• Choice of two centres
• Staying with a family
• How we choose families
• How you’ll fit in
• Minimum rules
• Coming and going
• Day one
• Getting down to work
• The very best teaching
• After school
• Out and about
• What's included

Choice of two centres

Homestay students have the opportunity to stay in either Windsor or Richmond upon Thames. Both locations have proved to be equally popular – with courses that have been running for over 35 years.


Staying with a family

The great advantage of Homestay is that it gives you the chance to practise your English non-stop. You’ll be in a friendly environment, speaking everyday English and gaining a real insight into the British way of life.


Choosing carefully

We take great care over our choice of host families. We visit them in their homes and we make sure that they’re the sort of families that will make you feel welcome on every level.


How you’ll fit in

You’ll eat breakfast and dinner at home and take a packed lunch (provided by the family) to college. Sunday lunch is also enjoyed with the family. You’ll have your own bedroom or you’ll share with another student of different nationality.


Minimum rules

We try not to be too rigid about what you can and can’t do in the evenings. But, twice a week, we organise local activities and trips to places like the London Eye, an ice-rink or a cinema. The other evenings, you’ll spend with your hosts.

We should add that throughout your stay, we encourage you to show your hosts the sort of respect that you’d normally show your parents. Time-keeping? If you’re under 16, we insist that you’re home by 21.45.  If you’re under 18, by 22.45. Note too, that you’re not allowed to go into London alone.

 
Coming and going

When you arrive at Heathrow airport you’ll be met by our staff and taken to your chosen centre by private coach. At the end of the course, we’ll take you back to Heathrow and see you safely through the check-in procedures. A taxi service can also be arranged at an additional cost.


Day one

First thing you’ll do is take a written English test which will show us which class you should be in. There are up to six levels – from beginners to advanced. And in each class there is an average of 13-14 students.

From here on, you’ll have weekly review tests with feedback from your teachers. At the end of the course, you’ll get a certificate graded to the level of your progress.


Getting down to work

Monday to Friday, you’ll have 20 lessons of 45 minutes each. Lessons are split into two sessions. The first is based on course books. The second concentrates on oral work where, working in small groups, you’ll build up confidence and fluency.

Over the course of the week, all four language skills – reading, writing, listening and speaking – are thoroughly covered.


The very best teaching

All our teachers are native English speakers holding internationally recognised teaching qualifications – as required by the British Council.

For the most part, they’re in their twenties or early thirties and will have had teaching experience in language schools abroad. On a personal level, we think you’ll find them friendly, fun to work with and easy to relate to.


After school

Two afternoons a week are devoted to sport (for example tennis, swimming, volleyball, football or table-tennis). One afternoon involves an excursion into London. Another takes in a local visit or activity. Friday afternoons are left free.


Out and about

Our Homestay centres - Windsor and Richmond upon Thames - are both great bases from which to set out on full-day excursions. Places like Canterbury, Cambridge, Salisbury, Oxford and Brighton are only an hour or two away. So, when you get there, you’ll have plenty of time for sightseeing and exploring.

Each week too, you’ll enjoy a half-day excursion into London. These trips usually include an educational tour of the great museums (such as British, Natural History, Science or the National Gallery) combined with the opportunity to do some shopping or sightseeing.

"My family is really good and I have learnt a lot of English."

David Diez, Spain