Weekend Visit
Available all year
“When you’re at university it’s not every day that you get to be in a real home or interact with people who aren’t all your own age. Embrace the opportunity to see a new place and meet with new people before settling into an academic schedule.”
For over 18 years EIL UK has matched international students with host families for an orientation or weekend visit. A critical tool when dealing with culture shock, staying with a British family for a weekend can help students to quickly understand their new country and to connect with a supportive family in one of our host communities. It is an opportunity for both to share their cultures and ways of life to promote international friendship and understanding.
For most university students, the weekend visits are organised a few weeks after arrival, however EIL UK offers Day Visits, Weekend Visits and Festive Stays throughout the year. Even the experience of a short stay with a host family helps students adjust to British culture and introduce them to our ways of life, foods, history and places of interest.
Available Locations – Homestay are available across the UK, from Gloucester or Worcester, in Cumbria or in Edinburgh, Wales or Northern Ireland.
Britain has long been a favoured tourist destination due to its rich history and traditions. It has a varied and diverse landscape ranging from coastal to mountainous all with beautiful scenery to enjoy. British music, art and culture are renowned around the world. The cities are modern and vibrant and the countryside is rural and peaceful.
Host families, accommodations and meals: Host families come from all walks of life – they could be a couple with or without children, a single person or an extended family. EIL UK works to select, screen and monitor host families to find a placement to best match your unique profile and interests. Family activities depend on the location of your homestay, and the interests of your family. Your hosts will include you in their activities whenever possible but you must be prepared that your family may work or have other commitments on their time.
Local Support: In some host family placements there will be a local representative in the area to help you during your stay, but if not, you will always have the contact details of EIL who will be happy to help and support you.
Travel Information : Arrive at your homestay destination on a Friday evening and depart on a Sunday afternoon. All travel arrangements should be booked in accordance with EIL guidance. Booking your travel arrangements is your responsibility but EIL will help you to plan your journeys where necessary. You will be met on arrival in your homestay community, either by a member of your host family or by the local representative.
Application forms are required at least one month before the intended date of visit, so sign up today!
