Homestay
Homestay

Homestay

Fairmont’s Homestay Program gives international students a real sense of belonging. Students join caring American families or in externally provided boarding option, stepping into a safe, welcoming home where they’re supported every day.
 
They explore English, pick up new routines and celebrate traditions together - making every moment count. From home-cooked meals to special outings, students connect, grow and build confidence. It’s more than just a place to stay; it’s a chance to experience American life, make lasting memories and feel part of a family.

Homestay life

Whether international students join our Homestay Program to enhance their English, gain independence, or experience the warmth of a second family abroad, their time with us is always unforgettable.

Family feel

Life in Homestay provides a supportive, family-centered environment, helping students adjust smoothly to life in the United States while improving their English skills.

Students fully immerse themselves in the daily life of an American household, sharing meals, conversations, and family traditions.

Family feel

Accommodations

At Fairmont Private School in North Tustin, every Homestay student enjoys a private bedroom complete with a dresser, desk, and closet, along with access to a shared bathroom. Daily breakfast and dinner, as well as all weekend meals, are included to create a welcoming, home-like environment.

High-speed Wi-Fi and on-site laundry provide added convenience, while weekend transportation and invitations to special Fairmont Homestay events and excursions give students chances for connection, adventure, and cultural experiences.

Accommodations

Daily rhythm

Each morning begins with a hearty breakfast and a cheerful send-off to school. After classes, students return home to enjoy dinner and share stories with their host family, building authentic connections.

Weekends are filled with shared experiences, from local events and outings to quiet moments together. Every activity is an opportunity to bond, explore, and feel at home.

Daily rhythm

A warm welcome

At our private school in Santa Ana, students start their Homestay journey knowing every host family is carefully screened, with background checks for all adults and annual training focused on cultural understanding, safety and wellbeing.

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

A warm welcome

Pastoral care

Homestay students at Fairmont North Tustin step into a caring, two-layered support system. Their host family is more than a place to stay – it’s a safe, welcoming home where students feel seen, heard and truly belong. Host parents offer emotional support, daily guidance and a sense of family, helping students settle in and grow with confidence.

Fairmont staff are always on hand to answer questions, check in and make sure every student feels secure and connected. This ongoing support 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.

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'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

Wing

Student

David

Host Parent

Tatiana

Host Parent

Mon & Elliot

Host Parents

Sitara Chaudhary

Regional Head of Admissions at ISP Canada

Sera's Experience

Boarding Student

Wing

Student

David

Host Parent

Tatiana

Host Parent

Mon & Elliot

Host Parents

Sitara Chaudhary

Regional Head of Admissions at ISP Canada

Sera's Experience

Boarding Student

Our Homestay principles

Our Homestay Program focuses on safety, cultural exchange, and authentic relationships.

We view a homestay as more than just accommodation – it’s an opportunity to create a true home away from home.

01
Health & safety

Every host family is carefully screened, with background checks for all adults. Annual training puts cultural understanding, student safety and wellbeing first. Families are chosen for their warmth and commitment, so international students feel supported, safe and truly at home from day one.

02
Cultural immersion

Students engage with daily English, local traditions and holidays. Every day brings new chances to connect, celebrate and learn. Students join in academics, arts, sports and clubs, making real friends and memories that last.

03
Genuine connection

Homestay students thrive in a warm, inclusive space. Every household puts student wellbeing first and builds respect. High standards, accountability and open communication between families, students and school spark a strong sense of belonging. Every cultural exchange matters, every connection feels real.

Homestay hosting

Homestay hosting

Fairmont Private School in North Tustin is looking for compassionate, qualified host families to provide a welcoming “home away from home” for international students. This role offers the chance to foster meaningful cultural exchange and build authentic connections, enriching the lives of both students and host families.

 

International students enjoy a safe and supportive environment where wellbeing and inclusion come first. Host families receive monthly compensation for their dedication, while the program cultivates a vibrant, diverse community where everyone can flourish.

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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Experience a true home away from home through our Homestay Program, where students are embraced by caring, welcoming families and fully immerse themselves in American life.

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