The EVC Magazine Spring 2025 - Flipbook - Page 18
HOME AND AWAY
Homestays and exchange visits are popular ways for young
people to experience a different culture. These immersive
experiences involve staying with carefully selected families,
which can later be reciprocated when hosts visit the UK.
Exchanges and homestays give young people opportunities
to use language skills in a real-life context, building their
confidence and developing an appreciation for other
cultures. Careful planning is the key to a successful exchange,
so here are some suggestions to help with your preparations.
PLANNING CHECKLIST
Your planning should include the following:
Regular communication between the Visit Leaders and the host
school to identify and overcome any concerns and issues, and
make sure that expectations on both sides are fully understood
A pre-visit (if feasible), especially if this is a new partnership or
new staff are involved. This is also a great way to establish a good
relationship with your opposite number.
An event-specific risk assessment, considering the individual needs
of the students on the visit
Travel arrangements and practical advice (e.g. traffic directions)
Student profiles/health plans/inclusion needs that are significant
and relevant to your visit
Agreed expectations on behaviour, conduct and supervision levels
Suitability of the host families and accommodation. Have a
contingency plan to move students at short notice if needed.
VETTING
PROCEDURES
It is your responsibility to check that
the overseas host establishment or
agency has suitable vetting procedures
in place. Don’t forget to keep parents
and carers informed and involved
throughout this process – they’ll
understandably have concerns about
where their children are staying and
with whom. Knowing that you have
clear policies and processes will help
to reassure them.
The host school is generally
responsible for selecting and assessing
host families, checking things such
as prior knowledge of the family
and compatibility. They should
also confirm the suitability of the
accommodation, including sleeping
and bathroom facilities.
If the host school needs guidance on
gathering the information, you can
direct them to template forms created
by OEAP National Guidance – these are
available in a variety of languages at
https://oeapng.info (search ‘8.4’).
OEAP National Guidance
7.1f Exchanges and Homestays says
that if a Visit Leader is concerned
about the host establishment or
placing agency’s decisions, you
should seek alternative measures
and/or reconsider whether the visit
should take place.
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