Homestay
Homestay

Homestay

Fairmont’s Homestay Program offers international students a true home away from home, ensuring their wellbeing and safety every step of the way. By living with caring American families, students are welcomed into a warm, supportive environment where they can fully immerse themselves in English and experience authentic American culture.

 

From celebrating traditional holidays to sharing daily routines, every moment becomes an opportunity for meaningful connection and growth. With comfortable accommodations, nourishing meals, and access to exclusive events and excursions, students feel secure, valued, and part of a family, making their Fairmont journey both enriching and unforgettable.

Homestay life

Whether international students join our Homestay Program, to develop their English skills, to become more independent, or to enjoy the warmth of having a second family abroad, their stay is always memorable.

A second family

Life in Homestay surrounds international students with the warmth and security of a family-centered experience, making the transition to life in the United States smooth and supportive.  

Students settle into the daily rhythm of an American home, sharing meals, conversations, and traditions with their host family. 

A second family

Accommodations

Each Homestay student has a private bedroom with a dresser, desk, and closet, as well as access to a shared bathroom. Daily breakfast and dinner, plus all weekend meals, are provided, ensuring students feel at home.  

High-speed wireless internet and laundry facilities add convenience, while weekend transportation and invitations to exclusive Fairmont Homestay events and excursions offer opportunities for connection, adventure, and cultural enrichment.

Accommodations

Structured routines

Learners start each day with a hearty breakfast and a warm send-off to school. After classes, they return home to share dinner and stories with their host family, building real connections.  

Weekends bring shared adventures, exploring local events, enjoying outings, or simply relaxing together. Every moment is an opportunity to bond, learn, and feel at home.

Structured routines

Friendly induction

Students kick off their Homestay journey knowing every host family has passed a thorough screening, background checks for all adults, plus annual training focused on cultural understanding, safety, and wellbeing.  

Throughout their stay, students connect with Fairmont’s dedicated staff, available 24/7 for guidance and reassurance. This constant support helps students settle in, build confidence, and thrive as they adapt to life in an American home and school. 

Friendly induction

Pastoral care

Homestay students at Fairmont Historic Anaheim thrive with a caring, dual-layered support system. Their host family isn’t just a place to stay, it’s a safe, welcoming home where students feel seen, heard, and truly belong. Host parents step in with emotional support, daily guidance, and a sense of family that helps students settle in and grow with confidence.  

Alongside this, Fairmont staff are always on call to answer questions, check in regularly, and make sure every student feels secure and connected. This ongoing support network means students never face challenges alone.  

Pastoral care

Housing fees

HOUSING FEES

Fairmont Homestay fees

It is required to submit a Homestay Application or Renewal for Fairmont Homestay placement. Please refer to our Homestay Application for related fees.

$36,580 (Grades K-5) / $32,180 (Grades 6-12)

Non-Fairmont Homestay

The student’s biological family and parent-appointed guardian must both complete non-Fairmont housing forms and a home verification visit will be conducted

$2,000

International students living with a parent

Students must provide documentation verifying they are living with their parent(s). Upon submission of documents and a subsequent home verification visit, the fee will be credited back to the student’s account.

$2,000 (Refundable)

HOUSING FEES

Fairmont Homestay fees

Non-Fairmont Homestay

International students living with a parent

It is required to submit a Homestay Application or Renewal for Fairmont Homestay placement. Please refer to our Homestay Application for related fees.

The student’s biological family and parent-appointed guardian must both complete non-Fairmont housing forms and a home verification visit will be conducted

Students must provide documentation verifying they are living with their parent(s). Upon submission of documents and a subsequent home verification visit, the fee will be credited back to the student’s account.

$36,580 (Grades K-5) / $32,180 (Grades 6-12)

$2,000

$2,000 (Refundable)

How's life as a Homestay student?

Our international students love it here. Here's what they have to say.

Mon & Elliot

Hosting with GBA since 2017 has been incredibly rewarding. Our students become like our own teenage kids respectful, polite, and responsible. We travel, play sports, and share our family dynamic. These aren't just students; they're lifelong friends, and we've built extended families with their parents too!

Mon & Elliot

Host Parents

Tatiana

Becoming a GBA host family was so easy! The vetting process took only four days, and the team is incredibly fast at answering texts and emails. They truly hold your hand through the whole process. Even after the student arrives, the staff is 100% amazing. We love working with Global Bridge Associates!

Tatiana

Host Parent

Wing Ho Lam

It was great being in Fairmont Homestay because it gave me the feeling that even though I’m living abroad, I still have the feeling of family with my host parents.

Wing Ho Lam

Student

Sitara Chaudhary

We have carefully selected to collaborate with Global Bridge because of their commitment to providing safe and supportive homestay environments for our international students.

Sitara Chaudhary

Regional Head of Admissions at ISP Canada

Sera's Experience

I thought a boarding program would be way too strict, but the GBA environment was actually very nice and positive! My dorm parents were really kind and cooked great food. The consistent schedule made everything easy, and we had fun activities like going to Huntington Beach and exploring Anaheim.

Sera's Experience

Boarding Student

Mon & Elliot

Host Parents

Tatiana

Host Parent

Wing Ho Lam

Student

Sitara Chaudhary

Regional Head of Admissions at ISP Canada

Sera's Experience

Boarding Student

Mon & Elliot

Host Parents

Tatiana

Host Parent

Wing Ho Lam

Student

Sitara Chaudhary

Regional Head of Admissions at ISP Canada

Sera's Experience

Boarding Student

Our Homestay principles

Our Homestay Program is built on principles of safety, cultural immersion, and genuine connection.  

We believe a successful homestay experience goes beyond providing a place to live, it’s about creating a home away from home.

01
Health & safety

Every host family goes through a thorough screening, including background checks for all adults. Annual training puts cultural understanding, student safety, and wellbeing front and center. Families are chosen for their warmth and commitment, so international students feel supported, secure, and truly at home from day one.

02
Cultural immersion

Students soak up daily English, local customs, and traditional holidays. Every day is a chance to connect, celebrate, and learn, students join in academics, arts, athletics, and extracurriculars, making real friends and memories.

03
Genuine connection

Homestay students benefit from a welcoming, inclusive environment. Every household prioritizes student wellbeing and fosters respect. High standards, accountability, and open communication between families, students, and the school create a strong sense of belonging, making every cultural exchange meaningful and every connection authentic.

Homestay hosting

Homestay hosting

Fairmont is seeking caring, qualified host families to create a welcoming "home away from home" for international students. This opportunity fosters meaningful cultural exchange and genuine connections, enriching the lives of both students and host families.  

International students benefit from a safe, supportive environment where wellbeing and inclusion are prioritized. Host families receive monthly compensation in recognition of their commitment, while the program builds a vibrant, diverse community where everyone thrives. 

Our homestay team

Connie Aguilar

Connie Aguilar

COO - Global Bridge Associates

Phil Martin

Phil Martin

CEO - Global Bridge Associates

Frequently asked questions

Fairmont has two housing options, both of which offer students a safe, supportive environment to help them succeed at their new school. Fairmont Homestay centers around a family experience, while Fairmont Boarding surrounds students with a community of diverse peers. Compare the two programs’ benefits to help choose the best fit for your student.

For international students, a homestay or boarding deposit is required to secure housing. The standard deposit is:

  • Homestay deposit: US$ 2,000 per student per academic year
  • Boarding deposit: US$ 3,000 per student per academic year

These deposits are held until the end of the student’s stay and may be used to cover damages, unpaid fees, or extra services. Provided there are no outstanding balances or damages and all housing policies have been followed, the remaining balance of the deposit is refunded after check‑out, according to the timeline and procedures outlined in the housing agreement.

For international students, a homestay or boarding deposit is required to secure housing. The standard deposit is:

Homestay deposit: US$ 2,000 per student per academic year
Boarding deposit: US$ 3,000 per student per academic year

These deposits are held until the end of the student’s stay and may be used to cover damages, unpaid fees, or extra services. Provided there are no outstanding balances or damages and all housing policies have been followed, the remaining balance of the deposit is refunded after check‑out, according to the timeline and procedures outlined in the housing agreement.

Our Homestay program provides students with a warm and welcoming environment where they can be part of a family home. Living with American families is a fantastic opportunity for international students to immerse themselves in the English language and experience a new and exciting atmosphere. This experience also provides exposure to daily customs and traditional American holidays, making it an enriching cultural exchange. To ensure the safety and well-being of our students, all Fairmont host families undergo a rigorous approval process, which includes a thorough background check of all adults in the home and participation in annual training. This Homestay program is available for students in grades 1-12, and we strive to create a comfortable and welcoming environment for each student.

  • English-speaking environment
  • Private bedroom with a dresser, desk, and closet, and a shared bathroom
  • Breakfast and dinner all week; all weekend meals included
  • High-speed wireless internet
  • Laundry facilities
  • Weekend transportation
  • Invitations to exclusive Fairmont Homestay events and weekend excursions (additional fee may apply)

Fairmont Homestay is currently accepting Homestay applications from students entering grades 1 - 12.

New Students - The Homestay application will be included in your Fairmont Schools acceptance packet. You must apply to be a student before you can apply for the program.

A family or individual who opens their home to one or more international students for one or more school years. Hosts provide international students comfortable accommodations, meals, and an introduction to the American way of life.

As compensation for the arrangement, host families receive a monthly stipend (taxable income).
Hosting an international student is an exceptional way to learn about other cultures. International students are eager to share information and anecdotes about their food, customs, and culture with their host family.
Children within the host family especially enjoy having a new housemate and the opportunity to make an international friend.
Hosting an international student can be mentioned on resumes or in college admissions essays to demonstrate intercultural experience.
Many hosts maintain unique friendships with their former housemates for years to come.
Hosts experience the satisfaction of helping an international student through the challenging process of adapting to life in a new country.
Hosts can make their own contribution to fostering better international relations by enlightening international students about United States culture.

For more information about the Fairmont Homestay Program, please contact:

Global Bridge Associates
(949) 998-1458
www.gba-us.com

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Feel at home away from home with our Homestay Program, where students are welcomed in caring and warm families for a full American experience.

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