Durante los últimos años, muchos estudiantes españoles han optado por irse por una larga temporada a estudiar o realizar practicas en un empresa en el extranjero y además se alojan en casa de una familia local. Eso es debido a las grandes experiencias que viven ellos al convivir con lo que se denomina Host Family. Pero se estará preguntando ¿que es una Host Family?

Host Family  es una servicio que ofrecen las familias a huéspedes provenientes del extranjero, ofrecen su hogar y su convivencia por un periodo de tiempo. La familia local ofrece al huésped todas las necesidades básicas y además una gran experiencia personal y cultural al completo. De esta manera, tanto la familia anfitriona, como el huésped se benefician de una experiencia enriquecedora. 

El servicio es muy seguro, ya que la agencia encargada, Host Family Stay, se encarga de que tanto el Host Family  como el huésped sean lo suficientemente compatibles y puedan pasar buenas experiencias. 

Ventajas de alojarse con un Host Family 

Inmersión cultural 

Al estar conviviendo cada día con una familia local, estará inmerso completamente en la cultura del país. Eso será una gran oportunidad para aprender una nueva cultura y vivir nuevas experiencias. 

Desarrollo personal 

Estará fuera de su zona de confort, a partir de ese momento tendrá la oportunidad comenzará a abrir mas su mente, permitiéndole crecer como persona y ser una nueva. Volverá a su hogar siendo una persona diferente a la que era antes de irse. 

Se crearan relaciones para toda la vida

Podrá conocer personas de todo el mundo, en la cual compartiréis nuevas experiencias únicas y establecerá relaciones que se le podrá marcar para toda la vida. 

La mejor manera de aprender inglés

Durante su estancia sólo tendrá la opción de hablar inglés, lo cual hará que su nivel de ingles crezca de manera exponencial, hablara con gente local y de otros países, la mejor manera para aprender inglés. 

Es más económico para los estudiantes que estar en una residencia

Este tipo de alojamiento es específicamente adecuado para los estudiantes a tiempo completo, aquellos que viajan para aprender ingles o para aquellos que realizan una practicas en el ámbito laboral, ya que es un 25% más económico en comparación a vivir en una residencia estudiantil. Y eso es una de los muchos otros beneficios mencionados. 

Para empezar tu viaje hacia un homestay  en Londres, visita la página Find a Homestay para comenzar con el proceso. 

The COVID-19 pandemic came as a rather unfortunate turn of events back in March this year and with it came changes to our everyday lives. From being locked down to learning how to co-exist whilst staying 2 meters apart at all times (turns out it's harder than it sounds), we’ve all had to make adjustments in order to adapt to “the new normal”. 

London is no different  with disinfectant dispensers nearly everywhere in the city, people wearing face masks in indoor spaces, and social distancing being implemented wherever possible. New measurements have even been introduced recently - now bars and pubs are required to close at 10 pm in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Also, gatherings are limited to groups of 6 and should preferably take place outdoors. 

Despite all of this, the city remains bustling and full of excitement with new attractions popping up every week! Most museums and galleries, London’s outdoor cinemas and markets, and London’s most famous parks and gardens, such as Hyde Park or Kew Gardens, are open and attracting lots of visitors every day. The fact of the matter is, if you follow government guidelines there’s no reason why you shouldn’t enjoy your stay in the British capital even during the pandemic times.

We encourage you to stay informed on the topic and read the most reliable sources possible. We’ve put together a list of handy links so you can stay updated on what the latest news is:

NHS: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/

Citizen Information: https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/covid19/covid19_overview.html

Office for Students: https://www.officeforstudents.org.uk/for-students/student-guide-to-coronavirus/

Government Guidance: https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus/education-and-childcare

Here at Host Family Stay, our priority has always been delivering the best possible homestay experience whilst ensuring safety for both guests and the hosts. For this reason, we have trained our staff and offered guidance to hosts on the best ways to follow safety and safeguarding guidelines when hosting students from abroad. We have also been granted “We’re Good to Go” status by Visit Britain for the compliance with COVID-19 related measures in the UK hospitality sector.

Our team is committed to helping students with accommodation in London, so feel free to call or email us whenever you are in need of a homestay! We’re very fortunate to have such an incredible community of hosts that are more than happy to receive students during these times. 

For those who are unable to travel at the moment, but would love to know what British life is like or simply wish to improve their English, we have introduced a virtual experience - Virtual Stay. This service allows young people to connect to hosts in the UK from their own countries. Anyone can join in, as a couple, sibling, with friends or as an individual student! If this sounds like something you want to do, get in touch with us!

Most importantly, we want you all to stay safe during these times and stay in touch!

Is Camden safe? Is Brixton safe? Is Peckham safe? Is London safe? These are common questions that guests have when deciding on where to stay in London. However, not to worry! Whether you are someone who comes from abroad and is looking to study/work in London or whether you already live in the UK and are looking to relocate to London, we are here to finally answer these questions and help you make an informed decision for when you move. Below is a countdown list of the top 5 safest towns/boroughs in London.

5. Harrow

Harrow is located in north-west London, and consists of areas such as Stanmore, Pinner, Hatch End and many more beautiful areas. Harrow-on-the-Hill has eight conservation areas, one of which is Gregorian Architecture. Situated in the heart of Harrow is Harrow shopping centre where locals take a trip down to shop for clothes, groceries, dine, or just to watch movies at the Vue cinema.
Crime Rate: 63 crimes per 1000 citizens

4. Sutton

Sutton is located in south-west London, and is famous for its small district centres, many of them retaining a ‘village’ atmosphere not seen in central London. Sutton has 1,500 acres of open space and the largest regional park outside of London, making it perfect for chilling days out and for picnics with friends. Sutton also has several works of public art, and is home to the 6th most important shopping area in London.
Crime Rate: 57 crimes per 1000 citizens

3. Kingston upon Thames

Kingston-upon-Thames is located in south-west London, and is the oldest of the four Royal Boroughs in England. It is home to many restaurants, shops, and other attractions such as Richmond Park, Coronation Stone, Chessington World of Adventures theme park, Rose Theatre, and many more. As the name states, it is situated on the River Thames. 

Crime Rate: 57 crimes per 1000 citizens

2. Bexley

Bexley is located in south-east London, and has lots of green space including Danson Park and Foots Cray Meadows. It is also home to the National Trust’s Red House (open Wednesday - Sunday, 11am-5pm) - a significant Arts and Crafts building designed by architects William Morris and Philip Webb. In 2016, Bexley was also named London’s happiest borough.

Crime Rate: 56 crimes per 1000 citizens

1. Richmond

The borough of Richmond-upon-Thames is located in south-west London, one of the capital’s most wonderful areas. It is home to the National Physical Laboratory, Hampton Court Palace, Kew Gardens (tourist attraction for botanical enthusiasts and families) and Twickenham Stadium. Richmond is an affluent residential area bordering the River Thames. It is also home to Richmond Park, a popular picnic spot, where you can also spot herds of deer roaming.

Crime Rate: 54 crimes per 1000 citizens

Other areas in London that are safe include Bromley (64 crimes per 1000 citizens), Merton (66 crimes per 1000 citizens), Havering (67 crimes per 1000 citizens), Barnet (68 crimes per 1000 citizens) and Enfield (74 crimes per 1000 citizens). 

We’ve told you the safest areas in London, but what about the areas in London that are not so safe? At Host Family Stay, we ensure you will never be placed in an area that is not student friendly or where the crime rates are considered high. Your safety is our priority and we would like for you to stay in only the safest areas in London, with friendly locals and a lively neighbourhood. Whatever your living preferences, we guarantee you will not be disappointed at your chosen location. 

For further enquiries or questions relating to homestay in London, please contact us to speak to our friendly staff who will be able to answer all your questions, or visit our home page.

Published on 16th October 2020

At the time when you register to become a host with Host Family Stay you are asked to tell us what type of special diets you can accommodate. This is to ensure we can connect with guests who have specific dietary requirements. Needless to say, you should also expect to receive higher weekly rates for providing specific meal plans, such as vegan, halal, kosher, organic, etc.

Now, once you have confirmed the special meal types  you can provide, it can be challenging to think of dishes to make for your guest to make sure they enjoy the dish and feel at home. Our team member Swayam at Host Family Stay has created a list of 5 easy vegetarian recipes that we guarantee you and your guest will love… Happy cooking!

At the time when you register to become a host with Host Family Stay you are asked to tell us what type of special diets you can accommodate. This is to ensure we can connect you with guests who have specific dietary requirements. Needless to say, you should also expect to receive higher weekly rates for providing specific meal plans, such as vegan, halal, kosher, organic, etc.

Now, once you have confirmed the special meal types you can provide, it can be challenging to think of dishes to make for your guest to make sure they enjoy the dish and feel at home. Our team member Swayam at Host Family Stay has created a list of 5 easy recipes that we are sure you and your guest will love… Happy cooking!

Updated 26 June 2023

At Host Family Stay, we highly value your ability to accommodate special dietary needs as a host. Creating a welcoming environment for students means catering to diverse dietary requirements, including vegan, halal, kosher, organic, and more.

We understand that deciding what to cook for your student can pose a challenge. To assist you in this endeavor, we have thoughtfully curated a list of five easy halal recipes. We invite you to join us as we explore these delightful dishes together!

This year, why not go on an adventure of your own with your new guest and explore some of the greatest spots known in South West London. It’s a great opportunity to discover more in your area and to bond with your student!