Host Families | Oakbridge Guardians Ltd

Supporting International Students

Host Families play an important role in supporting international students during their time in the United Kingdom.

By opening their homes to students, Host Families help provide a safe, welcoming and supportive environment during periods away from school.

Oakbridge works closely with Host Families to help ensure that students are appropriately accommodated, supported and cared for throughout their stay.

Whether hosting for a weekend, half term or longer period, Host Families make a significant contribution to a student's wellbeing, confidence and overall experience in the UK.

Become a Host Family

Oakbridge is always interested in hearing from individuals and families who would like to provide accommodation and support to international students.

Hosting can be a rewarding experience that allows families to:

Meet young people from around the world.
Experience different cultures and traditions.
Support students studying away from home.
Make a positive difference to a student's experience in the UK.
Receive payment for approved hosting arrangements.

We welcome enquiries from individuals, couples and families who can provide a safe, supportive and welcoming home environment.

Why Host?

Hosting offers an opportunity to make a genuine difference in the life of a young person.

Many international students spend significant periods of time away from their families and familiar support networks. A caring Host Family can help students feel:

Safe

Students have a trusted environment where they can feel secure and supported.

Welcome

Students experience a friendly and inclusive home environment.

Included

Students can experience family life and British culture.

Supported

Students have guidance and assistance when away from school.

Hosts often tell us they enjoy:

Learning about different cultures.
Building lasting relationships.
Sharing family life and experiences.
Helping students settle into life in the UK.

Hosting can be both personally rewarding and professionally fulfilling.

Host Family Requirements

All Host Families must be able to provide:

A safe and suitable home environment.
Appropriate supervision and support.
A comfortable bedroom for the student.
Access to bathroom facilities.
Meals and refreshments as agreed.
Reliable communication with Oakbridge.
A commitment to safeguarding and student welfare.

Host Families must also:

Complete the Oakbridge application process.
Provide references where required.
Participate in interviews and assessments.
Complete safeguarding, identity or suitability checks.
Comply with Oakbridge policies and expectations.

Additional requirements may apply depending on the nature of the hosting arrangements.

Safeguarding

The welfare and safety of students is always our highest priority.

Host Families play an important role in helping to safeguard children and young people and are expected to:

Promote student welfare.
Maintain appropriate boundaries.
Communicate concerns promptly.
Follow Oakbridge safeguarding guidance.
Cooperate with safeguarding requirements and checks.

Oakbridge provides guidance, support and ongoing communication to help Host Families understand their responsibilities and know what to do if concerns arise.

Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility.

Application Process

If you are interested in becoming a Host Family, the application process usually involves:

Initial enquiry.
Application form.
Discussion with Oakbridge.
Suitability and safeguarding checks.
Approval and onboarding.

Once approved, Host Families may be considered for suitable placements based on student needs, availability and location.

Host Family Enquiry Form

Questions?

If you would like to learn more about becoming a Host Family, please contact Oakbridge and a member of our team will be happy to discuss the opportunity with you.

Contact Oakbridge