Does a Host Family get paid?
Yes, our host families are paid a set fee per student per night.
Payment is made via BACS and is usually paid on the day the students leave, however this can take up to 72 hours following their departure.
What do I have to provide?
As a host family you will need to provide the following
- A comfortable bedroom with either single, double or bunk beds, a place for the students to put their cloths such as a chest of draws, wardrobe, or
cloths rail. The room must not be shared with other members of the family, however, students can share a room. You will need to be able to pick up and drop off your students at the meeting point during their stay. Provide a well balanced evening meal, breakfast and packed lunch
Can a Single Person Host?
Yes, we accept single people. All of our host families are DBS checked
Can I Host More Than One at a Time?
Yes, you can host more than one student. We usually place our students in groups of 2, 3 or 4. The number of students you can host depends on the rooms, space and spare beds you have available. Please note that we always place same-sex students within a group
How Old Are the Students?
Students are generally aged between 12-17 years old, though occasionally students maybe slightly older
What if there is a problem with the student?
With over 20 years of experience we are in a position to rectify any problems that may arise. if the mater is an emergency then call the 24hr contact number
Who do I contact in an Emergency?
Medway Homestay and our Local organisers are available 24 hours a day should any emergencies arise. Emergency contact No: 07971 719114
Can I change my mind about hosting last minute?
Yes, however, when we provide you with the dates and you agree to host for us, we would ask that you do not cancel this booking unless it is an emergency.
Even if one person decides not to host at late notice we have to make lots of changes to the students accommodation schedule. – It is unsettling for the students and their parents as they have already been given details of the family who will be hosting them.
Do I need to inform my insurance company?
You will be driving the students from and to the pickup points so you may want to discuss this with your insurance company
Medway Homestay are not responsible for any breakages, so you may want to discuss this with your household insurance company. If you are looking for a competitive rate for your building and content insurance we can recommend Brownhill Insurance on 020 8658 4334.
Can I host for another organisation?
Yes, however, when we provide you with the dates and you agree to host for us, we would ask that you do not change this to host for another organisation.
Changing at late notice means we may have to make lots of changes to the programme just because of one host family dropping out
Will the students be given my personal details?
We pass the following information onto our agents or schools:
- Names
- Address
- Telephone Number
- Email
- Pets.
- Parents may sometimes call to ask if their child has arrived and all is going well, however, with the use of smartphones the students will normally make contact with their parents once they have connected to your WIFI.
How long do the students stay?
Our students usually stay 3-4 nights and generally not over a weekend, though in the school holidays we may have students that stay for 1 or 2 weeks.
Students normally arrive on a Monday evening and leave either Thursday or Friday morning.
Can students be left on their own or go out?
No, an adult must be with the students in the evening at all times. Once the students are picked up in the evening, then they are not allowed out unless accompanied by a member of your family.
Students may say, ‘my teachers or parents said its ok’, but once the students are home they are not allowed out on their own
Breakages
Although Medway Homestay may cover you for some breakages, we would advise you to inform you household insurance company .
What do the students do all day?
Mainly sightseeing, however some come to have English lessons with activities in the afternoon. Most come to enjoy some of Englands famous tourists spots, London, Greenwich, Chatham Historic Dockyard.
As a host family, what do I need to provide?
As a host family you will need to provide the following:
A warm friendly and homely atmosphere – just like you would want your own children/grandchildren to be treated. A comfortable bedroom with proper beds, with somewhere to put clothes away and a mirror. The room must not be shared with other members of the family, however, students can share a room. You will need to be able to pick up and drop off your students at the meeting point during their stay. Provide a well balanced evening meal, breakfast and packed lunch
