Become a host family for international students

Oxford Guardians is lucky to work with families across the UK who share their homes with international students studying for a British education.

Host families come in all shapes and sizes! The important thing is that you can offer a safe and supportive environment, and a warm welcome to your international student.

If you pass our checks, which include interviews and home visits, you can sign up to join our growing community of host families. We offer full training and support, including expert advice and 24-hour helpline from our management team.

Short Stay Hosting

International students at boarding schools and Sixth Form colleges in the UK need somewhere to stay during exeats (usually two weekends per term when the school is closed) and short breaks such as Half Term holidays.

Short term homestay families enjoy sharing these short, planned times with their international student, and find it enriches their own family life.

Long Stay Hosting

International students at independent day schools in the UK need a home-from-home where they can live as part of the family during term time.

Long stay host families love to play a part in helping international students flourish in the UK. As a long stay host, you become more involved in the life of your student, as you see them day-to-day.

Students enjoy family meals and joining in with your family’s activities, which may involve outdoor activities or simply the chance to relax and unwind from academic pressures.

Hosting an international student

If you join Oxford Guardians as a host family, you can choose whether to offer long or short stays. We pay you to host, and we cover specified expenses.

We try to match you with a student who will fit in well with your lifestyle. You will meet their educational guardian, and have the full support of our team throughout – We’re always here to help.