Local Link: Frequently asked questions
We’re glad you’ve interested in BISC’s Local Link Scheme. This page should answer a lot of questions students have.
Q: What is the BISC Local Link Scheme?
BISC is a voluntary organisation with official charitable status. It’s been run by local churches around Bristol since 1976 and many hosts and students have enjoyed friendships during and after their time in Bristol. It gives students a chance to meet local people and visit them in their homes. It’s not always easy for overseas students to meet and get to know locals, so this scheme links you with friendly hosts who like meeting internationals. You can talk with a native speaker, find out about the culture and typical British food.
Q: Who can join?
Full or part-time international students, aged 18+, studying in Britain for at least 3 months, undergraduates, post-graduates, British Council and Turing Scheme scholars, exchange and language students and those doing research from any country. A spouse and children can be included if they live here with you.
Q: How much does it cost?
There is no cost. Hosts enjoy welcoming you to their homes.
Q: Are the volunteer hosts checked?
Yes, we check all new hosts for suitability through a referee. Both hosts and students will also sign up to our Code of Conduct. BISC knows most of our hosts personally. We value your feedback after a visit and if you are not happy with the host for any reason please tell us immediately and we’ll try to link you to another host.
Q: Why do local people offer to be hosts?
There are many reasons. Some like to meet people from countries they’ve visited or lived in. Others like to find out about new places from the students. Many hosts enjoy sharing about their local area and traditions. Some want their children to meet people from other cultures, others have no children but enjoy meeting young people. Some hosts like to practice another language with a native speaker. All the hosts enjoy welcoming visitors and helping them feel at home in Bristol.
Q: How do I know I’ll get on well with my hosts?
Our hosts are friendly and welcoming, they love meeting people from other countries and helping them feel at home in Britain. They choose each year to continue hosting. Part of the success depends on you and how you respond to the visits. BISC tries to match you with the most suitable hosts using the information you’ve put on your form. Every host reads and accepts our code of conduct.
TIMING
Q: When will I hear from my host?
After we get your completed form we confirm by email or letter with you. Then we’ll ask a suitable host to contact you. Sometimes this is quite soon, other times we may need to wait a short while. We then contact you to tell you the details of the host who will contact you direct. Allow 2 weeks after this for them to contact you. If after 2 weeks they haven’t been in touch please contact the BISC office and we’ll contact them for you.
Q: When do I visit my host?
Sometimes hosts will invite you for tea or coffee in town first so you can meet briefly to get comfortable. Or they might invite you to their home directly. They will usually ask you when you are free as they know you have lectures scheduled. Often they’ll invite you for tea, or a main meal at the weekend, or an evening in the week. Try not to delay the first meeting too long. Then if you get on well you will have more chances to meet before your work builds up.
INVITATIONS
Q: Do I have to accept their invitation?
BISC takes trouble to find a good host to suit you and they will be looking forward to meeting you. Please remember they are volunteers and have made some preparations for your visit. If you cannot or don’t wish to continue with this host you must tell BISC’s Local Link organiser immediately. If you cannot go to an arranged meetings with your host please contact them as soon as possible ahead to tell them you can’t come.
Q: What will I know about my host before I meet them?
They are usually people BISC knows personally and they have been checked. BISC will send you their names and contact details. Then they will contact you to arrange the first meeting.
Q: Can I take a friend?
Other international students over 18 can go with you, but always ask the host before you go. It is not polite to arrive with a friend they don’t know about. Some hosts may suggest bringing a friend, but always ask first if not.
Q: How will I get there? I don’t know the city well or the public transport.
You agree this together. Some have cars and will give you a lift. Others may advise you how to go with public transport. Sometimes the first meeting is in town somewhere you can find easily.
VISITS
Q: Should I take something with me?
Hosts don’t expect you to bring a gift, but if you visit more times you might take a small gift like chocolates, flowers, a small souvenir or some traditional food from your country. If you are going for a walk or to visit a tourist area take warm or waterproof clothing suited to the current weather.
Q: What will their home be like?
These can vary a lot from flats to houses, but often are not heated as much as the university rooms, so an extra jumper or fleece is a good idea to take. Most people have TV and internet but many do not like to use these if they have guests and it is not very polite if guests look at their phones a lot.
Q: What will I do when I’m there?
Every visit is different but probably you’ll chat with your hosts, enjoy some food together. Sometimes you meet their relatives or look at photos of family. They might like to see photos of your home and family. Sometimes they arrange to take a walk or visit the country, a museum or interesting site. Usually they will tell you this before so you have the right clothing and footwear.
Q: If we go out to a museum, paying site or have refreshments, who pays?
This can be agreed between you. Hosts usually pay for tickets but it is important that you offer to pay for your tickets. Hosts often will not accept but they value your offer. If you go out several times the host may let you pay sometimes or you can offer to buy drinks or ice-creams when you are visiting places. This is appreciated as good manners.
Q: What about food?
Most home visits involve food with your host. You may taste home-cooked traditional dishes. If you are not sure about something ask first and take only a small amount. If you have special food requirements the host should know from your application form but you can check before with them.
Q: What about religious differences?
Most BISC hosts are Christians and regularly go to church. If they invite you to accompany them to a service or event remember you do not have to accept, but it may be interesting to go. Different religions and even the same religion in different countries do things very differently. Christmas and Easter are special times in the UK so those services are interesting to attend. If you will need to practice your religion in any way during a visit to your hosts, just explain this before you visit, or when you arrive.
AFTER THE VISIT
Q: Am I expected to stay in touch with my host?
We hope you’ll want to stay in touch with your host during your time in Bristol and meet up a number of times. If you have enjoyed your visit they will appreciate an email or letter thanking them. If you get to know each other and become friends you can keep in touch when you finish your studies here.