+44 (0)7384832408

This number is for out-of-hours emergencies for the International School only. All other emergencies must be logged through the appropriate channels.

Q: How does the college ensure the wellbeing of my child during their stay?
A: Your child’s wellbeing is our top priority. Our Student Services team offers mental health counselling, access to a college nurse, and regular check-ins with the international team and their personal tutor. We also have a 24/7 welfare contact for emergencies, and students can use facilities like the on-site gym and participate in activities to support their physical and mental health.

Q: How do you help students cope with homesickness?
A: We know that adjusting to a new country can be challenging. Our Student Services and international team offer emotional support, counselling, and guidance to help students manage homesickness. We also encourage involvement in clubs and activities to build friendships and stay engaged.

Q: What should we do if our child is feeling homesick?
A: Encourage your child to talk to our staff or their homestay family. Our team has experience helping students settle in, and getting involved in activities can greatly help. The first few weeks can be tough, but we’ll provide ongoing support as they adjust.

Q: Is my child suitable for this type of programme?
A: Studying abroad requires resilience, adaptability, and a willingness to embrace new experiences, along with a commitment to regular attendance, which is essential for success in any study programme.

Discover more here

Q: What can we expect from homestay accommodation?
A: Our homestay families are carefully vetted to provide a supportive, safe, home-from-home environment. They are experienced in hosting international students and regularly inspected to ensure high standards. We also provide ongoing support to both students and hosts.

Q: How are homestay families selected?
A: Families undergo a thorough selection process, including background checks, interviews, and home visits. We ensure the environment is safe, comfortable, and enriching. We also match students based on specific needs or preferences, including allergies and medical requirements.

Q: What if there’s an issue with my child’s homestay?
A: If any issues arise, we follow a step-by-step process to resolve them. Many issues stem from misunderstandings and are easily resolved through communication. If necessary, we can facilitate restorative conversations or relocate students to a new homestay.

Q: How far will my student live from the college?
A: We aim to place students within a 30-minute walk or a 45-minute bus ride from the college. Southampton is a safe city, and homestays will help students navigate their way around during their first few days.

Discover more here.

Q: How will I be able to communicate with my child while they are abroad?
A: We encourage regular communication via social media and video calls. Our homestay families can assist with communication if needed, and the International Office is always available for updates on your child’s welfare.

We recommend that students obtain a UK sim card on arrival, especially if they are staying on a one- or two-year A Level programme. The International School has free sim cards for students in the office, although they are also welcome to explore alternative providers.

Q: Can I speak directly to my child’s homestay host?
A: We encourage students and hosts to make contact prior to arrival to build a relationship. Many hosts arrange video calls with students to get to know them beforehand. However, all parental communication with homestay hosts must come through the agency.

Q: How do you monitor student attendance?
A: Attendance is closely monitored by both tutors and the International Team. If your child misses classes, we follow up immediately. If there are ongoing issues, we inform parents and agents to ensure students stay engaged in their studies.

Q: Can my child take holidays during term time?
A: No, holidays should be planned during the designated 14 weeks of leave throughout the year. We expect 100% attendance, and taking holidays during term time may result in disciplinary action.

Q: How does the college support students with career and university guidance?
A: Our Student Services team offers career guidance, and UCAS advisers assist with university applications. International students can also receive guidance from their tutors. We provide a wide range of support for higher education, including:

• Higher education fairs
• University taster events and visits
• Guest speakers
• UCAS guidance sessions and workshops
• Specialist support for Oxford and Cambridge applications

Q: How does the college ensure my child’s safety?
A: We take health and safety seriously. Students under 18 are protected by the Children Act 2004, and our Child Protection Officer, Debbie Finch, ensures all safeguarding measures are in place. Students can report concerns in person or through our internal system.

Q: What security measures are in place at the college?
A: We have CCTV across the campus to ensure safety. Students and staff are required to wear College ID lanyards at all times while on campus.

Q: What happens in case of an emergency?
A: In an emergency, we have procedures to ensure your child’s safety. We maintain 24/7 emergency contacts for both students and homestay families, and parents are informed immediately if a serious incident occurs.

Q: Is medical care available if my child gets sick?
A: Yes, the college nurse is available for minor health concerns, and we assist students in accessing NHS services for more serious medical needs. Host families help students register with a GP on arrival. However, it is essential to ensure that your student has appropriate medical and travel insurance prior to arrival.

Q: What are the college’s policies on student behaviour?
A: We have clear policies to maintain a safe and respectful environment. Our code of conduct covers behaviour, academic integrity, attendance, and general expectations. In cases of misconduct, we follow a structured disciplinary process, involving parents if necessary.  Policies are available by following this link.

Q: How are safeguarding and child protection managed?
A: All staff are trained in child protection, and we follow strict safeguarding policies in line with UK government guidelines. These policies are regularly reviewed and updated.

Q: What happens if my child breaks the rules?
A: Depending on the severity of the issue, we work with the student to address the problem. Parents are informed if necessary, and we guide students in resolving issues constructively.

Q: How do you ensure my child’s safety during weekends and free time?
A: We have a strict curfew for all students living with one of our host families, regardless of their age, which is as follows:

Sunday to Thursday evenings         10:30pm
Friday & Saturday evenings             11:00pm

The curfew is non-negotiable.

Students are only allowed to engage in overnight travel with parental permission, and parents must assume full responsibility for their child. Students must complete a travel form detailing their itinerary. We provide a list of approved accommodation for popular destinations and require students to travel in groups. Both students and hosts have access to our 24/7 emergency phone number.

We retain the right to refuse authorisation for trips that do not comply with our requirements to ensure your child is kept safe whilst in the UK.

When Maite reflects on the moment her daughter, Ale, first asked to study abroad, she remembers it as a turning point — not just for Ale’s education, but for her personal journey. The idea didn’t come from a parent pushing for international experience; it came directly from Ale herself.

She wanted to improve her English, challenge herself, and gain new experiences. For Maite, that level of self-motivation said everything.

A Leap Motivated by Curiosity

Ale’s request sparked a series of questions and concerns — the same ones any parent would have when considering sending their child abroad for the first time. Visa logistics, exams, the complexity of the process… all of it felt daunting at the start.

But as Maite began navigating each step, she found the experience far more manageable than she had anticipated.

More importantly, she found that applying independently, rather than through an agency, was the right choice for her family.

Maite noted that while agencies can offer benefits, the process was so straightforward that she was glad she decided to apply on her own.

She also knew that if Ale was going abroad, the destination needed to match her values — academically and culturally.

For Maite, the UK, with its world-renowned education system, felt like the right fit for an academic programme.

Encouraging Parents to Step Beyond Fear

If there’s one message Maite would share with other parents considering the same path, it’s this: don’t let fear get in the way of an incredible opportunity.

She believes parents often default to being overprotective — sometimes too much so — without realising that stepping outside that comfort zone can be transformative for their children.

Her advice is simple: trust the process, trust your child, and let them explore.

Watching Ale Grow Abroad

Once Ale settled into her new environment, the changes came naturally. Maite noticed a new level of maturity and independence beginning to emerge — the kind that only comes from navigating life in a different country.

Whether it was managing her studies, adapting to a new academic structure, or simply living farther from home, each experience added to Ale’s confidence.

At the same time, she is still discovering who she wants to become. Maite shared that Ale has expressed interest in becoming a vet, though she remains open-minded about her future.

Her current scientific school back in Spain challenges her with subjects like physics and mathematics, and she works hard to keep up with both her studies at home and her academic commitments in the UK.

Balancing two systems isn’t easy — but it shows Ale’s determination and resilience.

A Parent’s Perspective: Worth Every Step

Looking back, Maite sees the exchange programme not just as an academic opportunity for Ale, but as a formative life experience. The initial worries have been replaced with pride as she watches her daughter grow into a more confident, independent young woman.

When Bea first considered sending her daughter, Isa, abroad for a year of study, she was driven by one central goal: to give her a new environment where she could grow, explore, and regain confidence in her education. She briefly considered the United States, but politics, distance, and her own instinct kept pointing her elsewhere.

“It was clear that if Isa went abroad, it would have to be the UK. The British education system has a great reputation.”

What ultimately gave Bea the confidence to choose Itchen College was a personal reference: her teenage niece had studied there previously and returned home with glowing feedback and an adult mindset.

“We had super good feedback from Ruana, but I was reluctant to go through an agency. I preferred to go through someone that I know.”

Because of that first-hand recommendation, Bea didn’t shop around — she only considered Itchen College.

The challenge, however, wasn’t choosing the destination. It was taking the leap.

Sending a child abroad is an emotional decision, and applying independently — without an agent as a guide — can feel daunting. Bea had questions about everything: the application form, subject choices, accommodation, and especially, the visa process.

Fortunately, she never felt alone.

“Sam was always super available and supportive, even if I was a pain with all my questions sometimes! But for one year you need to be sure that this is the right place for your kid.”

With real-time guidance from the admissions team, what could have been an overwhelming process became manageable and reassuring, even more so when confronted with the visa application (which was surprisingly straightforward!).

The adjustment wasn’t easy from day one. Isa left behind family, friends, and familiarity. Homesickness appeared early on, but slowly, confidence replaced uncertainty.

“Isa actually really wanted to go on this programme, but we needed her to know what she would be on her own,” Bea remembers. “We didn’t want her to have any regrets. I reminded her in the first week that, even if she wanted to, she had to be resilient and see it through – even if it was difficult at first.”

Bea immediately noticed the difference between Isa’s previous education experience in Italy and the environment she found in the UK.

“The Italian system is very rigid; it’s not for everyone, and it puts a lot of pressure on students. Now that Isa has experienced the UK system, she feels a lot less pressure as she has the freedom to explore different subjects.”

For Isa, discovering a system that values autonomy was transformative.

“She discovered that there’s plenty of work to do in lessons, and the teachers treat you like adults – this was the big difference. So the teacher arrives, gives the lesson, gives the assignments, but the students have to organise themselves to get it done.”

The UK system not only challenged Isa academically — it empowered her personally. One milestone stands out clearly in Bea’s memory. During half-term, Isa travelled back home alone for the first time.

“When Isa came home for a week over half-term, it was the first time she had to take a flight on her own. She took the bus to Heathrow, changed terminals, got on the plane. She was nervous, but she did it, and that one step built her confidence!”

Little by little, Isa wasn’t just adapting — she was transforming.

Her academic goals shifted too. Back in Italy, she had been on a science-focused track. But thanks to trying new subjects at Itchen, she discovered a passion she didn’t realise she had.

“She knows she doesn’t like the Italian system. And as she’s studied Drama and Theatre at Itchen, she’s decided she wants to enrol in an artistic school when she comes back home. And that’s all because she had the opportunity to try something new.”

Looking Back: No Doubts, Only Gratitude

At the end of the interview, when asked whether she would make the same decision again, Bea didn’t hesitate. She feels proud of Isa — not just for how she’s doing academically, but for how she’s growing as a person.

A year abroad wasn’t just about education. It was about independence, resilience, and discovering new paths.

For Bea, the initial nervousness has given way to certainty.

She took a leap of faith, applied independently, and found that the personalised support, flexibility, and student-focused approach at Itchen College made all the difference.