International students come from countries across the world to Gower College Swansea and are aged between 16-18. We have students from Argentina, Cambodia, China, Germany, Hong Kong, Iran, Italy, Romania, Russia, South Korea, Taiwan, the United Arab Emirates and Vietnam. We are always looking for families interested in hosting students who can provide them with a friendly and relaxed environment, helping them to develop their English language skills while giving them a real insight into British culture and family life.
Homestay is so much more than being a guest in someone’s home, it is essential for students to feel that they are one of the family by taking part in the household’s regular routines, such as having dinner together in the evenings. The College always aims to provide a good match between students and their host family.
Homestay families provide a vital link between the student, the College and their families at home and assist them in gaining their independence and social skills needed for further studies and life at university in the UK.
If you are able to offer our students a warm and welcoming home and are interested in becoming a Homestay Provider, please complete the link below and fill out the form.
For more information, email international@gcs.ac.uk or phone 01792 284007.
Host experiences
Sue and Keith Dinnage and Sue Morris share their experience of being a Homestay host to two students from Vietnam and China.
Sue Dinnage
“We have had the pleasure of being Homestay hosts for several years and have found it to be a very rewarding experience. We enjoy sharing knowledge of our culture and country whilst also learning about our guests’ culture and home country, making it very humbling for us all. The College provides excellent support to the students and to the Homestay hosts with multiple points of contact.”
Sue Morris
“As a Homestay host, I have found it very rewarding. All the students I have had have been from Asian countries and it is interesting learning about the different cultures. I would recommend anyone to become a host not only for the benefit of the student but also for yourself. It is nice to give a home to young people from overseas who may be away from home for the first time.”
Student experiences
Nguyen Nghi (Ivy), A Level International Student
"My time so far in Swansea has been enlightening in becoming more independent, hardworking and motivated for the future. Mrs. Morris and her family have given me a lovely, warm welcome and always put effort into making me feel at home. She has supported and taken care of me a lot and is also willing to spend her time listening to me talking, and taking me to the local church every weekend. My family absolutely love her. Thank you Mrs. Morris, to your family and love to you all."