Island Life Magazine Ltd April/May 2017 | Page 127

Education Playing host to language students International language travel company EF has brought hundreds of overseas students to the Isle of Wight for over the past 40 years, not only to learn English but to immerse themselves in the culture and have fun. One of the keys to its success is the army of local host families who welcome 10-14 year-old language learners from all over the world. Programmes run from June to August, and with EF’s business still growing, there’s always a need for more host families to accommodate the visiting youngsters. Jesse MacEwan, who runs the accommodation department on the Island in Holyrood Street, Newport, says: “We have a diverse group of families and there’s no requirement to have your own children or to be a couple. A host family can be a single person. “The experience is just as rewarding to families as it is to our students – in fact, many students and families form such a bond that families are invited back to stay with the students”. As the largest language school on the Island, and with schools and offices in more than 60 countries, EF can offer 24/7 support. For more information, call 01983 821133 or view the website www.ef.co.uk/host-family A Summer of fun at Ryde School Ryde School is running a Summer School again this year between Monday 10th July and Friday 4th August. Designed to be packed with activities and sports for children aged 5 - 12 years old, this year the activities will be run in the school grounds and outdoor learning centre. Designed so that children from across the Island, Southsea and Portsmouth can have a funpacked full-day programme that fits with parent working hours. Whilst the core hours are 9am to 5pm, optional extensions can be booked to allow your child to start the day with breakfast at 8am and finish at 6pm after supper. Friendly, DBS-checked instructors and staff will create adventurous fun from Monday to Friday for two different age groups: ‘Young Adventurers’ aged 5 to 7 and ‘Sports & Activities’ aged 8 to 12. Activities planned include lots of sport, outdoor learning, creative activities including drama, cookery, art and craft. A residential option is also available with accommodation at Ryde School’s boarding houses in Bembridge. Please see www.rydeschool.org. uk/Summer-School or contact Mrs. Naomi Fowke on 01983 617915, [email protected] for more details and to book a place. www.visitilife.com 127