Host families needed to welcome European students to Hastings, creating educational and cultural links

From single-parents to retired couples, hosts are need for European students

From single mothers to grandparents whose own children have left home, the Charles Eaton Language School is looking for hosts to welcome children aged between 12 and 15 into the town.

The stays are usually between three and four nights, meaning you still have plenty of time to yourself.

But for Stephanie Vallins, managing partner, it is a great opportunity – one which can see you earning up to £7,500 a year, and there is no tax as it is an education service.

Spare rooms for students help hosts and Hastings

She said: “A lot of people like to host because they have their own children and like to integrate them with different cultures. But we also have grandparents with spare rooms and single-mothers who have the space. And even when people think they don’t have the facilities we can help them source things like bunk beds or give them other help.”

Lifelong memories

Currently, the students come from France Germany, the Czech Republic and Spain, usually between March and July and September and November. And Stephanie is passionate about making sure the visiting students are given the best experience possible.

To help, she offers hosts advice about anything from what food to cook and how to make sustainable packed lunches, to how to entertain students with games or activities.

Hastings families needed to host European students

She said: “For many of the young people arriving in Hastings it is their first visit to England and I want to make sure they leave with good, happy memories.

“I am a grandmother and I want the students to be treated exactly as I would want my grandchildren to be treated if they were to go to another country.”

Business links

Stephanie is keen to make sure the visiting students are able to help Hastings and encourages school visits to include local businesses.

She said: “We have some great tourist attractions such as the castle but we have a lot of other ways to encourage the young people to learn more about England and English culture. Even if that is having fish and chips in a pub, or a full English breakfast in a café.

“Simple things teach visitors what our wonderful community is really like and also benefits the town economically.”

Find out more

If you are interested in becoming a host or want to find out more visit www.charleseaton.org.uk