AHA International has always engaged host families who like to welcome young Americans into their home and broaden out the exciting cultural experiences of students enrolled on the London programme. Many families stay in touch with their students for years afterwards.
Why a “Host” Family?
Host families provide each student studying in London with good, affordable and reliable accommodation. Students in homestay will, where possible, be given the opportunity to develop their independence and social skills by participating in family, community, cultural and recreational activities. Life in a homestay is ideal for students who seek the comfort and security of family life but are prepared to respect the reasonable, responsible boundaries of everyday life.
The quality and depth of relationships formed in the homestay will vary with each student’s personal ability to adapt to this new culture and city life. Remember that each family has its own habits, traditions and idiosyncrasies. Students can avoid many misunderstandings by not just assuming that what happens in their own home will happen in the homestay. If misunderstandings do occur they can almost always be sorted out with a little tact and willingness to compromise. And, of course, there is no greater asset than a sense of humour!
What to Expect
The Host Family will provide bed and breakfast 7 nights a week, an evening meal four nights per week and two washloads of laundry per week.
Where?
Host Families are located in the outer boroughs of Greater London. Typically students will have a tube ride of between 45 to 75 minutes into the London centre for their class. Students enjoy the freedom of travelling on all forms of transport around London for the duration of their programme with their all-zones Oyster Travelcard
Selection
AHA tries very hard to place students where they will be happiest. To help this process, students are requested to complete their London Housing Form openly and honestly. All personal factors i.e. dietary, allergies, medical conditions, preferences etc., are taken into consideration in order to achieve a happy result for students and homestay families.
Our Host Families are selected through personal screening and offer accommodation and facilities in accordance with standards required by AHA International. Accommodation ranges from large apartments to terraced, semi-detached, detached houses in areas where good restaurants, shopping centres, libraries, parks, leisure centres, golf courses, tennis courts, swimming pools etc., can easily be found.
Usually two students are housed together, either in single or double bedrooms. Students can elect to be housed alone. All requests are taken into consideration and will be activated where possible.
Warm regards,
Maggie
