HOSTING OVERSEAS STUDENTS – Norbury
Neighbouring Streatham and Croydon, Norbury is a popular residential area for families and is fast becoming a more ‘buzzy’ vibrant place to live and work in London. It’s currently a ‘target town’ for us here at HFS London. We’re looking for new host families in the area to register and start hosting ‘junior’ students from all over the world who are visiting the UK for study placements.
A ‘junior student’ is classified as a student aged between 11-16, so is still a minor. It may seem a little young for lone overseas travel compared to the British schooling system, but many parents worldwide see the value in not just learning a good level of spoken English, but also in taking advantage of the superior study institutions that Britain has to offer alongside the life experiences that travel brings. The programme and support around such student travel is vigorous and very well-structured. There’s lots of help available for both the junior students and for the host families.
Why Norbury?
Norbury is brilliantly located for easy travel to both central London and to study centres including schools and colleges. The variety of public transport this brings alongside the fact that Norbury is perceived as a very safe, residential neighbourhood. This makes it attractive to the parents of students looking to travel alone.
What is there to do in Norbury?
Junior students visiting the UK do have a structured programme of extra-curricular activities that are to be carried out with their peers and accompanying teachers on evenings and weekends away from schooling, but there will still be times that they’re at home with their host family. HFS London are keen for all student travellers to really experience British culture and live like a local while they’re here. We feel that the bonding between host family and guest is key to positive experiences. We always encourage host families to get out and about with their new guests, and these are just some of the local activities we recommend in Norbury.
Sample some British sweetness at Cream’s
Of course you know Cream’s; it’s a Norbury institution! The perfect place to try traditional and non-traditional desserts and ice creams, you, your family and your student guest can experiment and share lots of different dishes – either in the restaurant or at home by taking advantage of their delivery service. Even better, let the kids create their own waffles or crepes. They can be mixed and matched with various ingredients and sauces! Maybe stick to keeping something straight off the menu for you though, eh?
Get a taste of the great outdoors at Wandle Park
Wandle Park is a Green Flag award-winning outdoor space, and if the weather is good, there’s nowhere better to visit. A jam-packed schedule of free-to-attend events and activities takes place almost weekly at the bandstand, and the play park is ideal for younger children. The Victorian Bridge across the river is a great example of English architecture… and makes for a very Instagrammable backdrop to photos.
Experience Disc Golf at Lloyd Park
OK, so you’ve probably never heard of it, but we are assured that Disc Golf is a very popular sport! The Croydon Disc Golf Club meet in Lloyd Park and have an 18-hole course there. There is, however, also a 9-hole course more suitable for beginners, and it’s free to play – just take along your own frisbee. If you do wish to give it a go with the proper ‘official’ discs, you can hire them for £10 from the café, and will get £8 back upon their return.
Become a Host Family in Norbury
If you would like to make some money through hiring out your spare room, and like the idea of a Disc Golf companion, the HFS London team can talk you through the application and training process. Email or call us today for a no-obligation chat!
