Grades 9 - 12
Enroll with ease
Discover us & the campus
Where confidence grows
What's happening
Fairmont’s Homestay Program creates a genuine home away from home for international students, prioritizing safety and wellbeing at every turn. Welcoming American families open their doors, offering a nurturing space where students immerse in English, experience authentic traditions, and build independence for college life. We also offer a boarding option in an externally provided students dorm.
From sharing daily routines to celebrating holidays, each moment is crafted for meaningful connection and personal growth. With cozy accommodations, wholesome meals, and access to exclusive events and excursions, a sense of security and belonging grows, making every step of the Fairmont journey memorable and transformative.
Step into the warmth and security of a Fairmont-approved Homestay, where students are welcomed by caring families chosen for their commitment to safety, kindness, and support, or in our cozy external boarding option.
Experience total language immersion by living with an American family. You'll practice English in everyday moments, accelerating your fluency, forging lasting bonds, and preparing for college and career success.
Settle into a Fairmont-approved host family, where safety is always the priority. Every household completes a rigorous approval process, including thorough background checks for all adults and annual training.
Enjoy the reassurance of a dedicated Fairmont team, available day and night to answer questions, provide guidance, and address every communication need.
Take part in meaningful activities, from celebrating holidays to sharing everyday routines with host families and Fairmont friends while creating unforgettable memories, building friendships, and discovering the best of American culture together.
Belong to an environment where independence grows naturally, as confidence and responsibility develop through daily routines, decision-making, and new experiences, ensuring every student feels prepared for the transition to college.
Fairmont Homestay Program (Fairmont Education Group)
Domestic Homestay
Homestay International
Whether joining Fairmont’s Homestay Program to sharpen English skills, build independence for college, or experience the warmth of a second family abroad, every international student experiences a safe, supportive, and truly unforgettable stay.
As one of the top private High School in Orange County, 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.
At our international school in California, homestay students settle into private bedrooms, each furnished with a dresser, desk, and closet, plus access to a shared bathroom. Daily breakfast and dinner, along with all weekend meals, create a sense of comfort and belonging, making every student feel at home from the start.Convenience is built in, with high-speed wireless internet and laundry facilities available for everyday needs. Weekend transportation opens doors to new experiences, while invitations to exclusive Fairmont Homestay events and excursions spark adventure, connection, and cultural enrichment.
Learners begin each morning with a nourishing breakfast and a warm farewell as they head off to school. The day continues with a return to a welcoming home, where dinner is shared and stories are exchanged with the host family.Weekends unfold with shared adventures, exploring local events, enjoying outings, or simply relaxing together. Each moment offers opportunities to bond, learn, and feel at home.
Students kick off their Homestay journey with confidence, knowing every host family has passed a thorough screening, background checks for all adults, and annual training focused on cultural understanding, safety, and wellbeing. It’s a promise that keeps students safe and supported from day one.
Homestay life at Fairmont Private School in Orange County is shaped by a caring, dual-layered support system that places safety and wellbeing at the forefront. Host families create a welcoming home where every learner feels seen, heard, and included. Emotional support, daily guidance, and a genuine sense of belonging help newcomers settle in and grow with confidence. Alongside this, Fairmont staff remain available around the clock, ready to answer questions, check in regularly, and ensure a secure, connected experience.
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
Our international students love it here. Here's what they have to say.
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
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
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
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
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
Our Homestay Program stands for safety, cultural immersion, and true connection. Students join families who care, finding comfort and support in every moment. The experience goes well beyond a place to sleep, it’s about feeling at home, developing independence, and building relationships that last long after the school year ends.
Every host family is carefully selected and trained to ensure a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment where students can thrive. Each family completes a comprehensive screening process, including background checks for all adults in the home and annual training focused on cultural understanding, student safety, and wellbeing.
American cultural immersion is a key part of the Homestay experience. Living with an American family provides daily exposure to English, local customs, and traditional American holidays. Students are fully integrated into school life, with opportunities in academics, arts, athletics, and extracurriculars, while Homestay events and excursions further enrich their experience.
Students find themselves in homes that value wellbeing, respect, and inclusivity. Families, students, and the school work together, holding each other to high standards and keeping communication open and honest. Belonging comes to life through shared experiences, from mealtime conversations to celebrating special occasions.
Fairmont invites caring, qualified host families to open their homes to international students, creating a true home away from home. This experience sparks meaningful cultural exchange and builds authentic relationships, enriching the lives of both students and host families. International students thrive in a safe, supportive environment where wellbeing and inclusion are always prioritized. Host families receive monthly compensation in recognition of their commitment, while the program brings together a vibrant, diverse community where everyone flourishes.
Fairmont Boarding gives international students a safe, caring home just steps from campus. They enjoy the freedom to study independently, knowing a supportive Dorm Parent from the GBA community is always there. With daily, nutritionally balanced meals and a private shuttle for school and weekend adventures, students focus on learning, connecting and growing in a place that feels like home.
Connie Aguilar
COO - Global Bridge Associates
Phil Martin
CEO - Global Bridge Associates
Connie Aguilar has over 10 years of experience in education, including her recent role as the International Student Executive Director for Global Bridge Associates. With a keen attention to detail and excellent interpersonal skills, she is dedicated to providing exceptional service and expertise to the international education industry.Connie graduated from Cal State Northridge in 1993 with a degree in broadcast journalism and gained experience in television production and advertising agency work. She then spent a decade as a manager in high-profile investment banks such as Jeffries and Company and US Bank Corp Piper Jaffrey, specializing in mergers and acquisitions, gaming, and telecommunications.Her unique background in both finance and education has allowed her to develop a strong understanding of the needs and goals of the international student community. With her creative perspective and commitment to individualized service, Connie has built an impressive portfolio of satisfied clients.
Philip Martin is a highly experienced education leader and the founder and CEO of Global Bridge Associates. With a background in transformational and bilingual education, he brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his role.
Over the course of his 15-year career in school administration, Philip has led schools in both urban and international environments, including New York City, the United Arab Emirates, and China. His extensive travels to countries such as Vietnam, Brazil, Thailand, Turkey, and Nepal have given him a deep understanding of the cultural challenges that students, host families, and educators face.
Philip's broad experience in all aspects of the education industry, combined with his cultural sensitivity, has made him an invaluable resource to the schools he works with. His leadership skills and commitment to providing exceptional education services have earned him a reputation as a trusted and respected leader in the field.
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:
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.
Homestay deposit: US$ 2,000 per student per academic yearBoarding deposit: US$ 3,000 per student per academic year
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.
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) 998-1458www.gba-us.com
Experience genuine hospitality through our Homestay Program, where students join nurturing families or a small boarding community, enjoy a safe environment, and immerse themselves in American culture.
