Become a Host Family

Hosts wanted in Southampton and Ringwood!

Lewis School of English is looking for hosts for its international students in Southampton and Ringwood. We are looking for families who would be willing to welcome our students into their home to live as part of the household.

Our international students

In Southampton, we have adult and junior students all year round. Our peak season is in summer.
In Ringwood, we recruit international secondary school students for courses of 1, 2 or 3 terms at Ringwood Waldorf School.

Our juniors in Southampton are aged 11-17 and have a busy programme of lessons and activities 6 days a week.

Our adult students (Southampton only) are aged 16+ and attend classes Monday to Friday.

Southampton

Example weekly earnings are below.

£340 per week for two junior students sharing a twin room (full board)
£180 per week for a single adult student (full board)
£165 per week for a single adult student (half board)

Full board includes packed lunches Monday-Friday. We also offer a higher rate (up to £226 per student per week) if you provide a private bathroom.

Ringwood

£170 per student per week for a single room and £320 per week for two students in a shared room with twin beds. Students require breakfast, packed lunch and cooked dinner.

A rewarding experience

Inviting a foreign student to live in your spare room and experience your way of life is an exceptional opportunity for you and your family. Long-lasting friendships can be made; your family may develop a bond with your student that could last for a lifetime. In this global age, it encourages children to learn about geography and other cultures and gain a broader perspective on the world. This is something that can rarely be gained first-hand without travelling overseas.
Hosting foreign students is rewarding monetarily too as this income, up to £7,500 per year, is tax free. (For more information on the “Rent-a-room scheme” click here ).

What do I need?

All you need is the availability of a spare room and the enthusiasm to share your culture, language and experiences with the students while simultaneously learning about theirs. You should be willing to welcome a new member to your family, provide them with all the necessary facilities and a warm home environment. You will take pleasure in watching their English improve over time knowing that you and your family are very much at the heart of that learning process. Read about one family’s experience of hosting students »
Please note: we also require all permanent members of the household who are over 18 to hold a current DBS / CRB disclosure certificate. This can be arranged through the school at a cost of £48.80.

Become a homestay host – it's as easy as 1, 2, 3!

1. Fill in our enquiry form

Enter your details in the form below or contact Joanne Bell, Homestay Manager, on 07522 771867, or email jo@lewis-school.co.uk. Feel free to ask us any questions and do pop in to our school at 30-33 Palmerston Road, Southampton SO14 1LL, if you’d like to meet us face to face.

2. We’ll arrange a visit

Joanne will send you our Application Form for you to complete. She will also contact you to arrange a convenient time to visit. This is so we can find out more about you and your home, complete the necessary paperwork, and pass on all the important information about becoming a host (including our short guidebook).

3. Wait for your bookings!

As soon as a booking becomes available, we will contact you to confirm your availability and to pass on the student’s details. Please keep us informed of any holidays or other unavailable dates.
We look forward to welcoming you as a homestay host!

Become a Host