Become a part of the Harlaxton College Meet-A-Family Program

The College

Harlaxton College is a study abroad campus near Grantham that accommodates between 140 and 180 American university students during two sixteen week terms throughout the year.  The autumn term students arrive toward the end of August and return home in mid-December.  The spring term students arrive in early January and stay until the end of April.  Though the College is owned and operated by the University of Evansville, Indiana, students come to Harlaxton from nearly twenty different universities across the United States.

The Programme

During their time at Harlaxton College, students study British history, travel, and explore new cultures.  The Meet-A-Family programme has allowed American students away from home to become part of a British family.  Students in the program become more familiar with British customs and traditions.  Students often describe their Meet-A-Family as a “home away from home”. 

It is not just the students, however, who find the programme beneficial and fun.  Our Meet-A-Families learn about American culture, enjoy some wonderful events at the Manor, and develop lasting friendships with their students.  Many of our families keep in touch with their former students and are often invited to the United States for holidays, graduations, and even weddings!

The Families

Our Meet-A-Families come in all different shapes and sizes!  Several have young children, some are single professionals, and others are retired.  At the beginning of the term, families are matched with students who have similar interest, backgrounds, and hobbies to those of the family.  If you join the programme, you will be introduced to your students during the third week of term at a reception and dinner in the Manor.  Our families are also invited to share in the Christmas festivities at our Harlaxton Family Christmas Party and the Meet-A-Family Fest in April.  Time spent together between these events depends upon the availability of both you and your students.  Many families choose to get together with their students about twice a month (though it varies greatly). 

What to Do

Although opportunities for outings are limitless, students are always happy to spend a few hours relaxing with their new family in their “home away from home”.  Other successful activities have included evenings at a local pub or restaurant, trips to sporting events or exhibitions, and visits to nearby towns or cities.  Some families have had the chance to taste American cooking, as some of our students enjoy cooking their family recipes from home!

How to Join

If you have any questions about the programme or if you are interested in becoming a Meet-A-Family please contact the Dean of Students in the Student Affairs Office:

Office: Student Affairs Office
Tel: +44 (0) 1476 403003
Email: lmabardy@harlaxton.ac.uk

All inquiries will be reviewed by the Dean of Students and the Meet-A-Family coordinator before application materials are provided.