year round, so we can work around your availability,” they said.
What if there’s an emergency or I need some help with my student?
All host families have access to 24-hour support. There is someone at the end of the phone 24/7 for any emergency that may arise, and the friendly and knowledgeable staff are there during normal office hours to help with any other queries.
How much will I get paid?
You’re guaranteed weekly payments for hosting students and host families can take up to a maximum of four guests at any one time. How much you earn will depend on case-by-case circumstances, how many students you will be hosting, and for how long. This can all be discussed in more detail when you contact our support team.
Unlike other English language schools, EF arrange student transport so Host Families don’t have to worry about this. As well as your weekly Hosting payments, all Host Families also have access to EF’s Loyalty Programme, where you can earn points for their tiered reward system: Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum, plus our local EF Community discounts.
How many bedrooms do I need?
You need to have a spare room, students cannot share with existing family members. Some students want a room to themselves, and will pay extra for that, and others want to share with a fellow student in a twin room. You can host up to four students, with up to two in each room.
Do I have to provide meals?
Yes, it is expected that host families will provide breakfast and an evening meal every day during the week, plus packed lunches at weekends.
Do I have to live in Eastbourne?
EF Language school is looking for host families close to Eastbourne – but will consider anyone within a 60 minute commute of the town via public transport.
How old are the students?
Generally, students are between 15 and 30 years old. However, the youngest we accept are 12 and the oldest can be anything up to 99+.
What if I have pets?
That’s fine. EF Language make sure they know as much about the host families as possible to ensure they match them with ideal students – so it’s fine if you have cats and dogs, they just wouldn’t host a student with an allergy in your home.
What if we’re not compatible?
The needs and likes of students – such as special dietary or cultural requirements – will all be recorded, and it’s the same with host families. You’ll be asked plenty of questions to ensure that students and hosts are as closely matched as possible. And of course if there are any issues after that, there is the 24-hour helpline and the office staff on hand to help.
Do we have to be a family?
No, you might not have a family, or they may have left home. Hosting a student can be really exciting for people who live alone – bringing extra income and life into the house
What’s the process for applying?
There are lots of ways to find out more – you can visit their website, phone them and speak to the team, you can also visit the School, to meet the team and see the day-day atmosphere on campus. Truthfully their doors are always open to prospective hosts (Monday-Friday, 08:30-17:30) and they welcome enquiries from all forms of media and sources.
Once you express an interest in hosting, a member of their dedicated Host team will come and see you at your home to discuss what you are looking for and answer any questions you may have. They will also talk you through the paperwork and our requirements for Host Families.
These face-to-face meetings are a great chance to ask lots of questions and they enable both sides to make sure that everyone knows what to expect from hosting students.
Once your preferences, suitability and availability are all recorded the staff will start to try and match you to a student and then you’ll get a call once they’ve found someone to check if you’re ready to give it a go.
Where can I find out more?
Visit the website; or call in to the School - Roborough House, 1 Upper Ave, Eastbourne BN21 3XA – for a chat with our team. There are also lots of fun events for host families, to get to know each other and support each other too.