Become a Host Family
Opening up your home to become a host family with UK Guardians is a unique, rewarding, fun and educational experience for all the family. It gives families a chance meet new friends and appreciate learning and sharing differences in cultures and languages.
Welcoming an international student to your home will allow them to experience maximum immersion by living as ‘locals’. Also, hosting a foreign student gives them the opportunity to understand and experience British culture.
HOST FAMILY BENEFITS
Welcome the World to Your Home
Meet students of all ages from all over the world.
Cultural Exchange at Its Best
Teach students about British culture and you’ll probably learn from them too!
Earn Extra Income
Competitive rates – Earn cash from your spare room, paid directly to your account.
Flexible Hosting Options
Choose when and how often you host. Whether for a few days, weeks, or longer stays, we’ll work around your schedule.
24/7 Support and Guidance
Our staff are contactable at any time of day or night via our 24/7 emergency phone number.
OPPORTUNITIES
It’s a great opportunity for our students to engage and experience British culture with a local family. Also, there is a chance for you as a host family to learn a different culture as well as meeting new people without leaving your home.
Host juniors or adults. You are not obliged to take every student offered; tell us your preferences and availability.
“I thoroughly enjoy hosting through UK Guardians. The team is friendly, approachable, and understanding. The staff keep me updated on student arrivals and answer my calls when I have questions. My husband and I have hosted for 2 years and being a musical family, students have enjoyed playing the piano and guitar while they stay with us”
Domonique B – Host Family
Frequently Asked Questions
We understand that becoming a host family or sending a student abroad comes with plenty of questions. That’s why we’ve put together some of the most common queries to help you learn more about how we work, what to expect, and how we ensure a safe, rewarding experience for everyone involved.
Where can I host?
We work with host families across the UK, especially near our key school locations and travel routes. Hosts must be based in safe, well-connected areas to ensure convenient access for our students.
How many students can I host at once?
Host families can accommodate up to three international students at any one time, provided all safeguarding, space, and welfare requirements are met. You should never host more than one student of the same native language, unless agreed by UK Guardians.
What ages and nationalities are the students?
Our students are usually aged between 12 and 17 and come from a wide range of countries. We welcome international students from Europe, Asia, and around the world, all here to improve their English and experience British life.
How long is a hosting stay?
Placements vary depending on the programme. Most stays range from a few days to several weeks, and in some cases longer-term placements may be arranged. UK Guardians will always provide arrival details and durations in advance.
What insurance do I need?
Hosts are responsible for their own household insurance and must inform their insurer that they accommodate “paying guests.” We’ll ask for proof of this during your application.
What’s the cancellation policy for host families?
We understand circumstances can change. Please contact us as soon as possible if you need to cancel a confirmed placement. We’ll support you in managing this process and make any necessary arrangements for the student.
Are host families given support?
Yes – We’re available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on our emergency line. (+44 1425 529118) for any urgent matters. You’ll also receive a detailed Host Family Handbook with our expectations, procedures, and best practices.
What accommodation standards must we meet?
Hosts must provide a clean, comfortable, and safe home with:
Single beds (no double sharing)
Adequate lighting, heating, and storage space
Access to bathroom facilities
A balanced and nutritious diet
A nurturing environment that supports students’ studies
All hosts must undergo DBS checks (paid for by UK Guardians) and provide two references — one personal and one professional.
How much do I get paid and when?
Payments are competitive and made directly into your bank account. You’ll receive full details in your host family handbook and our finance team will guide you through timings and tax considerations.
Can I host students from other organisations?
You must inform UK Guardians if you already host for another agency or intend to do so. Host families are not permittedto host more than three international students at once or to operate any form of bed and breakfast service while hosting our students.
