Why Have A Guardian?

Many parents would like to give their child an overseas experience.  The advantage of learning another language, experiencing another culture and gaining the independence that comes from living away from home, are enormous.  While parents are, for the most part, assured during term-time, questions still remain.  Who will be with their child at school functions and parent teachers meetings?  Where will they go for exeats and half-term holidays?  Will their child go home for Christmas or during the Easter holidays?

Although most children are quite adaptable, they need certainty.  Having these questions answered before your child starts at boarding school will make his settling-in period all the easier.  Most schools now require parents to a appoint a guardian.  This is easy if you have family or friends nearby, but is more difficult if you do not have friends in Scotland.

That is where we at SOGA  hope to help.  Although no one can never replace a family, wouldn't it be a relief to feel that a 'second home' has been found to provide that vital link between you and your child's school?  We hope, by providing a happy guardian family for your child that we can help you, as parents, to be more confident and relaxed in your decision to give your child an overseas experience.

The families we have chosen as guardian families have all been selected for their interest and desire to share their home and family with your son or daughter.  Through our correspondence with you at the outset, we will attempt to place your child with a family who will meet their needs. The opportunity to relax, sightsee, meet other young people within the community and to practice their English in an informal environment with their new family and new friends is invaluable.  Lifelong friendships can develop this way - not only between the child and the family but between all members of both families.