Being a Host Home
Diversity is key to our programme, and that's why we're keen to recruit a really wide range of people to provide our volunteers with host homes. Previous hosts have included a retired widower of 75, and a Major and his wife who lived in a castle - variety is, after all, the spice of life!
Why host homes?
The experience that volunteers gain from staying with local hosts rather than as a whole group in a hostel gives them a far better insight into life in their host community. By taking part in a host's daily life, they gain an invaluable and unique perspective of the culture in a way that they might not otherwise. Similarly, the host home also benefits and learns from the experience of having two guests from different backgrounds staying with them.
What is expected of a host home?
As volunteers have 2 counterparts - one they work with and one they live with - we ask that host homes take 2 volunteers, ideally for the duration of the UK phase (just under 12 weeks). As far as possible, live-in pairs will be the same sex, and therefore need only one bedroom as they'll be expected to share.
As a host, you'll be asked to provide breakfast, a packed lunch and an evening meal. Our real priority is finding hosts who are happy to involve volunteers in as many aspects of daily life as possible. This doesn't mean, however, that hosts should feel obligated to keep their guests entertained!
What support do host homes receive?
Each Global Xchange team has two programme supervisors, one of each nationality. They are responsible for members of the team throughout the exchange and are available to provide support to host homes whenever needed. They also have responsibility for discipline and can dismiss volunteers from the programme should the need arise. They will visit host homes regularly and should be the first point of contact in the event of any problems.
What do host homes get in return?
The current allowance for host homes is £75 per week. This is paid in instalments at a time convenient to the host household.
The allowance aims to cover the extra food, water, electricity etc the volunteers will use during their stay.
And finally...
It's not always easy to take two strangers into your home for nearly three months. It's a big decision to make. However, we firmly believe that there are excellent benefits to be gained from the experience. We ask our volunteers to remember that they are living in somebody else's house. We expect them to abide by whatever rules you have and respect whatever decisions you make. This ensures a good relationship between host and guest and ultimately a more positive experience for everyone.
Below are some reflections from those who have hosted in the past:What attracts host homes to the idea of hosting two young people from different communities?
Being able to share experiences with people, not only of a different age group, but a different culture. Giving my boys a chance to live with and learn from people from other parts of the country and world. I think this gives the boys a head start in life!
- Host mother in Mansfield
We were newly retired to North Wales, so we had time on our hands, we wanted to meet other host homes and widen our circle of friends (total success!)
- Host home in Bangor, Wales
What do host homes feel they have gained from the experience?
Although I have travelled extensively as a backpacker/tourist. I have never spent such a prolonged period with someone from different religious background/way of living.
- Host home in King's Lynn
Nigeria is a wealthy country, very concerned with health and education, quite different from my preconceived ideas... So nice to see other nationalities working and helping within the community.
- Host home in Lowestoft
Wonderful to watch the UK girl and Ghanaian girl 'spark' off each other followed by compromise and complete the task in hand. Would that all politicians could achieve what these young people did.
- Host mother in Huntingdon
The centres that the volunteers worked in benefited greatly. We as a family will really miss them. They were great ambassadors and partners... The community spirit was good while they were around as they visited each other's homes... Overall the community was enriched.
- Host home in Limavady, Northern Ireland
What advice would host homes give to other people think of hosting?
Be aware of your basic assumptions/expectations about the volunteers and be willing to question them. Be open about your own boundaries, lifestyle, and expectations of behaviour.
- Host home, Bangor