Educational guardianship services provide vital support for international students studying in the UK. Both for students living in a new environment, and for parents whose child is far from home, effective communication can make the difference between emotional trial and confident triumph.
At Oxford Guardians, we understand the unique challenges that come with studying abroad. We have looked after over 670 students from 55 nationalities, so have lots of experience in helping international students thrive in the UK.
That’s why we prioritise clear communication between students, parents, schools, and our team — ensuring that every international student in our care is properly supported.
The strong and supportive team behind every student
International students studying in the UK can feel separated both emotionally and geographically from their families at home. Their normal support networks are replaced with a whole team of individuals working to help them make a success of their time abroad.
As educational guardians, our role is to help ensure that every part of that team connects, allowing vital information to flow quickly when needed. Good communications link:
- Our international students in the UK
- Their parents abroad
- Teaching staff at their UK school, college or university
- House parents and other pastoral staff there
- Our homestay families
- Our educational guardians
- Our central guardianship support team
- Our native language speakers, if needed
- Our transport and other discrete service providers
Oxford Guardians is set up to manage all these communications effectively, helping students to enjoy their time studying in the UK, and helping to ease any concerns for their friends and family.
Key channels of communication
Fortunately, a wide range of communications channels are now available, offering instant international audio and visual connections. At Oxford Guardians, we use a selection of these tools depending on what is appropriate for the age of the student, the relevant time zone, practicality and availability.
For example, we set up individual WhatsApp groups for each student, as well as using phone and email communications – all supported by a regular programme of in-person visits with students and key people at their school.
To ensure that information can flow freely and be clearly understood, we also offer help from bi-lingual or native speakers of a student’s language. These colleagues can provide vital explanations and support for parents who may not speak English, whether by translating what is happening, explaining cultural differences or giving their child the opportunity to express themselves in their own language.

Helping students adjust to UK life
Our communications with students start before they arrive – we help families understand British culture, navigate English school systems and the application process, and sort out the right homestay family for each student.
International students communicate freely with our educational guardians, who are constantly available to throughout their time in UK education: we receive communications asking for help with everything from explaining school policies to helping arrange weekend stays, social activities or medical appointments.
Promoting student wellbeing in the UK
Studying in the UK can be an exciting adventure for international students, but it can also be a big adjustment. Feelings of homesickness and challenges with cultural differences are common.
Through regular communications we provide a listening ear and can give reassurance and timely support. Our educational guardians check in with students as often as is needed to help them settle into life in the UK. Oxford Guardians’ team is trained to recognise when something doesn’t feel right, and by maintaining open lines of communication, we can respond quickly to any concerns.
Limiting initial communications at boarding schools
Supporting students and their parents can be particularly important when international (and national) students start at boarding school in the UK. Many UK boarding schools restrict student access to mobile phones in the first few weeks, to help them settle into boarding school life.
Starting at boarding school is an immersive experience that can be exhausting for new students. Boarding school staff know that it can be unhelpful for students to speak to their parents in the early days – before they have become accustomed to a new time zone, new language, accommodation, school day and culture. Yet parents still need to know that their son or daughter is safe and well.
As educational guardians, we stay in contact with your child and with school staff such as their houseparent, keeping a watchful eye over their wellbeing. This means we are well placed to answer any concerns international parents may have, and to support your child as they become accustomed to their weird and wonderful new way of life!
Keeping parents updated and reassured
Every parent wants to know their child is safe, happy and thriving. As part of our educational guardianship services, we provide parents with regular updates on their student’s welfare and academic progress, as well as sharing travel arrangements and important moments in day-to-day life.
We act as the link between home and school, offering peace of mind for families who may be thousands of miles away. Whether it’s a comprehensive message after a successful parent-teacher meeting or a brief call to update on travel plans, our communication is always clear, prompt and reliable.
Your kindness, support, and dedication have made all the difference in her experience.
Collaborating with UK schools
We work closely with boarding schools and independent day schools across the UK to ensure students receive the best possible support. By building strong relationships with school staff, we can stay informed about each student’s academic and pastoral progress.
If a student is struggling, needs additional academic or holistic support, or faces a behavioural issue, we are on hand to represent their best interests and liaise with parents. Our educational guardians are trusted partners who communicate regularly with house parents, tutors and school leadership teams on a range of educational and wellbeing issues, and work to ensure that any problems are sorted out quickly.
Responding quickly in emergencies
Whether it’s a missed flight, a medical concern or an unexpected school closure, emergencies can be stressful for families. Our experienced guardians are trained to respond and communicate quickly and professionally, ensuring the student’s safety while keeping parents and schools informed every step of the way.
With 24/7 team support and clear protocols in place, families can rest assured that we’ll act in the student’s best interest—always with clear communication and swift action. Communication is at the heart of good educational guardianship
At Oxford Guardians, we believe that great communication transforms a guardianship arrangement into a true support system. Whether we’re responsible for an 8 year old at day school in the UK or a 20-year old university student living on campus, we keep everyone connected – creating a network of care that gives international students the confidence and support to thrive.
We build trusting relationships that make students feel heard and valued. It’s not just about solving problems — it’s about being there as a consistent, caring presence. That’s partly why we are https://aegisuk.net/ (the independent body set up to provide a benchmark for education guardianship services) who recognise Oxford Guardians as “a caring company who have excellent systems in place to ensure that students receive the best of care whilst studying in the UK.”
If you’re looking for a UK guardianship company that puts communication and student welfare at the centre of everything we do, we’d love to hear from you.
Contact us today to learn more about our educational guardianship services for international students.