bright sounds

Season 5: Episode 4: Meet the Team - University Guardianship

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 09:27:38 +0100

Ever wondered who’s behind our University Guardianship programme? Or what it takes to support international students as they begin university life in the UK? In this episode of our Meet the Team series, Lia sits down with Casper and Isabelle to introduce the people at the heart of this important role.

Season 5: Episode 3: Back to Basics - Hosting

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 09:00:54 +0100

What does “hosting” really mean? Why do international students choose host families? What does it take to become a host, and what checks are involved? Join Lia Ferris as she sits down with Annie Constable and Tori Percy to break it all down. The essentials to the unexpected benefits, we explore what hosting looks like in practice, and why it matters.

Season 5: Episode 2: What If?

Tue, 24 Feb 2026 09:16:53 +0000

What happens if a student forgets their passport? What happens if a host family has concerns? Join Lia Ferris as she puts Maria Novais and Tom Kane in the hotseat, and finds out what guardians actually do when plans go off-script.

Season 5: Episode 1: Snowed in at Schiphol

Fri, 16 Jan 2026 10:29:18 +0000

Snowed in, flights cancelled, and a new school term just days away. Join Lia as she chats with Simon, Casper, and Tori to relive a chaotic start to the new year, and the behind-the-scenes effort it takes to keep students safe and supported.

Season 4: Episode 9: Immersion Programmes

Mon, 24 Nov 2025 09:39:18 +0000

With more UK schools offering Immersion Programmes, we take a closer look at what these short-term boarding courses are all about. Cory Holden and Maria Novais join Lia to discuss why these programmes are becoming so popular and introduce listeners to our new Immersion Guardianship Programme designed specifically with these students in mind.

Season 4: Episode 8: Updates to the UKVI

Fri, 14 Nov 2025 14:54:31 +0000

Child Student Visas are back in focus after the November 11th updates. Lia sits down with Su Warren and Lana Foster to explore the latest UKVI changes, why they’re important, and what they mean for international students.

Season 4: Episode 7: Meet the Team - Accommodation Managers

Fri, 31 Oct 2025 09:52:56 +0000

Ever wondered who finds the perfect host families for our students? Or what an Accommodation Manager actually does? In this episode of our new Meet the Team series, Lia sits down with Tom Kane and Tori Percy to introduce the amazing team behind one of Bright World Guardianships’ most important roles.

Season 4: Episode 6: Pre-Departure Preparation

Thu, 28 Aug 2025 10:09:46 +0100

With the start of the new academic year just around the corner, Lia joins Charlotte and Cory to discuss Bright World's recent pre-departure webinar, and cover all the tips and tricks for a smooth arrival for international students.

Season 4: Episode 5: Always Inspection Ready

Thu, 17 Jul 2025 11:18:01 +0100

After passing our AEGIS Gold Re-accreditation with flying colours, Lia sits down with Lana Foster, Annie Constable, and Robbie Piper to discuss what goes into a Gold Standard AEGIS Re-Inspection.

Season 4: Episode 4: Guide to the UKVI

Fri, 20 Jun 2025 09:50:00 +0100

Following recent changes and new Rules that came into force on 29th May for the Child Student Visa route, Lia joins Lana, Su and Cory to break down the UKVI updates, and discuss Nominated Guardians, Permitted Living Arrangements and our new Letter of Undertaking supporting the visa application process.

Season 4: Episode 3: First Class Guardianship

Fri, 16 May 2025 13:56:41 +0100

In todays episode Lia, Lana and Su get together to discuss Bright Worlds monumental 5th time win and First Class status at the StudyTravel Secondary Awards.

Season 4: Episode 2: Weekends in the Boarding House

Tue, 06 May 2025 15:15:42 +0100

Steve Greaves, Head of Boarding at Pocklington School, joins Lia to discuss what students get up to on their exciting Weekend Activity Programme. Along with Guardianship Care Manager, Isabelle Amor, and Business Relationship & Marketing manager, Charlotte Hamson, we learn all about the courses, skills and programmes available to students in the beautiful York area.

Season 4: Episode 1: 5 Years On

Thu, 24 Apr 2025 14:10:19 +0100

Bright Sounds podcast returns for it's highly anticipated fourth season. Lia Ferris joins Lana Foster and James Foster to discuss recent changes within the industry, reminisce on the last five years, and look forward to a monumental year at Bright World Guardianships.

Guestcast 2 - We have to put the child at the centre of everything

Wed, 23 Apr 2025 12:05:39 +0100

Lana Foster joins the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society in conversation on Listening In.

Season 3: Ep 1: Quarantine Edition

Thu, 22 Jul 2021 16:23:34 +0100

In our Season 3 premier episode, Lia sits down with Jenny Rumble and Lana Foster to discuss all things Quarantine. Where will students stay, what measures are in place, and what goes into being a Bright World Quarantine Host Family?

Season 2: Ep 24: StudyTravel Award Winners

Thu, 29 Apr 2021 11:10:57 +0100

Hot off the press from their win at the StudyTravel Secondary School Awards, Lia sits down with Lana and James Foster to talk about the excitement that surrounds these awards, the new Guardianship category, and why winning the ST Secondary School Award - Guardianship Organisation 2020/21 means so much to all of us here at Bright World

Season 2: Ep 23: Welcoming back our students

Wed, 14 Apr 2021 16:21:36 +0100

It is back to class for our students and Bright World is armed with a new Welcome Back Guide to help them adjust. In today's episode, Lia sits down with Safeguarding Director Jenny Rumble and one of our champion Local Coordinators, Sarah Bozier, to talk about back to school nerves, excitement and the importance of keeping in touch.

Season 2: Ep 22: Bright World launches new Safeguarding Training Platform

Tue, 23 Mar 2021 16:45:50 +0000

On today's episode, we are joined by Adam Lubbock, Director of Kings River Education and the provider of our new Safeguarding Training Platform for Host Families and Bright World Staff. Lana, Lia and Jenny discuss this exciting new development with Adam as we enter our third week since launching this amazing new dashboard.

Season 2: Ep 21: At the forefront of the community spirit

Thu, 11 Mar 2021 17:34:27 +0000

Scarborough College has played a key role in the community during the pandemic. With a Rugby Club turned Vaccination Centre, vital vaccine transport links for the elderly and not to mention an NHS clinical trial, this leading independent boarding school has embraced the local community spirit and offered some much-needed peace of mind to overseas parents. Remco Wheeler, Director of Admissions and Houseparent at Scarborough College joins us to tell all.

Season 2: Ep 20: Learning from a "home away from home"

Thu, 04 Mar 2021 14:19:27 +0000

Jenny chats to Bright World Host Family, Ellie about Homeschooling. Ellie and her Family have successfully adapted their routine during lockdown to provide Bright World student, Kevin the best learning from home experience possible, whilst his school is closed.

Season 2: Ep 19: Easter 2021 - Get Ready to Get back to the Classroom

Tue, 23 Feb 2021 11:09:59 +0000

It is finally official! Schools will be reopening on 8th March. This means many students will be back a few weeks before Easter and will be needing something interesting to do for the holidays. On this episode, Lia introduces Lana, Su and our special guest, Michael Voice, Principal of Cambridge Melchior College. We are discussing our special Easter residential programme Relax & Revise @ Easter running through March and April.

Season 2: Ep 18: An Internet We Trust

Tue, 09 Feb 2021 13:19:45 +0000

Safer Internet Day 2021 has arrived! James is joined by Charlotte to discuss this year's theme: #AnInternetWeTrust. The campaign focuses on how we can know what to trust online, supporting young people to question, challenge and change the online world.

Season 2: Ep 17: Boarding in lockdown with Sidcot School

Tue, 02 Feb 2021 19:57:05 +0000

On this week's episode, Lana chats with Amandine Smilevich, Head of Boarding and Joanna Leite, Deputy Head (Pastoral) at Sidcot School about boarding life in lockdown.

Season 2: Ep 16: Exams in Focus

Thu, 28 Jan 2021 09:22:23 +0000

On this week's episode, Cory is joined by returning guest, Zeba Clarke, Deputy Head Academic at King Edward's Witley. We look at the GCSE and A level assessment proposals made by Ofqual in their recent consultation.

Season 2: Ep 15: The Lockdown Lowdown

Wed, 20 Jan 2021 16:52:27 +0000

On this week's episode, Cory is joined by Casper Jones, Guardianship Care Manager and Leanne Poole & Fi Williamson, Accommodation & Travel Managers, to discuss the impact of the The third UK national lockdown and what we are doing to continue to support our students until schools can reopen.

Season 2: Ep 14: All about Private Fostering

Wed, 13 Jan 2021 15:34:10 +0000

With schools not set to reopen until at least mid-February, and travel restrictions making travel home unfeasible for many, where exactly are our students staying, and what ramifications does this have for us, as guardians? Lia is joined by Regional Manager, Louis Spice, and Director of Safeguarding & Operations, Jenny Rumble, who help to shed some light.

Season 2: Ep 13: Coverwhelmed

Thu, 07 Jan 2021 16:19:02 +0000

We have been left Coverwhelmed by the announcement that UK schools will close until the end of February half term "at least". Join us today as Lia chats to Bright World's Managing Director, Lana Foster, Guardianship Care Manager, Robbie Piper and Charlotte Hamson from the Marketing and Admissions department.

Season 2: Ep 12: EU student immigration routes post Brexit

Wed, 23 Dec 2020 11:07:34 +0000

This week we are joined by special guest Naomi Goldshtein, Senior Manager at Fragomen, a leading legal firm dedicated exclusively to Immigration services Worldwide. Naomi helps to answer some frequently asked questions regarding the new immigration routes for EU students which come into effect from 1st January 2021, when the UK officially leaves the EU.

Season 2: Ep 11: Test to Release launch

Tue, 15 Dec 2020 16:49:00 +0000

The UK Government has launched it's 'Test to Release Scheme' in a bid to cut the quarantine period for overseas arrivals in England. Director of Guardianships, Su Warren joins Charlotte to make sense of the new scheme.

Season 2: Ep 10: It's beginning to look like Christmas at Padworth

Thu, 03 Dec 2020 17:43:12 +0000

We can hardly believe that next week we will be welcoming students to our brand new Christmas programme at Padworth College. Listen in to Lana, Mary and Hermes talking about what's in store at Relax & Revise @ Christmas

Season 2: Ep 9: Flying home for Christmas

Wed, 25 Nov 2020 10:26:18 +0000

With the Christmas holidays rapidly approaching, Su Warren sits down with Lia and Louis to discuss what the guardianship team are doing to help students get home, and what else they have been up to this term.

Season 2: Ep 8: Anti-Bullying - How can UK guardians help?

Thu, 19 Nov 2020 17:32:40 +0000

It is Anti-Bullying Week and so we are joined by Fiona Lee from Safeguarding.co to have a natter. Fiona provides bespoke Safeguarding and child protection advice, training and consultancy for Organisations who work with Children and young adults.

Season 2: Ep 7: Christmas Webinar

Wed, 11 Nov 2020 17:14:42 +0000

Bright World Directors Lana Foster and Charlotte Hamson, and Director of Young Learners at Kings Education, Mary Doody, were joined by guests from boarding schools and education agencies, as well as some parents, to discuss the upcoming Relax & Revise @ Christmas programmes.

Season 2: Ep 6: Story of the half term

Thu, 05 Nov 2020 16:01:18 +0000

This week Lia is joined by Bright World Director of Sales & Marketing, Charlotte Hamson, Director of Guardianships & Operations, Su Warren, and Guardianship Care Manager, Robbie Piper, to discuss how the first half term of the year went.

Season 2: Ep 5: A Festive Welcome for the Christmas Holidays

Thu, 22 Oct 2020 11:59:37 +0100

Lia and Louis are joined by Bright World Managing Director, Lana Foster, and Mary Doody, Director of Young Learners at Kings Education, who reveal Bright World's new Relax & Revise @ Christmas programmes, and take a detailed look at the centres and activities planned.

Season 2: Ep 4: Safeguarding in conversation

Thu, 15 Oct 2020 15:37:14 +0100

Last week, Lana, James and Jenny attended a two day DSL training programme, led by Adam Lubbock, a safeguarding practitioner and founder of Kings River Education. Adam joins us as a special guest in this weeks' episode, to talk about what was covered. *Please be advised that this episode includes the mention of safeguarding topics that some listeners may find distressing.

Season 2: Ep 3: Let's talk about mental health

Thu, 08 Oct 2020 10:13:47 +0100

Lia and Louis are joined by Bright World Director of Safeguarding & Operations, Jenny Rumble, and Local Coordinator, Sarah Bozier, to discuss how Bright World is supporting their students upon their (less than normal) return to school, particularly in terms of their mental health and wellbeing.

Season 2: Ep 2: Can students go home for Christmas?

Thu, 01 Oct 2020 14:40:56 +0100

Lia is joined by Managing Director, Lana Foster, and Regional Manager, Louis Spice, to discuss what provisions are in place for students who have to stay in the UK over the Christmas holidays.

Season 2: Ep 1: Holidays are coming

Thu, 24 Sep 2020 12:04:21 +0100

To kick off Season 2 we chat to two of our fantastic Host Families and find out more about the extra steps and precautions they are taking keep students safe during the holidays.

Ep 21: End of Season 1

Fri, 21 Aug 2020 17:33:27 +0100

Bright World's MD Lana Foster and Director of Sales & Marketing Charlotte Hamson sign off on what has been a less than predictable Season 1 of Bright Sounds.

Ep: 20 A virtual start to the year at Bright World

Thu, 13 Aug 2020 17:45:09 +0100

Lana chats to our Local Coordinator and Bright World Buddy for London and Surrey, Jalpa Lai about how we are going to manage our student visits and safeguarding care during the first term of the 2020/21 academic year.

Ep 19: Pre-departure chat

Fri, 07 Aug 2020 12:38:05 +0100

The Bright World Senior Management team reflect on the key issues discussed during our Q&A webinar including; flight availability, quarantine and Coronavirus Contingency planning.

Ep 18: Safe happy journeys with our drivers

Fri, 31 Jul 2020 11:40:43 +0100

Safe, friendly, professional drivers have always been vital to the running of our guardianship programme bur during a pandemic where flight changes are frequent, our drivers have been invaluable. Listen to the lovely Mo from International Student Transfers on today's podcast.

Ep 17: 500 Bright Words - meet the runners up

Wed, 22 Jul 2020 16:37:53 +0100

The Legendary Loo Roll by Jaden Seributra won the hearts of the judges and came in first place. This week we are announcing second and third prize holders from our short story competition.

Ep 16: 500 Bright Words - the winner's story

Thu, 16 Jul 2020 17:10:40 +0100

Our panel of expert judges meet our winner and special guest narrator, Stephen Roberts from Study Travel Magazine brings his story to life.

Ep 15: How is Bright World preparing for Covid-Safe taxi travel?

Thu, 09 Jul 2020 17:11:24 +0100

Jenny talks to Tina Knapman from Alan's Airport Services about some of the changes we are making to ensure our students get safely back to school safely.

Ep 14 : How are schools and guardians planning for a Safe September?

Fri, 03 Jul 2020 11:52:04 +0100

Listen to our expert panel of Headmasters, Principals and industry experts as we discuss quarantine, social distancing, safety measures, medical facilities and much much more.

Ep 13: Life in lockdown with our UK host family Heros

Thu, 25 Jun 2020 17:59:13 +0100

When UK Schools closed in March amid The Coronavirus outbreak, some international students were unable to make it back to their home country. Stranded and in the absence of family members in the UK, our hosts have gone above and beyond to keep our students safe and well taken care of during the UK lockdown. Tune in to Bright World's Podcast Channel as we speak with one such host family and their student Ian.

Ep 12: a question of quarantine or no quarantine?

Thu, 18 Jun 2020 15:37:00 +0100

Ever since the announcement of the government’s plans to impose a period of quarantine on all overseas visitors, the topic has featured heavily in conversations between schools and Guardianship Organisations. But how will the new restrictions affect overseas students at boarding schools; And how likely is it that the measures will remain in place come September? We speak to Michael Voice, the Principal of Cambridge Melchior College, the location of Bright World's Quarantine and Settling in programme to find out more.

Ep 11: Why AEGIS accreditation is PURE Gold

Thu, 11 Jun 2020 14:36:46 +0100

Bright World MD, Lana Foster talks to Yasemin Wigglesworth and Adam Lubbock of AEGIS about their inspection process and the importance of independence in accreditation. She finds out why AEGIS is such a powerful organisation and basically is PURE GOLD.

Ep 10: all UK school examinations have been cancelled; what does this mean for students?

Tue, 09 Jun 2020 16:03:12 +0100

Bright World's Admissions Manager, Cory Holden speaks with Zeba Clark, Deputy Head Academic at King Edwards Witley about how Coronavirus has affected UK examinations in the UK.

Ep 9: How to keep motivated when learning online

Tue, 02 Jun 2020 15:05:52 +0100

With UK schools remaining closed to most year groups it is now more important then ever for our students to keep motivated and engaged when they are learning online. Charlene Shaw from the award winning learning platform joins us on Bright Sounds to discuss.

Ep 8: Bright World joins The Safe Schools UK initiative

Thu, 28 May 2020 14:25:10 +0100

Lana Foster, Managing Director and Lucy Barnwell, Director of External Relations at Rossall School talk about the Safe Schools UK initiative. Bright World is proud to support #safeschools which allow schools and AEGIS accredited guardians to quickly and clearly communicate to students, parents and their communities the safety measures that will be in place.

Ep 7: Life in lockdown - where would we be without our host families?

Fri, 22 May 2020 14:40:41 +0100

Travel restrictions have meant that some of our international students have been unable to go home while their boarding school is closed. Accommodation & Travel Manager, Fi is joined by one of our lovely host families, Jennifer and Tim Kenn who have been taking care of one such student.

Ep 6: The benefits and challenges of online learning

Thu, 14 May 2020 15:07:30 +0100

British boarding schools continue to adapt and face the challenges of online learning. Today we are joined by Mark Jeynes from Bishopstrow and Padworth Colleges to talk about the benefits and challenges that come with online learning.

Ep 5: ‘Virtual’ has become reality for UK schools and guardians

Thu, 14 May 2020 14:48:33 +0100

Betty Dagistan, Director of International Recruitment at MPW Schools talks to Bright World's Managing Director, Lana Foster about MPW's new virtual learning environment and how students, teachers and guardians are coping with the "new normal."

Ep 4: Do parents still want their children to come to the UK? An agent's perspective.

Thu, 07 May 2020 13:56:07 +0100

Charlotte Hamson, our Director of Sales and Marketing, is joined by Su Hayter, from one of partner agents, UKEAS Worldwide. Listen in to a fascinating insight into how agents have been affected by the Coronavirus situation and what parents are saying about it all. Do they still want their children to come to the UK?

Ep 3: Online Safety - how to stay safe online while we are staying safe at home

Thu, 30 Apr 2020 16:16:51 +0100

With students isolating at home and schools offering online classes. It is now more important than ever that our students know how to stay safe online. Lia talks to Jenny Rumble, Bright World Safeguarding and Operations Manager and special guest - Safeguarding expert, Fiona Lee of, Safe-Guarding.co.

Content warning - Please be advised that this episode includes the mention of safeguarding topics that some listeners may find distressing

Ep 2: Host Family Tales from the Accommodation Team - Life Under Lockdown

Thu, 30 Apr 2020 12:19:37 +0100

While the majority of our students have managed to travel home safely, some are still stranded in the UK, due to flight restrictions. This week, Lia talks with Leanne Poole and Fi Williamson, our Accommodation & Travel Managers, to find out how our host families have risen to the occasion and how our students are getting on in lockdown.

Ep 1: Operational Tales from the Guardianship Team – The Build-up to Lockdown

Thu, 23 Apr 2020 10:01:31 +0100

Lia Ferris chats with members of the Guardianship Care Team, discussing the last few weeks of work changes and home-stay challenges'

Guestcast 1 - Managing Stress

Thu, 23 Apr 2020 09:21:05 +0100

A special guest podcast on managing stress from Charlene Shaw, Director of English at our partner, Your Favourite Teacher.

Welcome to Bright Sounds

Mon, 20 Apr 2020 10:44:37 +0100

In our welcome episode, meet the Bright Sounds team - Bright World Managing Director, Lana Foster, Director of Sales & Marketing, Charlotte Hamson, Regional Managers, Louis Spice and Cory Holden and Lia Ferris, Credit Control Manager and Marketing Assistant.