Secondary Focus: Boarding versus homestay

For secondary students about to travel abroad for their studies, the decision about whether to opt for homestay or residential accommodation is an important one and agents must spend time explaining both options.

As Charlotte Davis at Oxford Area School  in New Zealand points out, the decision about whether to opt for accommodation within a family unit or as part of the close community of a school residence can be based on a number of factors. She says, “Younger students may prefer a family situation where they feel they have a mother or father figure to look after them after school hours, older students may wish to be more self-sufficient and choose independent living or a boarding situation.”

At Oxford Area School, homestays are the preferred option and Charlotte says they are popular because “most of our students wish to have a more authentic New Zealand experience by living as part of a family”.

Trends towards boarding versus homestay accommodation have also been affected by the pandemic, as Caroline Llewelyn from Oxford International Study Centre  in the UK explains. “Immediately after Covid, homestay was not the number one choice. However, last year and this year has seen a much greater percentage of students opting for homestay as this often provides a greater chance to practice using the language.”

In Switzerland, Shane Healy at Swiss Boarding Schools Disentis and Zurich , says that all students board at either their city or mountain campuses. “Expectations in terms of the quality of the living space provided are extremely high. Most students request and expect a single room with private en-suite facilities. The memory of classic shared dorms at boarding schools is not one current students have.”

Continued investment in boarding facilities is important for schools offering these and at Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate in the UK, boarding is available from year three upwards. “Younger students have spaces and common rooms designed for our littlest boarders with cupboards placed lower down, smaller chairs, and smaller beds,” says Claire Longley at the school. “Children in years three to five are currently enjoying the newly refurbished Abbey Chambers boarding house with a kitchen area, lounge, relaxing space, group study pods, and a well-being room. For sixth-form students there is exclusive access to the Atrium. Here, students have more independence and freedom along with all the kit, like TVs, game consoles, coffee machines, ovens and washing machines.”

Setting up a residence from scratch can be financially prohibitive however, as Patrick Lau from Macleans College  in New Zealand points out. “We did a financial analysis previously and found it not viable. Land and construction costs plus ongoing operation costs meant a deficit.” International students at Macleans College are offered homestay accommodation and Patrick points out that this can be advantageous in terms of meeting “different cultural needs such as food and language”.

Many UK schools have a long history of boarding and international students are often keen to experience this unique culture. “ Royal High School Bath, GDST has a well-established international boarding community and focuses on a full boarding offer with support for academic achievement, a nurturing pastoral care system and a rich and varied evening and weekend activities program,” says Sallie Taylor  at the school.

Rebekah Wilkins from Wycliffe College  in the UK points out that boarding allows pupils to be part of a school community 24 hours a day. “Students get to do a range of activities after their evening meal, such as the library being open until 9pm and the gym being open until 9.30pm,” she says. “The seven boarding houses have different features. Some have dogs, one has a rooftop garden, some are more modern than others, and some people like the more traditional ‘country manor’ boarding house that we have.”

Ensuring the right accommodation fit

Managing problems and expectations is an important part of meeting students’ accommodation needs. For many students the initial settling-in process can be the most critical time in their overseas experience.

Pam De Silva – Accommodation Manager, Inspired Education Group – Boarding Schools says that homestay is the only option offered by ACG Schools  in New Zealand. She adds, “We often refer to this as a match-making service – we consider both the students’ and the homestays’ requests and find them both the best match. There is always a settling period, in my experience it usually takes anywhere from three to six weeks for a student to settle in with a family. Most of the time it’s minor issues – such as understanding the kiwi culture, getting used to the food, traffic and time taken to get to school. Some of our students do get home sick and we make sure that we are touching base with these students on a weekly basis to ensure that they are well supported.”

Schools also put great emphasis on managing students’ expectations and providing as much information as possible before a student arrives. Shane Healy from Swiss Boarding Schools Disentis & Zurich says, “Setting realistic expectations in advance is very important. For some students who are spending an extended period away from family for the first time, it is important that the school support them with both long-term and short-term routines and good habits. Laundry is an obvious example for students who perhaps have never had to wash their own clothes before. Creating the important balance between freedom, independence, time management and responsibility also helps them manage better any issues.