What makes a great host family?
We are always looking for warm, welcoming families in the UK — particularly in Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, and surrounding areas — who are willing to host international students during exeat weekends and school holidays.
Welcoming home
A family environment where a student feels safe, respected, and genuinely welcome — even for just a weekend.
Own bedroom
A private, comfortable bedroom for the student — clean, quiet, and with access to the family's shared facilities.
Flexibility
Availability for exeat weekends and/or half-term periods — short stays of 2–7 days at a time.
Reliability
Commitment to confirmed arrangements and clear, timely communication with us regarding any changes.
Genuine care
A sincere interest in the student's wellbeing — helping them feel comfortable, included, and at ease.
AEGIS standards
Willingness to complete our vetting process — DBS checks, home assessment, and reference checks — in line with AEGIS Gold safeguarding requirements.
What we require from host families
All host families are vetted to the highest safeguarding standards in line with AEGIS Gold accreditation.
- ✓ UK residency and a suitable home in an accessible location
- ✓ A private, comfortable bedroom for the student
- ✓ DBS checks for all adults in the household
- ✓ Home assessment visit by our team
- ✓ Two references — personal and/or professional
- ✓ Agreement with our host family terms and AEGIS guidelines
- ✓ Provision of meals during the student's stay
- ✓ Ability to collect / drop off the student at agreed locations
- ✓ Clear and timely communication with our coordinators
- ✓ Openness to hosting students from different cultural backgrounds
How to join our network
Initial enquiry
Get in touch via email or phone to express your interest. We'll explain the process and answer your questions.
Application & checks
Complete our application form. We arrange DBS checks and collect references for all adults in the household.
Home assessment
A member of our team visits your home to confirm it meets AEGIS safeguarding standards and is suitable for student stays.
Welcome to the network
Once approved, you're added to our vetted host family network and we begin matching students with your availability.
Your experience as a host family
Host families typically receive students for exeat weekends (Friday evening to Sunday) and half-term breaks (usually 5–10 days). Stays are agreed in advance and you always have the right to confirm or decline a placement.
You will receive a profile of the student before each stay, including their age, nationality, any dietary requirements, and relevant background information.
Our team is always available to support you — before, during, and after each placement. You will have a named coordinator as your point of contact.
Host families receive a placement fee for each stay. Rates are confirmed during the application process.
Exeat weekends
Typically Friday evening to Sunday — around 4–6 times per term.
Half-term & holidays
Longer stays of 5–14 days for students who remain in the UK during school breaks.
Placement fee
Families receive a fee for each placement. Full details provided on application.
Interested in becoming a host family?
Get in touch — we'll guide you through every step and answer all your questions. The initial conversation is informal and without obligation.
+44 (7795) 107-532