HOST

HOST is a network of volunteers all over Britain who enjoy meeting international students. HOST families invite students to stay in their homes for a few days over the Christmas and Easter holidays or for a weekend throughout the year. The purpose of HOST is to give international students experience of living for a few days in a British home in a county or region of interest and to promote friendship between people from different countries. It is possible to go with another student.

HOST charge the University for applications authorised by us, currently £50.00 per application plus 20% Value Added Tax (VAT). Student Support is pleased to be able to subsidise the application fee by paying the VAT, we regret that we are unable to subsidise the full cost. For students who include their spouse or partner on their application there will incur an additional charge, the University is not able to subsidise this cost so students will need to pay the full amount.

How to apply:

Application forms should be completed on-line via the HOST website, once submitted HOST will send us your application for checking and authorisation, we will then email you asking you to arrange to make the payment, £50 per student. If the application is for you and your spouse/partner the total charge will be £84.00 inclusive of VAT.

Please note that only certain categories of student are eligible to apply, the main category is full time international students aged 18+ studying for more than 3 months. If you do not fall within this category please check the HOST website for more information on eligibility.

News from HOST UK

HOST are now offering day visits to hosts that are local to the University, the cost is £30 per application plus 20% VAT. To apply please visit the HOST website.

If you are based at the Colchester campus:

You should pay your fee to the Income Office, Square 2. You will be issued with a receipt which you should bring to the Student Support Office.

If you are based at the Southend campus:

You should make your payment at the Income counter on floor 2 of The Gateway Building. They will then email Student Support, Colchester campus to advise us that you have paid.

If you are based at the Loughton campus:

You should take a cheque for the fee made payable to the 'University of Essex' to the Student Support at Loughton. They will then forward the cheque to Student Support, Colchester campus.

Once we have confirmation of payment we will authorise your application accordingly.

If you would like to find our more about HOST you can contact them direct.

Website: http://www.hostuk.org 

Please note that NO other University department can authorise a HOST visit. Applications submitted on-line will not be processed by HOST without the authorisation of Student Support, Colchester campus.

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