The report on UK ELT pupil lodging shortages in 2023, carried out by BONARD on behalf of English UK, confirmed that when member centres requested what the affiliation might do to assist in regards to sourcing lodging, promotional assist on homestays to garner extra hosts was in demand from a 3rd of centres.
“This might hopefully encourage extra folks to develop into hosts. Slightly below 90 (88) respondents noticed that whereas the scarcity has been worsened by the pandemic, it’s an older and ongoing downside,” the report mentioned – the issue was additionally highlighted in 2022 figures.
In response to the identical questions, 22% of the English UK centres mentioned that supporting members in “competitors efforts” towards bigger suppliers would even be helpful from the affiliation. Multiple in 10 (13%) went so far as saying it needs to be creating new lodging listings.
In keeping with the survey, there was a largely equal break up between three factions.
Some 35% of centres mentioned they’d “managed to accommodate college students of their most well-liked sort of lodging” with out limiting pupil consumption; 33% mentioned they managed to satisfy expectations whereas limiting consumption; and the opposite 33% didn’t meet college students’ expectations even whereas limiting consumption.
Of those that managed to satisfy expectations whereas limiting pupil consumption, 3,273 extra lodging items – or beds, as described within the survey – would have been booked in the event that they’d had sufficient lodging provide.
“The shortfall was notably excessive for residence beds – 1,835 – adopted by homestay locations – 1,378,” the report detailed.
Of those that couldn’t meet pupil expectations regardless of limiting consumption, homestay beds had the larger shortfall. Virtually 2,000 (1,980) extra homestay beds would have been required to achieve the specified goal, and 1,318 extra residences would have been wanted.
“Shortages have been particularly difficult for them throughout the summer season months – notably in July – with 2,433 beds lacking,” the report added.
When it got here to summer season planning for 2024, nonetheless, the figures have been markedly extra optimistic.
Virtually half of the respondents mentioned they might be rising the variety of beds accessible to match enhance in demand – which 75% of respondents anticipate in the summertime.
Some 24%, in the meantime, anticipate to cut back their mattress numbers – “indicating some continued uncertainty within the sector”.
“One component is evident: only a few respondents (17%) anticipate the provision of homestay locations to return to pre-pandemic ranges, whereas a big proportion (69%) imagine that will probably be difficult to search out sufficient homestay locations to satisfy future demand,” the report famous.
The report really helpful numerous methods to extend homestay provisions, mainly updating and upgrading the advertising and marketing collateral for “potential and present homestay households”.
Shortages have been particularly difficult for them throughout the summer season months – notably in July – with 2,433 beds lacking
English UK report by BONARD
“Ongoing promotional actions are wanted that deal with the cultural alternate features of the homestay expertise with a concentrate on the advantages for each college students and households.
“Focusing on native media and strategically utilizing social media and group occasions to boost consciousness about the opportunity of changing into a number household. Testimonials from, and in-person engagement with, current host households needs to be used to have interaction,” the report directed.
The doc even went so far as to counsel that centres needs to be contemplating partnerships with lodging companies or third-party suppliers to assist take care of the general challenge.
“Partnerships with non-public third-party suppliers will be established by particular person centres or teams or negotiated by English UK on behalf of the entire sector. This can be a answer advocated in different examine locations affected by pupil lodging shortages,” it added.
