Independent Homestay in United Kingdom (Ages 16+)

From Scotland in the north, Wales in the west, to the cities, towns and hamlets of England there is much to be discovered in this unique country, from castles, cathedrals, abbeys and historic homes to charming small towns and villages, to ancient monuments and breathtaking countryside. Participating in an independent homestay allows you live the day to day lifestyle of a British family while learning about this historically rich culture and enjoying the lush countryside.

Location
Host family placements can occur throughout Great Britain; in England, Scotland or Wales. Although participant preferences are taken into account wherever possible, requests are not guaranteed. Placements are not available in London.

Accommodation and Meals
Similar to America, the UK has a wide variety of families. You could live with a classic tight knit British family, a single parent, a couple without children or a single person. Most families enjoy a comfortable standard of living, and it is more common to live in a house than an apartment (or “flat”) except in larger cities. Your host family will provide full board (three meals a day). Greenheart Travel will work with our partner organization to find a family that closely matches your personality and interests.

Activities and Sightseeing
The UK is known for its beautiful countryside, and for good reason: British families love to spend time outdoors in their gardens when the weather allows it. By far the most popular sports in the country are football (soccer to us) and tennis, and these sports are played often both inside and outside of competitive leagues.
Just like in America, the Brits love to spend time in front of the TV catching up on their favorite TV shows, going to a movie and playing video games. The UK is also known for performing arts, so bring a nice outfit in case you get to see one of their famous theaters.

Though British families love to socialize and will most likely take you out on group outings they are not expected to be your tour guides. People are nice and welcoming throughout the country and you should feel comfortable taking advantage of the shared language and traveling on your own.

Local Support
Greenheart Travel always provides you with a thorough network of support before departure and during your time abroad. You will be provided with pre-departure orientation materials that will walk you through every step of your program. You will also have a local coordinator available to you throughout your stay to help with any difficulties or questions. He or she is trained to work with exchange participants and is there to help you make the most of your experience.

Travel Arrangements
All travel arrangements must be booked according to Greenheart Travel instructions. Booking travel is your responsibility, but we are more than happy to help you figure out the best way to get to your host community. Some placements are within a reasonable driving distance from the central airport, making it easy to hop in a cab that will take you to your new home. In most cases you will need to take a train or public bus to your host community. Greenheart Travel can arrange for a local coordinator to meet you at the airport and make sure you get on the correct train or bus. However, you should be prepared to make some transfers independently.

Dates
The homestay program in the United Kingdom is 1-4 weeks in length and you may set you own start and end dates throughout the year.

Requirements
Applicants must be 16+ years of age.

Program Costs 

Included	Not Included
Lodging	Airfare
Full Board (3 meals/day)	In country transportation
Medical/Accident Insurance	Phone cards/internet
Local Coordinator	Sightseeing activities
24 Emergency Staff	Souvenirs
Pre-departure Orientation

Fees may be paid by personal check, money order or credit card.