What is it like to host an international student?
Katrina and Robert Sands have been a host family with Pippa’s Guardians for over two years. In that time they have hosted a number of different students from various schools and colleges close to where they live in Berkshire. Here, Katrina talks about her experiences of hosting.
“We have been a host family for Pippa’s Guardians since January 2024 and it has truly been one of the most rewarding experiences for our family. The students we welcome into our home quickly become part of our everyday lives, bringing so much warmth, energy, and joy with them. We value the time we spend together, especially around the dinner table, sharing stories about their families, cultures, hobbies, and friendships.
As they settle in, it’s lovely to see them grow in confidence. Before long, they feel completely at home, helping themselves in the kitchen, joining in with family activities and even cooking meals for us all. We’ve been incredibly lucky to enjoy delicious dishes from Thailand, Spain, China, and Japan, which has been such a treat. Celebrating birthdays together, attending their concerts and supporting them at school or college events has made us feel genuinely connected to their journeys. It is a real privilege to care for them and to build relationships with both the students and their families.”
“We have been a host family for Pippa’s Guardians since January 2024 and it has truly been one of the most rewarding experiences for our family. The students we welcome into our home quickly become part of our everyday lives, bringing so much warmth, energy, and joy with them. We value the time we spend together, especially around the dinner table, sharing stories about their families, cultures, hobbies, and friendships.
As they settle in, it’s lovely to see them grow in confidence. Before long, they feel completely at home, helping themselves in the kitchen, joining in with family activities and even cooking meals for us all. We’ve been incredibly lucky to enjoy delicious dishes from Thailand, Spain, China, and Japan, which has been such a treat. Celebrating birthdays together, attending their concerts and supporting them at school or college events has made us feel genuinely connected to their journeys. It is a real privilege to care for them and to build relationships with both the students and their families.”
“A typical weekend begins with collecting the students from school or college. We enjoy a relaxed catch-up in the car, often with a quick snack along the way. Once home, they unwind in their rooms before joining us downstairs when they’re ready. They settle in naturally and many enjoy spending time with our three ragdoll cats, who always appreciate the extra attention!
Mealtimes are an important part of our routine. We always sit down together and our own children love having new friends to talk to. Weekends are generally calm and flexible. Older students often use the time to rest, study, practise music, or simply enjoy some well-earned downtime.”
“A typical weekend begins with collecting the students from school or college. We enjoy a relaxed catch-up in the car, often with a quick snack along the way. Once home, they unwind in their rooms before joining us downstairs when they’re ready. They settle in naturally and many enjoy spending time with our three ragdoll cats, who always appreciate the extra attention!
Mealtimes are an important part of our routine. We always sit down together and our own children love having new friends to talk to. Weekends are generally calm and flexible. Older students often use the time to rest, study, practise music, or simply enjoy some well-earned downtime.”
“We’re fortunate to live in a beautiful area that offers both countryside and easy access to town and London. Sometimes the older students travel into London to meet friends, while at other times we spend time together locally, visiting parks, going on bike rides, or enjoying sports like golf, tennis, badminton, basketball or football at the leisure centre. Baking together and helping with meal preparation are always popular and we also enjoy playing games like chess and Mancala as a family.
During longer holidays, we really notice how quiet the house becomes without them and we miss their presence. We are already looking forward to another wonderful year of hosting and would wholeheartedly recommend becoming a host family. It is a truly special and enriching experience.”
“We’re fortunate to live in a beautiful area that offers both countryside and easy access to town and London. Sometimes the older students travel into London to meet friends, while at other times we spend time together locally, visiting parks, going on bike rides, or enjoying sports like golf, tennis, badminton, basketball or football at the leisure centre. Baking together and helping with meal preparation are always popular and we also enjoy playing games like chess and Mancala as a family.
During longer holidays, we really notice how quiet the house becomes without them and we miss their presence. We are already looking forward to another wonderful year of hosting and would wholeheartedly recommend becoming a host family. It is a truly special and enriching experience.”
If you are interested in experiencing the joys that being a host family can bring, please get in touch with us on 01684 252757, or email hostfamilies@pippasguardians.co.uk for more information.