General Homestay Information

Our advice for a successful homestay experience.

The benefit of staying with a local host is that you will experience the British way of life first-hand. You will also learn more about British and Welsh cultures. Customs, habits, food and daily routines in the UK can be different to those in your own country. It can be very exciting to learn about these things and this page should provide you with some useful homestay information.

During your first few days in the UK, you might find that it feels strange. Don’t worry because this is normal. Our homestay providers understand this. They will be happy to give advice and help you feel at home the best they can. The key to ensuring a happy and successful homestay experience depends on mutual respect and a willingness to adapt to a new way of living.

Look at some of the answers to our frequently asked homestay questions. Or download our Homestay Handbook for students to find out more useful homestay information.

What will my accommodation be like?

Accommodation

All our homestay accommodation is different, but you will have a comfortable and simply furnished room. There will be:

Storage space for your clothes.
A space with a desk and a chair for you to study in the house.

Bed linen is provided by the host. Your host will clean your room, but you should keep it neat and tidy by making your own bed and putting your clothes away.

Where will my homestay be?

Location

Most of our homestay accommodation is located within 6 miles (9.6km) of the academy. You can usually travel to the academy by bus, train or on foot. Travelling to Celtic should take between 15 to 45 minutes using public transport.

Will I have my own house key?

Keys

Your host will give you a key to the house. You must look after this key and return it at the end of your stay. If you are over 18, you may stay out later than 10.30pm but please respect the hosts when returning. Communication is important for a successful homestay experience. It is always a good idea to let your host know where you are, especially if you will be out late.

Can I wash my clothes?

Laundry

Students should be able to do one washing machine load of laundry per week. Please discuss with your host whether you should do it yourself in their machine or if they will do it for you.

Can I use the phone in the homestay?

Using the Phone

We understand that when you are a long way from home it is very important to stay in contact with your family. It is usually OK for you to receive calls on the household phone. However, please ask your host if you can use their telephone first.

Will there be internet and Wi-Fi available?

Wi-Fi

Most homes have internet access either through a broadband-wired connection or Wi-Fi. There may be usage restrictions on the amount of time or downloading you are permitted to do in the home. Please ask the homestay provider when you arrive. You can also enjoy free internet and wireless connection at Celtic English Academy from Monday to Friday between 08:00 and 18:00.

What will the bathroom be like?

Standard Homestay

In a standard homestay, you will share the bathroom with the other people in the house. There is often only one bathroom in the home. Everyone in the homestay accommodation needs to use the bathroom. You should ask your host when the best time to have your bath or shower is. Towels are provided by your homestay provider. However, they may ask you to provide your own toiletries such as soap, toothpaste and shampoo.

Superior Homestay

In a superior homestay, you will be able to enjoy the added privacy of your own en-suite bathroom. Towels are provided by your homestay provider. However, they may ask you to provide your own toiletries such as soap, toothpaste and shampoo.

What will the food be like?

Half-Board

If you book half-board, you will receive breakfast and an evening meal. Lunch is also provided at weekends.

Full-Board

If you book full-board (compulsory for under 18 students), you will also receive a packed lunch.

Breakfast

Most households in the UK don’t have a cooked breakfast every day. A typical breakfast will be cereal and toast with tea, coffee or juice, so you will be offered the same.

Evening Meal

The evening meal (dinner) is the main meal of the day and usually includes meat, fish or poultry.

Some hosts allow students to prepare their own food in the kitchen, but you should always check with them first.

If you have specific dietary requirements e.g. halal, vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, lactose intolerance, nut allergy, shellfish allergy please inform us at the time of booking, in your application form. There will be an additional charge of £15 for specific dietary requirements.

Under 18s

We are committed to the health and well-being of all our students, especially our under 18 students, so we carry strict checks on our homestay providers. Our hosts also undergo training.

For under 18s, parents must agree to their children staying in homestay accommodation. Students under the age of 18 must have full board.

Before Arrival

Students under 18 and their parents will receive a Parental Consent Form when the confirmation of booking documents is sent.
Parents and children must read and sign the academy’s Parental Consent form and the parents must complete the Parental Consent form.
The form must be returned to the academy before the student’s stay begins.

During their stay

The release hours on the consent form are non-negotiable and must be respected. Misbehaviour may result in the student losing their room with their homestay provider, without the possibility of a refund, and being returned into the care of the parents. There is a curfew of 10.30pm for students under 18.

What will happen when I arrive?

Arrival

You can arrive on any day of the week. However, we recommend that you arrive on the Sunday before your course starts. Alternatively, it is possible to stay from Saturday to Saturday. Your hosts will always be at home to welcome you. They will show you your room and go through the rules of the house. Please feel free to ask any questions to help you settle in.

If you do not book an airport transfer service from us, you will need to contact the hosts before your day of arrival to let them know what time you will arrive at the house. Arrival after 23:00 is not usually allowed.