Have you ever wanted to learn more about a different culture, or even share your own with someone from abroad?

A unique opportunity has emerged for families in Leamington Spa to open their homes to visiting international students through JoStudy English Academy, and this year, new incentives are being offered to welcome more local hosts.

Hosting international students as a homestay family provides a rewarding cultural exchange while offering additional financial benefits and support.

By opening their home, hosts allow students to experience the warmth of British hospitality while sharing their own traditions, customs and stories.

Nub News spoke to one of the team members at JoStudy to learn more about the academy's work, how it connects with the local community, and how families can get involved.

What is JoStudy?

JoStudy is a company that brings students from across the globe - including countries in Europe and Asia - to the UK for immersive English language experiences.

With spring and summer approaching, the academy says interest from overseas students is rising sharply, particularly from European and Asian markets.

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These programmes typically run during the summer or throughout the year in the form of shorter mini-stays.

During their stay, students lodge with local families, enabling them to fully immerse themselves in British culture while sharing their own customs and traditions.

With Leamington's ideal location - close to Stratford-upon-Avon and Warwick Castle - JoStudy says the town remains a key destination and is actively seeking more homestay families in the area. 

The homestay experience

Students stay with local homestay families who provide a welcoming home environment, including breakfast and dinner.

During the day, students attend lessons and organised excursions, returning in the evenings to spend time with their host family.

Puya from JoStudy explained:

"It's really a cultural exchange. Students experience day-to-day British life - watching TV, playing games with their homestay families and learning about British culture. It's full immersion."

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All host families are DBS checked and receive guidance and ongoing support from the JoStudy team.

The academy ensures students - typically aged 12–17 - are matched appropriately before being placed in homes.

Homestay families receive £30 per student per night, with most homes hosting between one and three students per visit. 

New host incentives for 2026

To welcome new families ahead of the busy spring and summer season, JoStudy has introduced additional benefits:

• £50 welcome bonus for new hosts on top of their first hosting payment
• JoStudy welcome package and merchandise for new families
• £50 referral bonus for every friend who signs up and becomes a host

JoStudy says these additions are part of its push to grow its homestay network as international demand continues to rise.

Puya added:"The number of students wanting to come is growing all the time, especially as we move towards the spring and summer period. We're expanding and Leamington remains a key area for us." 

How to get involved

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Families interested in becoming a homestay host can contact JoStudy directly at [email protected] or visit the academy's website.

If you're interested in opening your home to a young international guest and experiencing a new culture from your living room, now could be the perfect time to get involved.

Families interested in becoming a homestay host can contact JoStudy directly at [email protected] or visit the academy's website (image supplied)

JoStudy sponsors Nub News.