Host families are needed for international students studying in Gloucestershire.

Pippa’s Guardians provides Guardianship services to international students who are studying at boarding schools across the country.

They find families who can offer a welcoming home for students during the school holidays.

Sarah Davies, area Manager for Pippa’s Guardians, looks after students at Cheltenham College. She said: “The families we look for are welcoming and are interested in other cultures.

"Having children of similar ages helps but isn’t the most important thing as we have many successful host families who have no children, younger children or indeed older children who have left home.

"Internet access is very important, and each student will need their own bedroom with a desk or somewhere quiet for homework.

"Being part of a family and experiencing day-to-day family life enhances students’ study and plays a part in improving their English language.”

Anne Weir, who recently hosted a student from Singapore, said: “She was a delight to host, polite, helpful and a pleasure to have around.

"She worked hard on her school work and was very focused on her revision and the practical work she did for her food technology course. She even cooked us a three course meal as part of her school work which was a great success.”

Host families are needed for international students joining schools in Gloucestershire this September.

If you are interested in hosting a student, contact hostfamilies@pippasguardians.co.uk