by Victoria and Matthew Luker (Pippa’s Guardians Host Family).
“We started hosting international students for Pippa’s Guardians in 2017 after a friend suggested that we might enjoy the experience and make use of our spare bedrooms.
A Welcome and Stable Environment
“We have now hosted several students over the last three years; some as their regular host family for scheduled exeats and others as an occasional cover for other host families, holidays or sickness. We have thoroughly enjoyed hosting and have many happy memories. It is gratifying to see the children grow and develop as individuals.
“We have always provided a welcoming, stable environment for our overseas students – listening and trying to resolve anxieties, homesickness and exam worries. Baking, dog walks and playing games have eased many concerns!
“Birthdays, cultural and religious dates become memorable due to a special outing, a favourite meal or cake. Hosting has allowed our daughter to gain an insight into studying and living overseas. She has also embraced different cultural celebrations and made friends.”
Overview
Hosting an international pupil is a rewarding experience. It provides a unique opportunity to learn about different cultures and make friends across the globe as you share your home and family life with a young person from another country.
We cover all your expenses and offer an attractive daily rate per student for the half-term holidays and occasional weekends they spend with you.
What Is Pippa’s Guardians?
Pippa’s Guardians is a family-run guardianship agency which has been looking after international students for more than 20 years. An accredited member of governing body AEGIS, we act in loco parentis for overseas boarding school pupils in the UK.
We ensure that the pupils under our guardianship are safe and happy, and that the families that host them receive full support and enjoy the experience.
What Does Being a Host Family Entail?
Simply put, host families provide a ‘home away from home’ for international pupils during occasional exeat weekends and half term holidays.
Our students come from Asia, Africa and Europe, and range from 7 to 18 years old. They will be attending a boarding school within a 15-mile radius of your home, and need:
- A warm welcome
- A comfortable, clean bedroom with a desk
- Three meals a day
Pippa’s Guardians covers all your out-of-pocket expenses for the pupil, as well as an attractive daily rate.
What Makes an Ideal Host Family?
Aside from being welcoming and caring people able to provide a safe and happy household, there is no such thing as an ideal host family.
Some families have school-age children who benefit greatly from lifelong friendships with children whose background is very different from theirs. Other families’ children have grown up and left home so hosting offers the chance to have young people in the home once again.
An ideal host family would be keen to become genuinely involved with their host child, perhaps watching them perform in a school concert, or making an extra fuss of them around their birthday.
What Support Would I Have From Pippa’s Guardians?
Masses! Our host families are an absolutely crucial element of what we do, so we’ve developed a comprehensive support system.
A local area manager would be the point of contact for you, the pupil, their parents overseas and their school. Having approved you and your home for hosting, your area manager remains in regular contact and is available 24/7.
All host families receive an extensive handbook and can submit their expenses quickly and easily via our secure online log-in.
This Is Interesting, What Should I Do?
Please contact Laura Gough for an initial conversation. You can also telephone her on 01684 252 757
If you would like to become a host family, contact hostfamilies@pippasguardians.co.uk or go to pippasguardians.co.uk.
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