Host families needed due to rise in visitors

English Language Homestays, based at Shoreham Airport, has host families in Shoreham, Steyning, Southwick and Lancing.

This year has seen a 30 per cent increase in bed nights, and a further increase is predicted in 2014.

The company, which has been in the area for more than 10 years and outgrew its premises at Southwick Community Centre last year, believes the increase could be down to the pound stabilising against the euro.

Managing director Jackie Verrall said: “The schools have confidence in us. We have been operating for over 10 years and so much of our work is repeat business.

“The overseas schools know that their students will enjoy good quality teaching, that we have great organisational skills – and that the quality of our host families is unquestionable.”

The figures were calculated per student per night. A comparison of figures year on year showed a 10 per cent increase in the number of coaches brought into Sussex, but the size of the groups have also increased.

In many cases this had resulted in an upgrade of bookings from single to double-decker coaches.

An increase in bookings is already being seen for next year’s short stay season, starting in February 2014.

The boom in English language students will mean the company needs to expand its host family base for next year.

Anyone with spare rooms available who is prepared to treat foreign students as a member of the family, eating meals together and including them in their day to day activities, can get in touch.

The company has state-of-the-art teaching rooms at Shoreham Airport and offers courses ranging from short stays of three to five days, to four-week summer school packages.

The International Summer School offers individuals and small groups of 12 to 15-year-olds from across Europe the opportunity to enjoy a group experience without having to be part of a formal school group.

New this year was Club Fun for 12 to 16-year-olds, including a variety of adrenaline-based sports like kayaking, mountain biking, rock climbing and sailing at Adur Outdoor Activities Centre.

Email [email protected] or call 01273 595900.