Frequently Asked Questions

QWhat do I do after lessons? Will I get bored?

A
Families will always go out of their way to be with students in their free time, or give them opportunities for activities and each family will include the student in their normal family life so you should never feel isolated or bored. If you enjoy doing a particular type of activity, for example horse-riding or cycling, the family will help you arrange to do this in your spare time.

QI am a Young Learner, can I be placed with a host family with children my age?

A
We will always do our best to fulfil specific requests but sometimes this is not always possible, however we will always place with a host teacher who will be happy to introduce you to other young people in the area. The overwhelming response from young students on our courses has been extremely positive.

QDo I need a visa to study on an ILH Homestay course?

A
If you are from outside the European Economic Area, then you will need a visa. If you are over 18, you will need a visitor student visa. If you are under 18, you will need a child visitor visa. To obtain a visa, you need to supply us with a copy of your passport, showing your photograph, then we can issue a letter of invitation to you. You can then apply for a visa.

QWhat happens if my visa is refused after I have booked and paid for a course with you?

A
If this happens, we would reimburse all fees paid less an administration fee of £40, €60 or $60, also the visa invitation courier fee if applicable on receipt by email of a scanned copy of the visa refusal letter.

QWhat happens if I can’t arrange a flight for the exact day the course ends?

A
You can book extra days accommodation on all courses for this reason, this is charged at a daily accommodation only rate.

QWill the host family offer internet access for my laptop?

A
Most host families are able to offer wi-fi access for student’s computers, but if not there are generally public facilities close to many host teacher’s homes, such as a public library or an internet cafe. If this is important to you, please tell us so we can place you with an appropriate host family.

QCan I arrange to be collected from my arrival airport and taken back on departure?

A
Yes, we can arrange all transfers, please ask us to arrange this for you.

QDo I need travel or health insurance?

A
ILH recommends strongly that you take out personal insurance and that you obtain a European Health Insurance Card. Students 16 years and under must bring an authorisation for hospital surgery in case of emergency signed by their parents.

QCan I choose which host teacher I am placed with?

A
No, ILH will place each student with the most suitable host teacher and family available, however if a request is made, for example for a teacher from a previous experience, we will attempt to fulfil specific requests if it is possible.

QWhat if I have a dietary requirement or medical allergy?

A
Simply tell ILH about any medical conditions or dietary requirements and we will place you with the most suitable host teacher to cope with any issues. For example, if you are allergic to cats, we will ensure you are placed in a household where this is not a problem.

QWhat happens with regards to meals?

A
ILH host families will provide students with three meals a day, to be eaten with the family.

QThere are two of us, and we both want the Private Bathroom option. Do we both have to pay the full rate?

A
No, if you are on a Two Student Option, the Private Bathroom supplement would be shared.

QHow long is a normal course?

A
Most courses are around 3-4 weeks, but we recommend a minimum of 2 weeks.

QCan my family come with me and stay with the host family?

A
Yes, your family can also stay with the host family at an ‘Accommodation only’ rate.

QWhat happens if I start my course and I don’t get on with my teacher?

A
This is extremely rare, but you can talk to your Local Organiser, who is available to sort out any issues, and if you still feel you need to change teachers, we can arrange for an alternative teacher and host family.