Every family is different
..and every Embassy CES host family is different. They might live in a big house or a small one. You may find yourself living with many host brothers and sisters, or with only one host parent. Perhaps it's a quiet household, where it's easy to get on with your homework, or maybe you'll find yourself invited to join in so many activities that you have to turn some down!
Whatever they are like, Embassy CES make sure that your family will:
- Be safe. Every Homestay family is police checked, and there are stronger rules for families housing a student under the age of 16.
- Be suitable. Our staff visit every single host family to make sure that they can offer the facilities that a student needs, from a clean, comfortable room to a desk to study at.
- Be welcoming. Host families are encouraged to treat you as a member of the family. That might mean you're expected to help with the washing up, or laying the table! But it also means you'll be included in family conversation and activities.
- Be convenient for school. We select host families who are within reasonable walking, cycling or public transport distance of your school.
If you have any problems with your host family, there is an accommodation manager at every school who will help.
Meet the Martins
Peter and Jacqui Martin have been hosting students for more than 14 years. They live in a beautiful house near Hove seafront and Peter was in fact once the Mayor of Hove. They have two sons and a daughter.
They are a warm couple with a sense of humour and patience.
"We think every family should host foreign students," Jacqui says, "It's so helpful in promoting relations. Take our children - for them it's been great. They're much more travelled than we ever were," Peter nods in agreement before adding, "Some of their travels have taken them to the actual homes of students who have lived here, with us."
A real-life experience
Over the years, the Martins have provided countless students from around the world with a chance to experience life with a British family.
"There is no point in trying too hard with your students," Jacqui goes on. "We don't treat them like royalty coming to stay. They want to see your real life here in the UK, so we don't change our lifestyle at all. And we don't have rules really, do we?" Jacqui asks her husband.
"No, we don't have rules," he replies. "Here we have common sense."
The house
The Martin's house contains several neat and friendly student rooms featuring drawers and beds plus the belongings of the latest student occupants: rucksacks, notebooks, trainers. It looks and feels like a family home - one with relatives from around the world.
Just like home
Students who stay with the Martins can expect the same care they'd give to their own children: on the day we visited, Peter was mending a student's bike for him. And they can benefit from Peter's DIY habit, too: he's added a comfortable conservatory, a swimming pool and even an outdoor Jacuzzi to the house!
Customs and cultures
"We're constantly surprised by the customs and cultures we see here. Sometimes we're just amazed." Peter confesses. "One student turned up outside in a stretch limo! His servants brought his bags in for him. It took us a few days before we managed to explain that he had to do his own washing-up. He was sad when he left though..."
Friendliness and warmth
The Martins are just one of the very individual families that you might meet when you select the Homestay option. But their friendliness and warmth is a quality that every family shares.