Short-Term Boarding: A Home from Home for International Students

When Sophia, Leoni and Sophie, three former international students from Germany, found themselves with a long weekend and a national holiday on the calendar, there was only one place they wanted to be: back at Kingsley School in Devon.

The trio, who between them spent one to two terms at the Devon independent boarding school, made the trip back simply because they missed it. "We were chatting and said, should we just visit and see everyone again for a weekend?" said Leoni. "We really missed everybody, and the whole place means so much to us."

For many families considering short-term boarding in the UK, the biggest concern is whether their child will feel at home. For these three, the answer was unequivocal.

A Warm Welcome Into School Life

All three arrived at Kingsley with some initial hesitation, a feeling many international students considering short-term boarding in the UK will recognise. Sophia admitted she hadn't planned to come at all — it was her friends leaving Germany that prompted her to take the leap. Sophie had originally been set on Canada before an interview with a boarding school advisor led her to Kingsley first. "That was the best decision I could have made," she said.

What they found when they arrived quickly put their nerves to rest. Small class sizes, enthusiastic teachers and a genuine sense of community made it feel less like a school and more like a home from home. "The teachers were so friendly and welcoming — especially compared to Germany," said Leoni. "Everyone is motivated to teach you and wants to help you improve."

Life Beyond the Classroom

Short-term boarding at Kingsley comes with a full calendar of activities, and the girls made the most of every moment. Surfing on Saturdays and Wednesdays, sunset surf sessions in summer, trips to Westward Ho!, cooking competitions "I don't think we were ever actually in the boarding house," laughed Sophia.

Two of the three are keen gymnasts, and both credit their time at Kingsley, training with the Kingsley gymnastics team as well as with Falcons, with helping them improve. "The people just want to make you better at what you're good at," said Sophia.

Even the English weather exceeded expectations. "Everyone says it rains all the time and there's no sun," said Leoni, "but the winter was so warm. I remember going into the sea in January in my first week." With the support of the Kingsley surf academy's wetsuits, boots and gloves — and a willing group of new friends — it became one of her favourite memories.

What Short-Term Boarding Really Gives You

Beyond surfing and gymnastics, the experience left a deeper mark. "I got so much more independent," said Sophia. "I trust myself so much more now." Sophie spoke about becoming more extroverted and open — "when you're pushed into an experience where you come to a country and don't know anybody, it makes you so much more confident."

For all three, the most lasting gift has been the friendships. Despite living in different parts of Germany, they see each other at least once a month — and regularly travel to visit Kingsley friends further afield. Last summer, they met a friend in Spain.

"Just be open, talk to people," said Leoni, "and eventually you'll have one of the best friendships of your life."

A Home from Home in Devon

Asked whether they'd recommend short-term boarding at a UK independent school to other students in Germany, the answer was immediate and unanimous. "One hundred percent," said Sophie. "Even if you're not sure and you're struggling with the decision — I sat in my living room a month before I came and thought, do I really want to do it? Am I capable? But I'm so glad I did. It's so worth it."

As for Kingsley, the door is always open. "It really is like a second home," said Sophia, and judging by this weekend's visit, that's exactly what it will remain. For international students looking for a home from home in Devon, it seems Kingsley has a habit of becoming just that.

Want to Learn More about Boarding at Kingsley

Kingsley School Devon welcomes International students for one or more terms each year. If you're considering a short-term boarding placement at an independent school in Devon, we'd love to hear from you.

Please get in touch to find out more about our international student programme.

Mrs Melanie Gray, Kingsley, Director of Admissions, email: mgray@kingsleydevon.com or admissions@kingsleydevon.com