Sable Guardians A Guide to Hosting
HOSTING WITH
SABLE GUARDIANS Thank you for your interest in hosting with Sable Guardians. We are proud to work with a wide range of hosts, including families, couples, grandparents and individuals living alone. What matters most to us is not your household structure, but the personal qualities you bring. The most important attributes of a successful host are kindness, patience, understanding and a genuine desire to support young people. International students need to feel safe, comfortable and welcomed during their time away f rom school. A supportive home environment where they can relax, communicate openly and feel included is essential. Our hosts provide a true “home-f rom-home” experience — offering both involvement in family life and the space for students to study and unwind independently. A private bedroom, a suitable place to study and access to shared living areas are basic requirements.
A FLEXIBLE AND REWARDING
OPPORTUNITY
Hosting can be tailored to suit your lifestyle. Placements may range from a few weekends during the school year to half terms or longer school holidays. Whether you choose short stays or extended periods, the level of commitment is entirely up to you.
SUCCESSFUL HOSTS ARE GENEROUS WITH THEIR TIME Whether that means offering day-to-day support, helping with schoolwork, or simply ensuring students feel included and valued. Some students may be adjusting to life in the English countryside, while others may be experiencing a busy city environment for the first time. Your role is to help them feel confident and settled in their surroundings.
Many hosts and students enjoy cooking together, sharing meals and exploring cuisines from around the world. Others bond over sports, walks, museum visits or local attractions. Every hosting experience is unique, and there truly is something for everyone.
THE BENEFITS OF
CULTURAL EXCHANGE
Welcoming an international student into your home is not only rewarding for them — it can be enriching for you as well.
Each student brings their own customs, traditions and perspectives, creating a meaningful cultural exchange. Hosts often gain a broader understanding of life beyond a typical British family setting, while forming lasting relationships along the way. Wherever possible, we aim to match students with the same host family throughout their educational journey. Many of our hosts remain in contact with students long after their placements end, and it is not uncommon to be invited to important milestones such as graduations and celebrations. We understand you may have questions before applying, and we hope the following information is helpful.
FREQUENTLY ASKED
QUESTIONS HOW LONG WILL I HOST A STUDENT FOR? The length of stay depends entirely on your availability and preferences. Some hosts provide accommodation for leave-out weekends (typically 5–6 per school year), while others also host during half terms or longer holidays. You are free to choose arrangements that best suit your family and circumstances.
WHAT ARE MY RESPONSIBILITIES AS A HOST? You will care for the student as you would your own child, providing a safe and supportive environment. All hosts receive a comprehensive Host Handbook outlining guidance for various situations. Sable Guardians operates a 24-hour on-call service, so support is always available should you have any concerns — no matter how small.
WILL I BE PAID? Yes. Hosts are paid according to the number of nights a student stays. A claim form is submitted after each placement, and payment is made directly to your bank account. If you transport a student, mileage is reimbursed at 45p per mile.
HOW WILL STUDENTS TRAVEL TO MY HOME? You may choose to collect the student from school and claim mileage. Alternatively, we can arrange taxi transport. Older students may use public transport, and some hosts live within walking distance of the school.
HOW ARE STUDENTS MATCHED WITH HOSTS? We take great care in matching students and hosts thoughtfully. Students provide detailed information about their interests, hobbies, dietary needs and medical requirements. Hosts share similar information about their home environment and lifestyle. For example, example, a student who plays piano may be matched with a host who has one, or an animal lover may be placed with a family that has pets. When possible, we arrange an introductory Zoom call between the host, student and their family to ensure everyone feels comfortable before the first stay.
WHAT HAPPENS IN AN EMERGENCY? In a life-threatening emergency, call 999 immediately. As soon as possible afterwards, contact Sable Guardians using the 24-hour on-call number.
CAN STUDENTS JOIN FAMILY ACTIVITIES? Yes — students are encouraged to participate in normal family outings and activities. If you are planning an overnight trip or an activity involving significant cost, please consult our team first so we can confirm arrangements with the student’s parents.
HOW DO I BECOME A HOST? If you are interested in becoming a UK host for an international student, please contact us to register your interest or complete the host registration form on our website. All hosts are carefully selected, interviewed and DBS-checked. We conduct regular home visits to ensure standards are maintained and provide training and ongoing support. Our team is available 24/7 to assist you throughout your hosting journey. Becoming a host is a meaningful and rewarding experience. If you would like to learn more, we would be delighted to talk you through the process.
CONTACT US HERE Email: guardians@sableinternational.com Website: www.sableinternationalguardians.co.uk Sable Guardians 24 hour phone number: +44 (0)7513 106 451