Case Studies

C. Xu - U6, Caterham School
As soon as I was told that I could have a contract with a guardianship company, I was actually relieved. I was happy to get around the possible fuss with some kind of remote friends of my parents being a so-called guardian and to be able to deal with it in a cool business way. All I hoped for was to have my accommodation sorted out during holidays.

My guardian, in that sense, has never let me down. She has always made sure she has my flight details well in advance and knows how I travel. She arranges host families for me according to my needs and sends me details about the family and how to travel there. She always asks for every detail when I have any special arrangements, which does not only ensure my safety but also gives me a sense of security and being cared for, as I know there is someone that knows what I am doing and what might happen and so is ready to help at any time.

The services are not cheap but reasonably priced. My account details are clear and updated. I am especially pleased that my parents are so well informed. If my guardian knows what I am doing, it is almost guaranteed that my parents know as well. It is important not only for me to have that sense of security but also for my parents, who are so far away and probably often have feelings of losing track of me. It means that they know what is happening to their daughter who is all alone in a country an ocean away.

My guardian sends a copy of whatever I get about holiday arrangements to my parents and translates my school reports into Chinese for them. She is actually able to help reinforce the bond between my parents and myself, which might be weakened by distance. Now you can probably see that the guardianship has much more than just business to it.

When I first arrived in this country everything was intimidating, so was my guardian. I knew hardly anything about her apart from that she lives very close to my school but that feeling was almost instantly gone when we met. She was kind, caring, and most importantly showing genuine interest in me. I felt comfortable talking to her about my plans and needs and felt reassured I could always find someone who was patient and had some really helpful ideas when I had any problem or concern without feeling I was a trouble. She always comes to my Parents' Evening and I can have dinner with her at home whenever I want. She is well-informed with educational and academic issues and could offer very insightful and specific advices.

Overall my experience is simply pleasant. After all, I think it is all about responsibility and being genuinely concerned, whether emotionally or not.

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