About the host
I have worked in the world of fashion for over 30 years as an International Designer, winning three highly acclaimed International awards for my innovative hand crafted designs.
I taught students studying Art & Design, assisting them with their chosen careers within the industry. My aim since becoming a ‘Host Mother’ over a decade ago, is to continue motivating all my International students to practice and master their academic English. Over the past 12years, the majority of the students attend classes at various Leeds Language Schools; M.D.A College / Centre of English studies (C.E.S.) to gain the 6.0 or 6.5 in all the four skills required in the I.E.T.T.S Exams. Only possible to secure a place to study at Leeds University to finally gain your Batchelors / Masters degree in your chosen subject. I am delighted that many students return to stay with me, to continue studying for their P.H.D.
The Leeds language schools that have highly recommend me, are confident that I have given continuous excellent standard of accommodation. As such, I am graded as a valued “Superior home-stay provider.” for the students insisting on a far higher standard of accommodation that is generally offered. One of many reasons why we are regarded as the perfect choice for host family accommodation in Leeds.
For the students to achieve their goals and attain the required level of English in not only IELTS, but to improve their individual skills in the requirements set by the Universities to continue in their chosen degrees.
Most of the students that arrive here at my home, feel so comfortable in their surroundings here, they decided to stay, and therefore continue living here until they have completed studying until their graduation , three and a half years later!
Virtually all my former students soon become my family, and keep in touch, as my students call me their ‘second mum’ referring to me over several years as “Mama!”. I was delighted to be invited to their weddings, and treated like family when I did. I have many wonderful memories that mean the world to me, so privileged and honoured, when I learned three of my former students, named their new baby daughters after me.!
Which goes to prove that over all the years of devotion, encouragement and tuition that I have given to each of my ‘student family’ is so valuable, not just for now but for the future.
My proudest moments are when I am able to share their sheer joy, not just when they pass their exams, with excellent grades.. but especially at all their respective Graduation Ceremonies at the University. That makes being a host “Mama” is so important. Proving that my dedication is vital, appreciated, rewarding and worthwhile, which obviously cements the family host purpose.
Just a few of the graduations I have had the honour of celebrating with my ‘student family’. This student daughter, graduating with honours in 2019 in Clinical Pharmacy. Yet another success story of my “student family”. as she was able to secure her future career ,with a major Pharmaceutical company.