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Parents
Students
HOMESTAY HOST FAMILY

Parents

Why do we need a guardian for our son or daughter?
Most independent schools in the UK require their international students to have a UK based guardian who will (when necessary) respond to any emergency arrangement concerning the student. They will also expect them to provide a homestay/transport arrangement for times when the school is closed (exeat and half terms) and be in constant contact with the school.
What is a host family/homestay arrangement?
A ‘Host family’ – is a UK based family that will host your son or daughter in their home during school closure (exeat or half term). An ‘Academic’ host family will be thoroughly checked and vetted and will have been visited by a member of staff to check their home before a student stays there.
A ‘homestay’ – is the home of the host family where your son or daughter will be staying.
Can a family member act as a guardian?
Yes! A family member can act as guardian as long as they are over 25 years old and not living in halls of residence. What is important to consider is if they are always available for exeats and half terms or the odd day at the end of term or in emergency situations. This can be a burden to family members or friends and therefore we would advise you to seek the services of an AEGIS accredited guardianship company (preferably Academic Guardians)
Which guardianship package should I choose?
It would be the Premium or Standard package dependent on the age of your son or daughter. What you may also need to consider is: if it’s their first time in the UK, would you like us to attend Parents evening on your behalf. Please refer to our Guardianship Packages page on the website where we have listed all the services and what package they are included in.
Can I change guardianship package?
You can ‘upgrade’ your package at any time. If you want to ‘downgrade’ your package we ask that you do this at the end of the academic year.
What is considered an emergency?
An emergency is a situation that poses an immediate risk to health and or life. Or where you need immediate action to be taken to prevent the worsening of a situation.
When is the office open?
08:00am – 20:00pm (Monday to Friday)
08:00am – 12:00pm (Saturday)
Closed (Sunday)
Anytime outside those hours are for emergencies only.
Any emails received outside these times will be answered as soon as the office is next open.
What other costs aren’t included in the guardianship service fee?
• Homestay fees from £40 per night
• Transport Academic Staff, Host family 0.45 pence per mile
• Airport Transfers (quotes will be given)
• Additional visit to School £50
• Academic Staff Accompaniment (Half Day 4 hours or less) £75.00
• Extra arrangements (not included in your current package) £50
• Unscheduled homestay / transport arrangements outside. School term dates £25
What if my son or daughter doesn’t like their host family?
If your son or daughter has tried staying with their family and doesn’t like it for any reason we are happy to change to an alternate family before they have their next arrangement.
If they need an immediate change – this can also be arranged and we will find a family as close as possible to the current family.
Who is my son or daughters guardian?
Dawn and Andrew Kettle will be your appointed guardians in the UK. A common mistake is that your host families are your appointed guardians (this isn’t the case). The host families are only the point of contact when your son or daughter is staying at their house. All other contact should be made directly with a member of the team in the office.
What is a Local Co-ordinator?
They are the regional representatives of Academic Guardians UK. Their role is to provide year-round support to host families and students in their region or local area.

STUDENTS

Can I or my parents select our host family?

Yes, you can. We will give you 3 profiles of families that are the closest match to your requirements, from there you can choose which family you feel is the best match for you.

Do I stay with the same host family throughout the terms?

Yes. Where possible we try and keep you with the same family (unless you prefer to change) this way continuity is maintained and you won’t have to ‘get to know’ a different family from scratch for every exeat and half term.

What happens if I don’t get along with my host family?

If you don’t get on with your family we will move you to another family for your next holiday. If you want to move part way through the homestay, we are happy to arrange this, however it might mean that you stay with a temporary family who may not live in your preferred location.

Do I get some freedom with my host family or do I have to follow their schedule and activities?

Dependant upon your age you will have to abide by certain guidelines that we implement for our families: such as times to return home. Further information on this is explained in the student handbook.

What are my responsibilities when I am staying at my host family?

We want you to relax as much as possible and treat your homestay as your home. We would ask you to be polite and courteous to all the family members. Let the host family know where you are at all times, exchange telephone numbers and ensure if you aren’t coming home for dinner you let the family know in good time.

Can my parents visit me during my stay with my host family?

If your parents are in the UK and wish to visit the host family, we would be happy to arrange this. Please bear in mind that you must give adequate us notice.*
*You must give us 3 weeks so that we can make the appropriate arrangements.

Will I have my own bedroom?

Yes you will, unless you prefer to stay in a twin room with a friend. All students staying on their own for exeats or half terms will have either a single or double room for their purposes only. All homestays will have a desk and wireless internet to enable study.

What will my host family supply to me during my stay?

The host family will provide you with a welcoming environment, 3 meals a day with snacks and room of your own (unless you have asked to share). All bedrooms will have a bed, wardrobe, study desk, lamp & wireless internet. Laundry facilities & clean towels are also provided.

Why do families apply to host a student?

Families apply for a variety of reasons, some for a little extra income, some because their children have left home, some to teach (English). Whatever their reason for applying each family is carefully checked to ensure they provide a warm welcoming environment with the good facilities in a safe area.

What happens if I am scheduled to be with my host family one weekend and I have been asked to go on a trip with my school friend and their family? Is that possible?

Yes that is possible, if you require cancellation of a homestay arrangement please be aware that we have a cancellation policy which becomes payable dependent upon how far in advance of the arrangement date you cancel. Please see Terms and Conditions for further information on our cancellation policy.

What should I bring when I am going to my host family?

You will only need to bring clothes, items to wash with, a small amount of pocket money and your mobile and mobile device (laptop, tablet etc).

How will I get to my host family to and from school?

There are a number of methods to travel to your host family, the main thing to remember is unless you tell us otherwise we will ensure we arrange safe reliable transport for you either from an Academic driver, a local taxi company (known to the school) or your chosen host family.

Dear Kelsey,
Brilliant! You're company efficiency is totally amazing and helpful.

Mr Joe Wong, Parent Lancing College

Academic Guardians
2018-01-18T16:06:16+00:00

Mr Joe Wong, Parent Lancing College

Dear Kelsey, Brilliant! You're company efficiency is totally amazing and helpful.
Good morning Dawn & Andrew
I will need to personally email and thank you and the host family that my daughters stayed with over the weekend for their kind gesture. Their thoughtfulness towards understanding the need for a girl of my daughters age to feel secured and cared for, I am not taking for granted.
It was such a relief when she told me that you had already arranged for a packed lunch and the family provided all their favourite foods.
This ones, (host family) you, certainly hand-picked ! And I thank you for that.! With many like them, there is still hope in the loss of empathy in humanity.
Have a lovely day

Patience Evans, Parent St Mary’s

Academic Guardians
2018-04-27T13:03:08+00:00

Patience Evans, Parent St Mary’s

Good morning Dawn & Andrew I will need to personally email and thank you and the host family that my daughters stayed with over the weekend for their kind gesture. Their thoughtfulness towards understanding the need for a girl of my daughters age to feel secured and cared for, I am not taking for granted. It was such a relief when she told me that you had already arranged for a packed lunch and the family provided all their favourite foods. This ones, (host family) you, certainly hand-picked ! And I thank you for that.! With many like them, there is still hope in the loss of empathy in humanity. Have a lovely day
Dear Dawn,
Thank you for your mail with Peeranut’s travel arrangements attached. Very efficient, as always.
Can I take this opportunity to thank you for all your brilliant support throughout the year and to wish you a lovely summer.

Peter O’Donoghue, Head of Boys Boarding, Bournemouth Collegiate School

Academic Guardians
2018-04-27T13:03:53+00:00

Peter O’Donoghue, Head of Boys Boarding, Bournemouth Collegiate School

Dear Dawn, Thank you for your mail with Peeranut’s travel arrangements attached. Very efficient, as always. Can I take this opportunity to thank you for all your brilliant support throughout the year and to wish you a lovely summer.
Dear Dawn & team at Academic Guardians
Hope things are fine with you. Now the school is over and Sarah is now on her way home...
Therefore, I would like to say thank you for all your kindness and hospitality that has been extended to Sarah all this time. Unfortunately, I didn't attend the Speech Day this year so I didn't have the opportunity to express my gratitude personally to you. Hopefully someday somewhere an opportunity would arise for me to do so.
I wish you and the whole family a joyful summer break...and all the best for the future.
With warmest regards

Rita Tjahjadi, Parent Prior Park College, Bath

Academic Guardians
2018-04-27T13:04:39+00:00

Rita Tjahjadi, Parent Prior Park College, Bath

Dear Dawn & team at Academic Guardians Hope things are fine with you. Now the school is over and Sarah is now on her way home... Therefore, I would like to say thank you for all your kindness and hospitality that has been extended to Sarah all this time. Unfortunately, I didn't attend the Speech Day this year so I didn't have the opportunity to express my gratitude personally to you. Hopefully someday somewhere an opportunity would arise for me to do so. I wish you and the whole family a joyful summer break...and all the best for the future. With warmest regards
Dear AGUK,
Thank you kindly for the travel details that you have sent through for both Natalie and Edith for the end of this term and start of next term - you are very well organised to be this far ahead! Many thanks for clarifying and sending on details for the other girls. It certainly makes life easier when return arrangements are sent in and you are one of the few agencies that does this; much appreciated!

Helen Tomlinson, Head of Boarding, Rye St Antony School

Academic Guardians
2018-04-27T13:05:31+00:00

Helen Tomlinson, Head of Boarding, Rye St Antony School

Dear AGUK, Thank you kindly for the travel details that you have sent through for both Natalie and Edith for the end of this term and start of next term - you are very well organised to be this far ahead! Many thanks for clarifying and sending on details for the other girls. It certainly makes life easier when return arrangements are sent in and you are one of the few agencies that does this; much appreciated!
Dear Georgie
Thank you for your letter.
I have read the letter word by word, and I also told to Shaobo's mother about your letter. We are unable to express our gratitude to you with words and really appreciate your so considerate care and help to Shaobo. And now we could put our minds at ease. It is so good luck for Shaobo to meet you in UK!

Lou Jirong, Parent, Sidcot School

Academic Guardians
2018-04-27T13:06:14+00:00

Lou Jirong, Parent, Sidcot School

Dear Georgie Thank you for your letter. I have read the letter word by word, and I also told to Shaobo's mother about your letter. We are unable to express our gratitude to you with words and really appreciate your so considerate care and help to Shaobo. And now we could put our minds at ease. It is so good luck for Shaobo to meet you in UK!
Dear Academic Guardians
Thank you.
I am very impressed with your smooth and effective organisation. All the very best.

Mark Venn Dunn, Head of Boarding ACS Cobham International School

Academic Guardians
2018-01-18T16:05:55+00:00

Mark Venn Dunn, Head of Boarding ACS Cobham International School

Dear Academic Guardians Thank you. I am very impressed with your smooth and effective organisation. All the very best.
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