HOSTING OVERSEAS STUDENTS – Lewisham
HFS London accommodates overseas students visiting the UK through homestays – staying temporarily with local families in their spare rooms to really experience the British way of life rather than staying with their peers in hostel dormitories or at residential English schools.
Any London resident who owns their home and has a spare bedroom is able to rent out their spare space to a student through HFS London. However, the fastest growing demographic of overseas students visiting Britain to study are junior students; those aged 10-15 who are in the UK with their school or college for a short-term study assignment. This usually includes some English language tutorial and some tourist-y visits alongside their standard studies.
Why Lewisham?
Lewisham is home to numerous educational establishments and having previously had a reputation for education that wasn’t favoured, has seen years’ worth of investment and improvements fostered into the area. Lewisham’s geographical location makes it one of the most central boroughs of London that’s still heavily residential; so is brilliantly connected with public and private transport whilst remaining not too commercial and being a great place to live.
In the case of junior students, their parents are keen to find neighbourhoods for their children to stay in that are central, friendly and most of all safe – and Lewisham balances out these qualities well. Amongst areas that are in demand for junior student homestays, Lewisham is frequently one of the most heavily requested.
What is there to do in Lewisham?
In order to really integrate within British life, HFS London recommends host families involve their student guests in their day-to-day life wherever they can. Their educational establishment will likely take them to some of London’s more tourist-y hotspots, but there’s plenty they can do around the Lewisham area to experience London life too.
Challenge yourself at the UK’s only Swedish felt mini golf course…
…yep, that’s a real thing! Open since 2010, the crazy golf course at Hither Green is unlike any other and is surprisingly challenging. It’s only £3 for under 18s and makes for a fun family few hours, so you can really make it into a family outing and involve everyone.
Stock up on groceries at Lewisham Market
Visiting a supermarket in a foreign country is interesting for anyone, but if you’re looking to really shop local, an actual market can give a better experience AND help you source some better ingredients. Those living in Lewisham are lucky enough to have Lewisham Market on their doorstep, and there’s plenty of on-the-street dining options to try as you walk around.
Admire the skyline from Telegraph Hill
Lewisham’s answer to Primrose Hill, the beautiful outdoor space that is Telegraph Hill looks out over the London skyline and is the ideal backdrop for your student guests to take some photos against! 50-metres high, it affords some great panoramic views, and the park is full of dog walkers, runners and yogis year-round. Once a year you’ll find a festival of comedy, art and literature here too, so there may be more events than usual in the summer.
Become a Host Family in Lewisham
If you live in Lewisham, have a spare room, and would like to look after a junior student for the duration of their stay in the UK, contact HFS London today. Our books are open and Lewisham is in-demand, so we’ll be in touch to start the application process as soon as possible!
