Homestay providers FAQ

Why host a international student?

In order to improve their language skills our students benefit hugely from living with an English speaking host. You would be welcoming the student as part of your household, eating together and sharing the common spaces.

How does this work – what do I need to provide?

You need to provide a clean bedroom with a study desk and storage for clothes.  The room must have adequate heat and light.  Bathroom and washing facilities must be available on a daily basis.  You will need to provide a change of towels and bed linen on a weekly basis. It is usual to provide a laundry service – or explain to the student what the arrangements for laundry is, perhaps providing access to the washing machine and drying facilities. It goes without saying that you must provide privacy, particularly from members of the opposite sex.

If you have gas then you’ll need a gas certificate. You’ll also need smoke detectors in appropriate places.

Do I need to provide food?

For our term-time homestay students you will provide “half-board”, ie breakfast and an evening meal during the week and all meals at the weekend.

If you would prefer not to provide meals we offer the students a private self-catering option but the student would require access to pots, pans, dishes and cutlery, laundry equipment, cooking and washing-up facilities.  They would provide their own food and ingredients.

For our summer school (usually between 2-4 weeks) you will provide all meals, including packed lunches for the week days and all meals at the weekend.

We ask students for details of allergies before we assign them a homestay provider.

What if I’ve got a pet?

That’s okay, but we need to let the prospective student know this as some have allergies.

How long is the student with me?

During term time the student can be with you from between 2 weeks to 40 weeks, depending on their studies.  You will know this in advance.

How can I apply?

Apply to become a Homestay provider by filling in this online application. If you would like more information, please contact the International Centre on 01738 877299 or email homestay.perth@uhi.ac.uk