Host family welcoming student at home
Built by former international students

Host a verified student

Earn up to $1,200 per month

A safe home doesn't just shelter a student - it changes their entire journey. You set the rules. We guide you every step of the way.

Amine Makhlouf - Co-Founder

"I lived with a host family when I first came to the US. It changed everything for me."

Amine Makhlouf, Co-Founder

Verified students
Dedicated support
You choose the match

Hundreds of students arriving every month

Trusted by families in our beta launch

Your home can be the foundation for a student's success

When students begin their journey in the US, a welcoming home makes all the difference.

You decide the level of involvement. Some hosts enjoy sharing meals and conversations. Others prefer a quieter arrangement. Both are valuable.

Hosting is flexible. What matters most is providing a safe, stable space where both families and students learn together.

We're in beta, which means we work personally with every host family. You're fully supported throughout the experience.

Cozy bedroom scene showing neatly made bed with blue blanket surrounded by green houseplants, study desk with computer monitor and backpack suggesting first pet at home context

Who you work with

You're not working with a platform. You're working with real people who are personally accountable.

Amine Makhlouf - Co-Founder

Amine Makhlouf

Co-Founder

"When I first came to the US, I lived with a host family. That experience gave me stability when I needed it most. We built Host Guest because I understand both the student and host perspective, and I care deeply about getting this right."

Daniel Messina - Marketing & Growth Associate

Daniel Messina

Marketing & Growth Associate

"I focus on bringing the right students to Host Guest. My role is helping grow the community so hosts are matched with students who are serious, respectful, and a good fit."

What this means for you

You speak with real people

No automated systems. No chatbots. Just real conversations.

Someone is always accountable

You're not lost in a system. Real people take responsibility.

Support when you need it

If something isn't working, someone is there to help.

The broader Host Guest team supporting our mission

The Host Guest Team

How It Works

Becoming a host is simple and guided at every step. Here's what the process looks like from start to finish.

1

Tell us about your home

Share a few details about your space, availability, and what kind of hosting feels right for you. There's no commitment at this stage.

2

We review and get to know you

Our team personally reviews your application and schedules a friendly call to answer questions and make sure hosting is a good fit.

3

We match you manually

We recommend a student who fits your preferences, lifestyle, and comfort level.

4

You meet and decide

You meet the student online, ask questions, and decide if it feels right. You always have full control.

5

The student moves in

Once everything feels right, you welcome your student and we stay involved to support both sides throughout the stay.

You are supported by real people at every step. No obligation until both sides agree.

Trust & Safety, handled personally

Every student and host is personally reviewed. This is the only place we use verification and background checks.

Manual matching by our team

Every match is reviewed by real people to ensure compatibility and clarity for both hosts and students.

Identity & enrollment verification

We verify student identity and enrollment. Host details are confirmed before placement.

Background checks when required

Background checks may apply to students or host families depending on the placement and program requirements.

During our beta, every host and student is personally reviewed. No automated decisions. No guesswork.

Verified international student

100% Verified

Every student, every time

A safer, more personal matching experience

We do not use algorithms or automated systems. Every match is made by real people who care about getting it right.

We interview every student

Personal video calls help us understand who they are and what they need.

We speak with every host

We take time to understand your home, boundaries, and preferences before matching.

We match based on personality and preferences

Not just availability. We consider lifestyle, values, and compatibility.

Hosts always approve the final student

You have complete control. No surprises. No pressure.

Payments, handled simply and securely

Transparent, predictable, and hassle-free.

Secure & Trusted

All payments processed through Stripe—trusted by millions worldwide.

Monthly Payouts

Direct deposits to your bank account. You always know when you're paid.

10% Service Fee

No hidden fees. No surprises. Just simple, transparent pricing.

You never pay anything upfront, and you're never locked in.

Hosting, through the eyes of real families

Families who opened their homes. Their words, not ours.

The Erickson family hosting experience
Host family welcoming international student

"Hosting a student wasn't about renting a room. It was about welcoming someone into our daily life."

The Erickson Family

Minnesota

Verified host family

Host experience

Hosts always choose who they welcome. Every placement is reviewed and approved by the family.

Ready to get started?

No commitment required. Apply now or talk to us first. Whatever feels right.

Calls last 15–20 minutes · No pressure, just real people

Free to apply
Personal support
No hosting experience required
Help grow the community

Know someone who might want to host?

Refer someone with a spare room. If they complete onboarding, you earn $30. No limits, no complexity.

Simple referral process
No limit on referrals
Help build something meaningful
Host Guest Logo
$30

Per successful referral

Paid when your referral completes onboarding

Apply to Become a Host

This form helps us understand your location and availability. We'll review it and reach out within 24 hours to schedule a short intro call.

No documents, no pressure, and no obligation. After you submit, we'll call to schedule a friendly 15–20 minute conversation. Hosting is never required after applying.

This helps us understand location fit. It's okay if you're not sure yet.

Your information is secure and will only be used to contact you about hosting opportunities.

Stay Connected

Follow Our Journey on Social Media

Join our growing community of hosts and students! See real stories, hosting tips, cultural exchange moments, and behind-the-scenes updates.

Join our community of hosts sharing their experiences