Homestay
Homestay

Homestay

Fairmont’s Homestay Program gives international students a true home away from home, with safety and wellbeing first. Welcoming American families provide a supportive space to practice English, experience traditions, and gain independence, with options of boarding. 

 

Sharing daily life and special occasions fosters connection and growth, while cozy accommodations, wholesome meals, and exclusive events create a strong sense of belonging, making each step of the Fairmont journey memorable. 

Homestay life

Whether enhancing English skills, gaining independence for college, or enjoying the support of a second family abroad, every international student in Fairmont’s Homestay Program experiences a safe, nurturing, and truly unforgettable stay.

A second family

Life in the Fairmont Homestay immerses international students in the warmth and security of a family-centered environment, helping them transition smoothly to life in the United States. 

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

A second family

Accommodations

Homestay students enjoy private bedrooms with a dresser, desk, and closet, plus access to shared bathrooms. Daily breakfast, dinner, and weekend meals foster comfort and belonging, helping every student feel at home from the start. 

Convenience and connectivity are built in, with high-speed Wi-Fi and laundry facilities. Weekend transportation and invitations to exclusive Homestay events and excursions provide adventure, connection, and cultural enrichment. 

Accommodations

Structured routines

Each morning begins with a nourishing breakfast and a warm send-off to school, followed by a return to a welcoming home where dinner is shared and stories are exchanged. 

Weekends bring shared adventures - exploring local events, enjoying outings, or simply relaxing together - offering every student chances to bond, learn, and truly feel at home.

Structured routines

Friendly induction

Students begin their Homestay journey with confidence, knowing every host family undergoes thorough screening, background checks for all adults, and annual training in cultural understanding, safety, and wellbeing. 

This comprehensive process ensures students are safe, supported, and cared for from day one. 

Friendly induction

Pastoral care

Homestay life is guided by a caring, dual-layered support system that prioritizes safety and wellbeing. Host families provide more than a place to stay - they create a welcoming home where every student feels seen, heard, and included, receiving daily guidance and emotional support to grow with confidence. 

Fairmont staff complement this care, remaining available around the clock to answer questions, check in regularly, and ensure a secure, connected experience.

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.

Wing

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

Student

David

I have been working with GBA for over ten years, hosting international students. GBA is a professional organization with rich experience, allowing us to provide an excellent living and learning environment. We focus on communicating with parents and establishing routines to help students adapt quickly and build a solid

David

Host Parent

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

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

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

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

Boarding Student

Wing

Student

David

Host Parent

Tatiana

Host Parent

Mon & Elliot

Host Parents

Sitara Chaudhary

Regional Head of Admissions at ISP Canada

Sera

Boarding Student

Wing

Student

David

Host Parent

Tatiana

Host Parent

Mon & Elliot

Host Parents

Sitara Chaudhary

Regional Head of Admissions at ISP Canada

Sera

Boarding Student

Our Homestay principles

Fairmont’s Homestay Program emphasizes safety, cultural immersion, and meaningful connection. Students live with caring families, discovering support and comfort in every moment. More than just a place to stay, the experience fosters independence, a sense of home, and lasting relationships that extend far beyond the school year.

01
Health & safety

Each host family is thoughtfully chosen and trained to provide a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment where students can flourish. Families undergo a thorough screening process, including background checks for all adults and annual training in cultural awareness, student safety, and wellbeing. 

02
Cultural immersion

American cultural immersion is central to the Homestay experience. Living with an American family offers daily practice in English, exposure to local customs, and participation in traditional holidays. Students fully engage in academics, arts, athletics, and extracurriculars, while Homestay events and excursions add depth and enrichment to their experience. 

03
Genuine connection

Students live in homes that prioritize wellbeing, respect, and inclusivity. Families, students, and the school collaborate, upholding high standards and maintaining open, honest communication. A sense of belonging comes alive through shared experiences, from mealtime conversations to celebrating special occasions together. 

Homestay housing

Homestay housing

Fairmont welcomes caring, qualified host families to open their homes to international students, creating a true home away from home. This experience fosters meaningful cultural exchange and authentic relationships, enriching both students and families. Students thrive in a safe, supportive environment where wellbeing and inclusion are always prioritized. 

Host families receive monthly compensation for their commitment, while the program cultivates a vibrant, diverse community where everyone can flourish.

Non-Fairmont housing

Non-Fairmont housing

Fairmont ensures that every student living outside our Homestay or boarding programs is supported, whether staying with a parent, relative, family friend, or in independently arranged accommodation. Our priority is their safety, wellbeing, and inclusion, with clear oversight and guidance so every student can thrive in a caring, secure environment. 

Our boarding partner

Our boarding partner

Fairmont Boarding provides international students with a safe, nurturing home just steps away from campus. Students enjoy the independence to study on their own, supported by a dedicated Dorm Parent from the GBA community.

With daily balanced meals and a private shuttle for school and weekend activities, students can focus on learning, building connections, and growing in a home-like environment.

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.

There are many reasons why parents choose to send their children to an elementary boarding school. Some of these reasons include the following:

  • A more disciplined environment. Parents want to ensure that their children learn the proper values and life skills at a young age. Going away to boarding school can give students a chance to be away from home and learn how to manage their time and make good choices on their own.
  • Higher academic standards. Some parents want their children to be challenged academically and receive a quality education. They may also want their children to experience different learning environments, such as smaller classes or one-on-one instruction with teachers who specialize in certain subjects.
  • More opportunities for extracurricular activities and sports teams. Students at boarding schools often have access to more athletic programs than public schools because most boarding schools have large campuses with lots of space for playing fields, courts, and other sports activities like swimming pools, weight rooms, and gyms with basketball hoops or tennis courts.

Source

A Better Understanding of Other Cultures
Children who attend boarding schools learn about other cultures and gain a better understanding of how people live in other parts of the world. This is an important skill that will help them later in life when dealing with people from different backgrounds and cultures.

Stronger Communication Skills
Boarding school students learn how to communicate with others in various situations and environments. They also develop strong communication skills by working together as a team and developing trust. These skills will help them when they enter the workforce or college later on in life.

Stronger Leadership Skills
Boarding school students learn how to lead because they are often placed in positions where they must take charge of others while they are away from home. For example, at school during holidays or breaks from classes, such as spring break.

Fairmont is a school where every child gets an A+ education. We employ caring, passionate educators who participate in rigorous training and mandatory yearly evaluation to ensure each child has an A+ teacher every year. Our secular, co-educational P-12 educational program balances time-honored fundamentals with innovative approaches to learning, taking into account intellectual as well as social and emotional growth.

We offer award-winning academics as well as numerous opportunities for children to explore their unique talents through the arts, athletics, and special programs like robotics, and speech and debate.

Fairmont is a safe place for high achievers, late bloomers, and everyone in between. We embrace a growth mindset and believe that the rewards of hard work, taking risks, and never giving up are worth it. We celebrate our diverse campus communities and foster a spirit of teamwork and mutual respect through all of our academic programs.

Fairmont Schools (Fairmont’s Boarding):
Fairmont’s boarding program allows students to mature in a safe, structured home-like environment. Students live and study alongside each other while enjoying a well-rounded immersion experience open to students in grades 9 – 12. A Fairmont community member lives in each Boarding home and serves as the “Resident Parent.” The program offers daily professionally-catered meals, a private van/shuttle service to and from school, and a safe and caring home environment. The boarding house is located less than 10 miles from campus.

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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