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British Council accredited · Est. 1966

Open your home to the world

If you live in or near Southbourne, hosting our international students is a rewarding way to share British life, meet wonderful young people — and earn a reliable income with full support from our team.

Accredited & trustedAccredited by the British CouncilMember of IALC — International Association of Language CentresMember of Quality EnglishMember of English UK
LocalSouthbourne & nearby
PaidPromptly, every time
24/7School support line
You chooseAges, dates, duration
Students laughing at dinner with their British homestay hosts
How it works

Three steps to your first student

  • 1
    Get in touchTell us about your home and household — single students, pairs or small groups, short stays or long.
  • 2
    We visit and get you readyA friendly home visit, straightforward safeguarding checks, and clear guidance on meals, welfare and what students expect.
  • 3
    Welcome your first studentWe match students carefully to your household, pay promptly, and our welfare team is on hand 24/7.
Why families love hosting

More than a spare room

Reliable extra income

Competitive weekly rates paid promptly — busiest in summer, with year-round opportunities if you want them.

The world at your table

Hosts tell us dinner conversations are the best part — students from Italy to Japan sharing their worlds with yours.

Total flexibility

You decide when you host, for how long, and the age groups you prefer. Take a break whenever you need.

We're always close

A local school, ten minutes away, with a 24/7 welfare line — you're never handling anything alone.

Simple requirements

A clean, comfortable room, breakfast and dinner, and a warm welcome. We guide you through everything else.

Decades-long relationships

Many of our families have hosted for 10, 20, even 30 years — and stay in touch with students for life.

FAQs

Good questions, honest answers

Everything you're wondering, answered honestly.

What do I need to provide?

A welcoming home, a clean private bedroom with a desk or study space, Wi-Fi access, breakfast and dinner each day, also lunch on weekends, and laundry once a week. We explain everything at the home visit.

How much will I earn?

Rates depend on the season, student age and room type. Contact us and we'll send you the current hosting rates — payment is always prompt.

Do I need any checks?

Every host has a home visit and straightforward safeguarding checks. If you host students under 18, an enhanced DBS check is also required — exactly as it is for our own staff. We organise all of it with you, and it's simpler than most people expect.

What if there's a problem?

Call us — any time. Our welfare team supports hosts and students 24/7, and we can always rematch a student if a placement isn't working.

Can students share a room?

Students aged 18 and over are normally provided with a single room and do not share unless they specifically request to do so. Younger students may be accommodated in twin rooms, depending on their age and the time of year.

What if a student has dietary requirements?

We will tell you about any special dietary requirements before you accept a booking. If a student mentions additional requirements after arrival, please discuss them with the school. Supplements are available for certain special diets such as vegan, gluten-free, lactose-free, or coeliac requirements.

Google reviews

Hosts are part of the family

Rated 4.8 / 5 on Google by our students, parents and partners · Read our Google reviews →

★★★★★

"I stayed here for about eight months and had a really good time. The teachers are perfect and the school staff are very kind. Also, my host family was absolutely amazing — I've got a lot of unforgettable memories with them."

Kino, Japan Student testimonial
★★★★★

"How can I describe such a wonderful experience! I am happy with all the people I met and they made my stay unforgettable. And to my host family who made me feel at home — thank you, thank you and thank you."

Mateo, Argentina Student testimonial
★★★★★

"I want to thank the school for all the dedication and for making me feel at home. I've been able to meet incredible people throughout this time."

Nicolas, Colombia Student testimonial

G See all our Google reviews

What it looks like

Our homestay homes

Comfortable student bedroom in a homestay home
Student bedroom
Students at dinner with their homestay hosts
Dinner together
Clean bathroom in a homestay home
Homestay bathroom
Quiet residential street in Southbourne
Local neighbourhood
Garden at a homestay home
Homestay garden
Welcoming entrance of a homestay home
Homestay entrance
No obligation · Fast reply

Apply to become a homestay host

Tell us a little about your home and household, and our accommodation team will be in touch to arrange a friendly chat.

Thank you — your enquiry has been sent! We'll reply within one working day. For anything urgent, WhatsApp us on +44 1202 422300.

By sending, you consent to us storing your details to respond to your enquiry. We never share your data.

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