Have you ever wanted to learn more about a different culture, or even share your culture with another? 

A unique opportunity has emerged for families in Leamington Spa to open their homes to a visiting international student through Jo Study English Academy.

Hosting international students as a homestay host, provides a unique opportunity to engage in cultural exchange and broaden your horizons.

By opening their home, individuals allow students to experience the warmth of British hospitality while sharing their own traditions, customs, and stories.

Nub News spoke to one of the team members at JoStudy to learn more about the academy's work, how it connects with the local community, and how families can get involved as homestay hosts.

What is JoStudy?

JoStudy is company that brings students from across the globe, from countries including Italy, Turkey, and China, to the UK for immersive English language experiences.

These programmes typically run during the summer or throughout the year in the form of shorter mini-stays.

During these stays, the students lodge with families, enabling them to fully immerse themselves in British culture and share their own customs and stories. 

With the expansion and higher demand from foreign students to visit the UK, and Leamington's "ideal location", with Shakespeare's home in Stratford and Warwick Castle, just around the corner, the company is looking for homestay families in Leamington to accommodate students.

The homestay experience

Students stay with local "homestay" families who provide a welcoming home environment, including breakfast and dinner. 

During the day, students attend lessons and excursions, returning in the evenings to spend time with their host family.

Puya from JoStudy explained: "It's really a cultural exchange. Sudents experience day-to-day British life, watching TV and playing games with their homestay families and learn about British culture- it's full a immersion."

All host families are DBS checked and receive guidance and support from the JoStudy team. 

The academy ensures the students, typically between 12–17 years old, are matched to those of a similar age before being placed in the homes.

Homestay families receive £30 per student per night, with most homes hosting between one to three students per visit.

With increasing demand from international students, JoStudy is expanding its homestay network in Leamington and beyond.

"The number of students wanting to come is growing all the time," Puya explained,

"We're expanding and Leamington remains a key area for us."

How to get involved:

Families interested in becoming a homestay host can contact JoStudy directly using the email address [email protected] or through its website. 

If you're interested in opening your home to a young international guest, visit here.

Jo Study is a sponsor of Leamington Nub News.

JoStudy is company that brings students from across the globe, from countries including Italy, Turkey, and China, to the UK for immersive English language experiences (image supplied)