‘Member of the family’

Students will take part in their hosts’ everyday life and will be treated as a “member of the family”, therefore they should be prepared to adapt as much as possible to their hosts’ daily routines and habits.

Meals

To help both host and teenager to make the most of their stay teenagers are encouraged to tell their hosts what kind of food they like or dislike. As teenagers are booked on full-board basis they will receive a packed lunch and have dinner together with the family where they will be able to learn about the “family life” and practise English with their hosts at the same time. Students are not normally expected to use the kitchen or take food from their hosts’ cupboard or fridge without asking.

To be independent, students are usually given their own house key. The family will provide bed linen and assistance with laundry can be offered. The teenagers themselves should bring bath and beach towels.

‘Back home’ Times

• 14 to 15 years: 22.30 hours,
• 16 to 17 years: 00.00hrs (at weekends 00.30hrs)
• 18 years and older: to be arranged between the host family and the student

Selecting homestays

Our host families, most of whom have been accommodating our students for many years, are carefully selected as welcoming, caring and suitable families for our teenage students. Most of our families live in apartments or in houses and host 2 to 4 students, usually of different nationalities. Students are accommodated in either twin or triple rooms sharing with other students. Some rooms are large enough to accommodate 3 students. Most of our families are located in the Sliema, St Julian’s, Swieqi area; others are in the neighbouring villages of Ta’ xbiex, Gzira, Msida, San Gwann, Naxxar, Lija, Balzan and Attard.

Distance to school

Our school is centrally located and within walking distance of most of the host families in Sliema, St Julian’s and Gzira. However, free transport is provided every morning from the areas of Naxxar, Lija, Balzan, Attard and Birkirkara, which are about 45 minutes away from the school and also for the activities held in the afternoon or evenings.

To ensure that we can place the student with the most ideal family possible please always send as much information about your student as possible such as

• date of birth • nationality • flight details • country of birth • diet requirements • allergies • smoker / non-smoker

Finally...

Naturally, sometimes misunderstandings or problems do arise, but they are usually solved very quickly. We always encourage students to inform us if there is a problem and every attempt is made to reach a solution. If it is not possible to solve the problem, then we will find the student another family.