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Claire Dew

Claire lives in Melksham with her partner Andy; and has hosted since early 2024. She has three grown-up children who have left home, leaving her with spare bedrooms.

Since joining us, Claire and Andy have welcomed groups of boys and girls aged between 12 and 18.

What Prompted You to Start Hosting?

I wanted to earn a bit of extra money to go on holidays and support my trips to the garden centre. After seeing a local advert in the newspaper, I got in touch with Wiltshire Host Families and they explained to me how easy and flexible hosting is – I could choose who I host, when I host and there is no long-term commitment.

What's Your Favourite Thing About Hosting?

I love getting to know the students, learning about their traditions and their cultures and customs. Most students have never tried traditional English food before, so I enjoy cooking dinners such as sausage and mash and fish and chips. Also, the students are out all day between 07:30 and 18:30, so hosting doesn’t interrupt my normal daily routine.

What Were You Most Nervous About Before Hosting?

It’s been a long time since I have spoken in a foreign language and I worried that there would be a barrier – but all of the students have spoken really good English so far. If there has ever been a slight language barrier, Google Translate has come to the rescue.
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