How did you become Mo? “Everyone thought Maureen was an old-fashioned name, so they decided to call me something shorter. That’s how I became Mo! Although I like it, it makes me stand out”
What brought you to working with international students? “I’ve been thinking about looking for a job for a while now. After being a stay-at-home mum for the past 15 years and with my kids fleeing the nest, I was looking for something more permanent to fill my hours in the day. However, the role would have to work around the school run as I still have to look after my sister’s kids. So funnily enough, it was my sister, who actually introduced me to James who was looking for someone to help at London Homestays. That’s how it all began.”
What’s surprised you most about the role since joining in February? “I’ve definitely been pushed out of my comfort zone. Speaking to people on the phone and building relationships with hosts has given me so much more confidence. It’s really nice to build a rapport with the hosts, you get to know them and their families, as well find out their love of hosting. Especially, as some hosts having been hosting since the company began, so they always have lots of stories to tell.”
We hear you’re quite the baker… “Since I was young, I grew up helping my mum as she was a keen baker. However, it wasn’t until my boys were born and they were in school that they wanted their own personalised cake. @Mobespokescakes started in 2007 when word of mouth around the school gates about my cakes caused a buzz. Seeing the true pleasure in people’s reactions when they see the final cake, is just so worth all the hours spent creating the end result. I really enjoy creating new designs and when hosts mention they enjoy baking too, it gives us an easy way to connect and share stories.”
What’s it like working with your son during his uni breaks? “I was apprehensive at first, but seeing his professionalism in the office was a true pleasure—I got to see a whole new side to him. It also brought us a lot closer. Although, saying that, the minute we left the office, he went right back to his child-like self and drove me up the wall!”
How does being a mum influence your approach to placing students? “As a mother, you think about things like travel distance, especially with younger students. You want to place them with the best possible match. I was very conscious for under 18’s especially as I made sure all the DBS checks were all in place with the hosts and try to match hosts that have the time to guide and advise when needed. Also, its great when we have more information about the student’s interests, we had one particular student who enjoyed playing a musical instrument and when we matched them to a host who was in a band, it was like the perfect match as the student had the best time.”
What’s a typical day like for you? “I like to start the day with exercise, I particularly enjoy Pilates and HIIT classes. It wakes up my body and mind to focus on the day ahead. As I’m getting older, I’m more conscience with how exercise is really important for my health. Then it’s checking emails before I get into the office. When our team meets, we usually have a team meeting to discuss what’s come in, and divide up the day’s tasks. Then it’ll be back on the school run picking up my niece and nephew before the usual household chores begin”
What’s been your most memorable moment with a host family so far? “Building a relationship with a new host from the very beginning and seeing them through their first bookings—it’s very rewarding. When they call and the host instantly recognises your voice it’s like talking to an old friend. I must admit there are some hosts I talk to maybe a bit longer than I should, when there is a lot of work to do.”
How does your background help you understand international students? “Having grown up in a traditional Chinese family but adapting to London life, I understand what it’s like to navigate between two different cultures. From language barriers to different food, I know how daunting it can be for students arriving here. Living in multicultural London has really helped me adapt to different cultures.”
What’s your favourite cultural tradition you’ve learned about? “I’ve noticed the Japanese students are incredibly organised—they always plan and book well in advance! Some hosts are surprised I have some students who have booked to stay until 2026!”
What’s your advice for new host families? “Be confident and have an open mind in having different people in your home. I find its important when the hosts try to participate with the students to learn about each other’s cultures. That’s what makes a homestay different from a hotel. Being a homestay host can no doubt be rewarding for both parties.”
What are your goals for the coming year? “I hope to build even stronger relationships with our hosts. When you know who works well with different types of students, it really helps streamline the booking process. Also, it would be great to visit the countries where the students are from.”
If you could learn any language from our students, which would it be? “Japanese! We get quite a few students from Japan, and it’s always been a place I’d love to visit one day.”
How do you unwind after a busy day? “A bit of Netflix if there’s a good drama series on, but I love cooking too—usually for the masses as I have a large family! Baking too. There is always demand for cake!”
If you could host a dinner party with three international students, who would you choose? “I’d definitely pick students from three different countries. I love learning about different cuisines and cultures!”
What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned from students? “Every student is different, and you never know how they’ll adapt. Some requests can be outrageous, but others really embrace the British culture, so their experience benefit greatly from it.”
