the number one choice for Bright World students
Bright World host families provide a homely environment and safe place for our students to stay during the school holidays and remain the most popular choice for our students. Host family accommodation is available for all half terms, exeat weekends and the Easter holiday, for any students that are unable to travel home.
We secure our host families for the full academic year in advance, so that our students will always know where they will be staying. Many of our students return to the same host family every year that they study in the UK and keep in touch with them even after their time in the UK has ended.
We have put together everything that students and parents need to know about how we choose their host family and what to expect when they stay with them for the first time.
finding the right people to host our students
We want our students to enjoy their time with their host family and to feel as though they are their home away from home. We are careful to make sure that we recruit the right kind of people to look after our students and follow a very strict safeguarding framework.
Each family has been visited and inspected in person by one of our Local Coordinators. We also undertake a full DBS criminal record check on every member of the household who is over the age of 16. The family's home is inspected, to make sure that it meets our requirements and complies with safety guidelines.
finding a family that fits
Before confirming a host family for the year, we will first ask parents and the student for their requirements and preferences. Our Accommodation & Travel Managers then set to work to find a family that matches their needs and is not too far away from their school. We will check that they are available for all of their school holidays and then send out a profile of the family before finalising the arrangements.
Parents can also help us to choose your preferred host family for the year by using our Host Family Selection Tool. For more information, contact our Guardianship Team.
pets
According to the latest research and data, as of 2023, 57% (16.2 Million) of UK's households own a pet. Pets are an important part of family life and are often treated as family members, rather than just animals. We understand that not all of our students will be comfortable with pets in the household and this is something that we take into consideration when choosing a host family.
meeting students at the school gate
An important part of the host family's role is to collect our students from school and to take them back safely at the end of the holiday. Our students will already have received a profile for their family, which will include their photograph, so they know who to look out for. We will also send this information to house parents, along with confirmation of the holiday arrangements.
In exceptional circumstances when pick up or drop off is not possible, we can arrange a taxi with one of our fully screened drivers.
the student room
All students should expect a clean and comfortable single or shared room. The room will have a bed, a chest of drawers and a wardrobe. Students are encouraged to keep their bedroom clean and tidy; to make their own bed each morning and keep the floor area clear.
A desk or quiet study area in the house will also be provided. Most homes in the UK have central heating and a radiator will be located in the room.
bathroom & toilet facilities
Some student bedrooms come with an en-suite bath or shower room. Alternatively, the host family will show students where the bathroom is when you first arrive. Towels will be provided.
It is important to us that students stay healthy and take responsibility for their personal hygiene at the family home. The bathroom will be cleaned by the family regularly but students should also do their best to leave the bathroom and toilet clean after use.
routine
Spending a holiday with a Bright World host family gives our students a chance to relax, enjoy time away from school and immerse themselves in UK family life.
Most families will organise a few activities and outings during the stay, but they will have plenty of time to complete any homework they have been set or to chill-out and recharge. We encourage our students to get involved and take advantage of the cultural experience.
house rules
Most families will have their own house rules around bedtimes and mealtimes, particularly for younger students. Students need to be respectful and follow the family rules during their stay. Students must also abide by the Bright World code of conduct and going out rules, which can be viewed in the Bright World app.
Older students have more freedom and can go out on their own during the day, providing they are back at an agreed upon time that evening.
food
Students will be offered breakfast, lunch and a cooked evening meal every day. Fruit and snacks are also available. If they are going out for the day, the family will provide a packed lunch which will consist of rolls or sandwiches together with a piece of fruit and a drink.
Some students like to help out with the cooking or to show the family what they like to eat at home. While this is not expected, it can be a lovely way to connect with your hosts and to share their own culture with them.
internet access
We know how important it is for our students to be able to get online, both for school work and to keep in touch with friends and family during the holidays. All Bright World host families provide Wi-Fi and students will be given the network login details when they arrive.
laundry
Host families will do a reasonable amount of laundry if students are staying with them for a half term break or during one of the longer school holidays. If they are just staying for a weekend, laundry will not usually be provided.
Bedding will be changed once per week and hosts will provide students with enough blankets/duvets to keep them nice and warm.
if students feel unwell during your stay
We tell our students that if they do not feel well, they should tell their host family immediately. They can then contact the Bright World office and we can arrange for the family to give them some medicine or, if necessary, make an appointment with their local doctor.
To find out more about the healthcare system in the UK and how we can help to support you when you are ill, click here to read our guide to navigating UK healthcare.
accidental damage
Accidents do happen. If a student damages any property at the house then we ask them to please tell the host family and apologise. There is no need to feel anxious, as the host family will be very understanding.
