TAKE PART

The Way to the UK is aimed at French people wishing to come to the UK to learn more about the culture and/or wishing to improve their language skills. 

WHAT DOES IT OFFER?

Immersion Stays (of one to two weeks) in a family: where French visitors will receive total and personal attention from their British hosts 

HOW CAN YOU TAKE PART AND EARN MONEY AS A HOST FAMILY?

• Would enjoy talking and sharing your culture with French guests of all ages by inviting them to stay in your home? 
• Would love to welcome someone into your home as part of the family beyond just be offering food and accommodation? 

If the answer is "yes" to those questions, then why not become one of our host families?

HOW CAN ONE JOIN IN?

Just contact Charlotte

Interview with Delphine Connell, one of our Host Family Cambridge, 20^th of November 2013

1.   Do you often host foreign students?

I did, once, for a language school in Cambridge. That was about 8 years ago and I took 2 Italian girls. It was not paid very much and they were complicated girls. 2 in the house was not good and they could go out in the evening and I was worried, so they put me off.

 2.   Why did you start again?

First of all, because I personally know Charlotte, who runs The Way To The UK and I know she takes great care to choose the right family with the right children. She pays attention to create the perfect match, because she cares.

Secondly, I feel I have a lot to offer to that child (visit Cambridge, play, cook, speak….) and it’s a wonderful opportunity for my children to exchange with a French child. 

And, finally, it’s very well paid and it’s worth the effort; it’s rewarding.

 3.   Was it hard?

Absolutely not, because the children I got were very easy and they were willing to learn about the culture and the language… and also because I already have 2 children, it was like having a third one. Even when my children were at school, it was not difficult. Because I don’t work, I took it as my job for the week, but a very pleasant job. I walked around, cooked, visited nice places….

And regarding the teaching, it was also very easy. From the second you collect the children, they start to learn. You teach them without realising. Furthermore, it’s a good idea to have the English worksheets. It’s a good structure and the scrapbook is a fantastic idea, it’s a fun thing to do!

4.   Could you see an improvement in their English after a week?

Very much so. The accent improved very quickly, the fluency of their language got better and their vocabulary enriched every day.

 5.   Did you have any problems?

Not at all, because they are lovely children coming from lovely families. And my children are still in contact with them through Facebook and myself through emails. We are building a relationship!

 6.   Can you describe a normal day?

I did different things with different children. With one, we focused on the colleges, with the second one, she was happier playing at home, doing board games and cooking, and with the third one, it was clothes shopping. Basically, I see what they prefer and adapt the week.

7.   Did you spend a lot of money to entertain these children?

Not at all. We went punting one day, but it was lovely for my children too. One day we went to a pub, but we would have gone anyway, so it was just an extra meal.

 8.   Would you recommend to another family to host with The Way To The UK?

I have recommended it already. And, if you want to call or email me to talk about it, please do so: delphine.connell@ntlworld.com.