Hosts  

1. Terms of the scheme 

1.1 Local Link is entirely optional; neither hosts nor students should feel in any way pressured to participate. 

1.2 The scheme is open to all international students (over 18) studying in Bristol, and will include students from every race, religion, gender, class, culture, physical ability, sexual identity and political background.

1.3 Local Link is a voluntary scheme. There is no kind of payment or money involved.

1.4 BISC does not allow single hosts to connect with students of the opposite sex. If the hosts are a married couple, the spouse who is the same sex as the student should lead the hosting and be present in any car journey.

1.5 Registering and accepting a ‘link’ on the Local Link scheme means a commitment of connecting with the student(s), either at your home or another public place like a park or cafe.

1.6 If either the student(s) or the host is unwell, you should postpone the meeting until completely recovered to protect each other’s health.

1.7 The scheme is open-ended. Students and hosts are free to keep in contact as long as they want. However, if either student or host want to stop communication, that must be respected.

1.8 If either the student(s) or the host want to withdraw from the scheme, they need to contact a member of BISC as soon as possible.

2. Mutual respect

2.1 Please be aware that the students come from a variety of different political, religious and cultural views. We ask that you respect the student’s values and do not force any political, religious or cultural views on the student(s).

2.2 Please respect the students’ belongings, home and family.

2.3 Different cultures have different customs for greeting people, so only participate in physical greetings that are clearly initiated by the student(s).

2.4 Any reports of inappropriate behaviour will be taken very seriously and, if necessary, handed over to the relevant authorities.

3. Communication

3.1 It is the host’s responsibility to make contact with the student(s). If you do not receive a response after a reasonable number of attempts, please let BISC know and leave it with them to follow up.

3.2 Agreeing to meet the student(s) is a firm commitment, so if you are unable to keep the appointment, you must let the other person know as soon as possible and offer an alternative where possible.

3.3 Students are asked to provide information about any allergies, access and mobility issues or food preferences when they sign up to the scheme; these will be passed to the host before the first meeting.

3.4 It is acceptable for students to bring a friend or family member with them when meeting their host for the first time, but they should check this with the host beforehand.

3.5 Feedback is really important to help the scheme work; BISC will contact you from time to time to see how things are going and would appreciate a prompt response.

4. Data protection

 4.1 Do not share the student’(s) details or photographs unless they explicitly say that they are happy for you to do so. Sharing any personal data without permission is a criminal offence.

Students

1. Terms of the scheme 

1.1 Local Link is entirely optional; neither hosts nor students should feel in any way pressured to participate. 

1.2 The scheme is open to all international students (over 18) studying in Bristol, and will include students from every race, religion, gender, class, culture, physical ability, sexual identity and political background.

1.3 Local Link is a voluntary scheme. There is no kind of payment or money involved.

1.4 BISC does not allow single hosts to connect with students of the opposite sex. If the hosts are a married couple, the spouse who is the same sex as the student will lead the hosting, and be present in any car journey.

1.5 Registering and accepting a ‘link’ on the Local Link scheme means a commitment of connecting with the host(s), either at their home or another public place like a park or cafe.

1.6 The scheme is open-ended. Students and hosts are free to keep in contact as long as they want. However, if either student or host want to stop communication, that must be respected.

1.7 If either the student(s) or the host is unwell, you should postpone the meeting until completely recovered to protect each other’s health.

1.8 If either the student(s) or the host want to withdraw from the scheme, they need to contact a member of BISC as soon as possible.

2. Mutual respect

2.1 Please be aware that our hosts come from a variety of different political, religious and cultural views. We ask that you respect your host’s values and do not force any political, religious or cultural views on your hosts.

2.2 Please respect the hosts’ belongings, home and family.

2.4 Any reports of inappropriate behaviour will be taken very seriously and, if necessary, handed over to the relevant authorities.

3. Communication

3.1 It is the host’s responsibility to make contact with the student(s). If there is no response, they will let BISC know.

3.2 Agreeing to meet someone is a commitment, so if you are unable to keep the appointment, you must let your host know as soon as possible.

3.3 Students need to complete the online form giving details of any allergies, access or mobility issues, or food preferences - this will be passed to their hosts before the first meeting.

3.4 Students can ask a friend or family member to come with them when meeting their host for the first time, but they check this with the host beforehand.

3.5 Feedback is really important to help the scheme work; BISC will contact you from time to time to see how things are going and would appreciate a prompt response.

4. Data protection

4.1 Do not share the host’s details or photographs unless they explicitly say that they are happy for you to do so. Sharing any personal data without permission is a criminal offence.