Expanding Horizons, Enriching Lives: Become a host family with Lincoln College

Are you ready to embark on a culturally enriching journey? Lincoln College is calling for host families to welcome international students into their homes from September 2024 to June 2025. By becoming a host, you can make a young person's dream come true, allowing them to experience a new culture and lifestyle while they complete their studies at Lincoln College. 

Hosting an international student offers a unique opportunity for cultural exchange. You'll learn about their customs, traditions, and ways of life, while sharing your own culture with them. This mutual exchange fosters a bond that can last a lifetime, broadening your perspective and appreciation for diversity. 

As a host family, you'll connect with people from different parts of the world. This experience can help you build lasting friendships and deepen your understanding of various cultures, enhancing your social network in a meaningful way. 

Bringing an international student into your home adds new dimensions to your family life. Your children will gain firsthand exposure to different languages, customs, and traditions, enriching their education and broadening their horizons for future endeavors. 

Introduce your student to the unique aspects of your community by taking them to local events and attractions. This not only helps them appreciate your hometown but also fosters a sense of belonging and integration. 

In addition to the enriching experiences, Lincoln College offers a stipend of £135 per week to host families. This financial support helps cover expenses such as food, lodging, and transportation, providing an additional source of income. For less than a year's commitment, you can earn over £4500 while making a significant impact on a young person's life.  

Hosting an international student is not just about providing a place to stay; it's about making a lasting difference in their lives. You will watch their confidence grow and create lifelong connections. Your role as a host can provide unique opportunities for personal growth, cultural experiences, and broadening perspectives. 

David Stokes, an International Family Host at Lincoln College, said: “We had the space and knew it would be rewarding. It’s good to see the students come in as youngsters and leave as adults and pick up a good education while they’re here. They are a part of our family.  

“Our ambition when new students come along is to give them the starting point for them to go on to have a good career. We’ve had several different student success stories - we feel very proud that we are a part of that.” 

Ottman, a Norwegian International Student at Lincoln College, said: “Lincoln College has everything I need and is very welcoming. The great thing is that the college is very diverse, especially in the lessons – there is always something new to learn. The first time I arrived here, I was surprised by all the on-campus opportunities.  

“One of my passions is football. Through college they helped me get onto a football team – which builds on my social life. I can continue what I would have done in Norway here, which is amazing. David and Anna were great host parents; they were very inclusive and taught us about the English lifestyle. Once we started to get to know each other, they were more like family. They care about you. They are and will - become part of your life. You will carry the experience around for the rest of your life - the experiences are priceless.” 

If you're interested in this exciting opportunity, we'd love to hear from you! To become a host, simply register your interest here and start the journey of bringing the world to your home.