Southampton is known as an international port, and each year the city welcomes international students into many educational settings, but you may not know that Itchen College Sixth Form has an International Student programme and we are searching for host homes.
Itchen Sixth Form College International Department is looking for homes that provide a safe and comfortable environment, in which international students can experience English culture and language first hand. The college is looking for hosts that are compassionate and kind, that care about child welfare and experience, that are interested in other cultures and can be realistic about the rewarding and challenging experience this could be.
Student Welfare and Accommodation Officer, Helen Sullivan said “We welcome homes and hosts in many different forms and with different reasons. For example, they want their children to meet people from different cultures to their own, or they have active lives they want to share. It is key for hosts to take an interest in the student as though they were their own child. A willingness to engage and share their lives and homes creates experiences and memories that enables an international student to flourish.”
Emma Barrett, Assistant Principal for Community Engagement and Business Development added “Our international programme brings a diversity and richness to the college, this is a great experience for students and hosts”
Former student, Lucas Monteiro Martiniano da Rocha said when reflecting on his time at the college “When I moved I knew that I was about to experience one of the best moments someone can experience in a lifetime, although vastly challenging. Going to a place where you do not know anyone and do not have any relatives near you it is always hard, but with the support from both my host brother and mother alongside with Itchen’s International staff and students, things happened to be a bit easier, because I knew they were always people I could rely on”.
There are some requirements for accommodation: Host homes need to offer a private bedroom with a single bed and storage furniture, as well as a desk and chair or access to study facilities within the home; it is also important that their room has access to the internet; and also sufficient lighting, ventilation and heating. Meals are provided on a half-board basis where you are expected to provide breakfast and dinner on week days, with lunch provided on weekends and holidays. Other elements include laundry provision and access to the shared areas of the home. In return you would be paid £145 a week (from September 2023), receive training and have access to 24-hour support.
If you are interested in becoming a Homestay Host you can learn more and download registration forms on the Itchen Sixth Form College website https://www.itchen.ac.uk/parent-information/become-a-homestay-host/ or email homestay@itchen.ac.uk
