Become a host family for international students

Open your home, make a difference

Hosting an international student is a rewarding experience that allows you to provide a warm, supportive environment for a young person studying in the UK. As a host family, you play a crucial role in ensuring students feel safe, comfortable, and welcome while they are away from home.

At London Education Guardians, we carefully match students with host families across the UK who can offer a nurturing home environment during school holidays, weekends, or in emergency situations. Whether you live in a bustling city or a quiet countryside location, we welcome applications from families nationwide.

The role of a host family

A host family provides a temporary home for international students when they are not in school. This might be during half-term breaks and school holidays or occasional weekends when boarding houses close. Your role includes:

  • Providing a comfortable bedroom with a bed, storage space, and a quiet area for study

  • Offering home-cooked meals and ensuring students have access to food throughout their stay

  • Creating a supportive and friendly environment where students feel safe and welcome

  • Encouraging students to engage in family life but also giving them space when needed

  • Transporting the student to and from their school at the start and end of their stay, if required (a mileage allowance will be provided for this)

You are not expected to provide formal education or supervision beyond normal parental care.

How to apply

Becoming a host family is simple:

Get in touch – Fill out our online form or contact us directly and we’ll send you a handbook
Home visit & checks – We will arrange a home visit and complete all necessary safeguarding checks.
Join our network – You’ll be added to our network of host families, and when we have a student who is a good match, we’ll contact you to share details.
Start hosting! – You’ll be ready to host a student and provide a wonderful experience.

Interested in becoming a host family? Get in touch today!

Benefits of Becoming a Host Family

Becoming a host family is a fantastic opportunity to:

Make a difference – Provide a home-away-from-home for a young international student.
Experience cultural exchange – Learn about different cultures and traditions while sharing your own.
Enjoy a rewarding experience – Build meaningful connections with students and their families.
Receive financial support – Hosts receive a generous allowance - £50 per day - to cover costs and ensure a positive experience for both the student and the family.
Mileage allowance provided – If you transport the student between school and home, you will be reimbursed at a rate of 45p per mile, in line with HMRC guidelines.

Frequently asked questions

  • Anyone who has a welcoming home, a spare bedroom, and a desire to support international students can apply. Families, couples, and single hosts are all welcome. You don’t need prior experience — just a caring and responsible attitude.

  • Description text goes hereYes, host families are expected to provide meals, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner. This doesn’t need to be extravagant — just balanced, nutritious home-cooked food. Some students may have dietary requirements, which we will discuss with you in advance.

  • Stays can range from a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on school holidays and individual needs. We will always confirm availability with you beforehand.

  • Yes, host families receive a competitive allowance of £50 per day to cover accommodation, meals, and general care. Payment details will be discussed during the application process.

  • To ensure student safety, we conduct:

    • A home visit to check suitability and answer any questions.

    • DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks for all adult members of the household.

    • Two reference checks to ensure safety and suitablity for hosting.

  • In most cases, yes. Host families may be asked to pick up the student from school at the start of their stay and return them at the end. A mileage allowance will be provided to cover transportation costs.

  • While students appreciate spending time with their host family, they are also independent. You are encouraged to include them in family activities, but there’s no requirement to plan extensive outings.

  • Our team is available 24/7 to provide support. If any issues arise, you can contact us, and we will assist immediately.