All our students are lodged in host families. We find that this is the best way to help to improve their English quickly. It also gives them the best possible understanding of British life and culture, which helps them with their studies and with their examinations.

Our host families are ordinary English families who live in the area. They have their own careers and interests. They are all different, but they have something in common: they all look after foreign students at Newbury Hall.

Some of our host families have been with us for years, and some have joined more recently. Many form lasting friendships with the students, and continue to exchange cards, letters and photos for many years.

The arrangement with the family is that the host family provides three meals a day, a quiet, warm, clean, comfortable room, laundry and conversation. It is important for the student to understand that they are expected to live as a member of the family, and to fit in with family’s customs and routines.

The family environment makes sure that the student will study and practise their English at home. It also helps to get over any homesickness or culture-shock at the beginning of the stay.