A Home Away
from Home
Our carefully vetted host families provide international students with warmth, safety, and genuine connection — and offer families a uniquely rewarding experience in return.
Become a host family Enquire about hostingBuild lasting connections
Many of our host families have stayed in touch with students long after their time in the UK — forging friendships that span continents and last a lifetime.
Cultural exchange
Welcoming a student from another country brings a rich cultural experience into your home — new perspectives, cuisines, languages, and ways of seeing the world.
Flexible commitment
You choose when you host — whether it’s occasional exeats, half terms, or full-time. We work around your family’s schedule and availability.
Financial contribution
Hosts receive a financial contribution towards the costs of hosting. Full details are provided during the application process.
Full support from us
You’re never alone. Our team is on hand to support you throughout every placement — answering questions, resolving concerns, and checking in regularly.
Make a real difference
For many students, their host family becomes the most important relationship during their time in the UK. Your warmth and care genuinely changes lives.
Get in touch
Fill in our enquiry form or call us. We’ll have an initial conversation about what hosting involves and whether it’s right for your family.
Home assessment
One of our team will visit your home to carry out a friendly assessment and get to know your family and your setup.
Checks & approval
We carry out enhanced DBS checks on all adults in the household and complete the necessary paperwork to get you approved.
Your first student
We carefully match you with a student and introduce you ahead of their arrival. We’re there every step of the way to support you both.
We welcome applications from all types of households — couples, families with children, single people, and retirees. What matters most is that you can offer a safe, warm, and welcoming home.
A spare room
You’ll need a private bedroom for the student with adequate space, heating, and natural light.
DBS checks
All adults aged 16 and over in the household must have an enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check.
A welcoming environment
Students should be included in family meals and activities — feeling part of the family rather than a guest.
Good English
You don’t need to speak other languages, but confident spoken English is important for supporting students day to day.
Home assessment
Our team will visit your home to carry out a friendly assessment before any student is placed with you.
Ongoing commitment
We ask hosts to be consistent and reliable — students depend on you and benefit most from a stable, caring environment.
“We have been hosting international students for about five years now. During that time, we have welcomed about 20 students into our home. It’s been a lot of fun and we have made some very special friends.”
“Having these young students from around the world living with us these last 10 years has given us great pleasure. Conversations around the dinner table have given us insight into different cultures and cuisine.”
“I really don’t know where to start to say thank you. It really felt like home staying with you. Because of your kindness, I became confident using English and finally felt I could express myself.”
“Hosting has been one of the most rewarding things our family has done. We’ve made friendships that will last a lifetime, and our own children have grown so much through the experience.”
“Alpha Guardians have supported us every step of the way. From the first home visit to ongoing check-ins, we’ve always felt looked after and never alone if a question came up.”
“The matching process is really thoughtful. The students placed with us have always been a great fit for our family and our home has been enriched by every one of them.”
Do I need experience with children?
No prior experience is required. We provide full training and ongoing support. What matters most is that you are caring, patient, and genuinely welcoming.
How long do students stay?
It varies. Some students stay for short exeats (a few nights), others for half terms or holidays, and some full-time for the school year. We’ll discuss your preferences before making any placement.
What age are the students?
Most students are between 11 and 18 years old. We match students to host families based on the age group you are most comfortable with.
What if things don’t work out?
We are always here to help resolve any issues. If a placement isn’t working for either party, we will find a solution quickly — including re-homing the student if necessary.
Can I choose which student I host?
We carefully match students to host families, taking both parties’ preferences into account. We always introduce student and host before a placement begins.
What are my responsibilities as a host?
You provide a safe, welcoming home, meals, and a supportive environment. Alpha Guardians handles the guardianship responsibilities — you focus on being a great host.
Want to get involved?
Whether you’d like to become a host or need accommodation for a student, we’d love to hear from you.