Homestay
Homestay

Homestay

Fairmont’s Homestay Program gives international students a true home away from home, prioritizing their safety, comfort, and well-being every step of the way. By living with caring American families, students are welcomed into a supportive, nurturing environment where they can fully immerse themselves in English and experience authentic American culture.
 
From celebrating traditional holidays to sharing everyday routines, each moment offers meaningful opportunities for connection and growth. With comfortable accommodations, home-cooked meals, and access to special events and excursions, students feel secure, valued, and part of a family -making their Fairmont experience both enriching and unforgettable.

Homestay life

Whether international students join our Homestay Program to improve their English, gain independence, or experience the warmth of a second family abroad, their stay is always memorable.

A second family

As one of the best private schools in California, homestay life gives international students a welcoming, family-centered experience, helping them adjust smoothly to life in the United States while strengthening their English skills.

Students become part of the daily rhythm of an American household - sharing meals, conversations, and traditions with their host family.

A second family

Structured routines

Each day begins with a hearty breakfast and a warm send-off to school. After classes, students return home to enjoy dinner and stories with their host family, forming genuine connections.

At our school in Orange County, weekends are filled with shared adventures - exploring local events, going on outings, or simply relaxing together. Every moment is an opportunity to bond, learn, and feel at home.

Structured routines

Friendly induction

Students start their Homestay experience knowing that every host family has undergone thorough screening, including background checks for all adults, and receives annual training focused on cultural understanding, safety, and wellbeing.

Throughout their stay, students have access to Fairmont’s dedicated staff for guidance and reassurance. This constant support helps them settle in, gain confidence, and thrive in both their American home and school environment.

Friendly induction

Pastoral care

Homestay students at Fairmont Private School in San Juan Capistrano benefit from a caring, dual-layered support system. Their host family is more than just a place to stay - it’s a safe, welcoming home where students feel seen, heard, and valued. Host parents provide emotional support, daily guidance, and a sense of family that fosters growth and confidence.

Additionally, Fairmont staff are always available to answer questions, check in regularly, and ensure every student feels secure and connected. With this ongoing support network, 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.

Seongyeon

Fairmont Homestay helped me feel at home in the U.S. from the start. My host family welcomed me as one of their own, shared unforgettable experiences, and supported both my academic growth and personal journey - memories I will cherish for a lifetime.

Seongyeon

Student

Felix

Hi, my name is Felix, and I’m an international student from Taiwan. I’m currently in my second year with GBA as a senior at Fairmont High School. What I appreciate most about GBA is how easy it is to contact their supervisors.

Felix

Student

Olympia

Hosting with GBA has been one of the most enriching experiences for our family. We’ve learned about new cultures, new ways of living, and built lasting friendships that go beyond borders.

Olympia

Host Parent

Ramonchito

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.

Ramonchito

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

Seongyeon

Student

Felix

Student

Olympia

Host Parent

Ramonchito

Host Parent

Wing Ho Lam

Student

Seongyeon

Student

Felix

Student

Olympia

Host Parent

Ramonchito

Host Parent

Wing Ho Lam

Student

Our homestay principles

Every host family undergoes a thorough screening process, including background checks for all adults. Annual training emphasizes cultural understanding, student safety, and overall wellbeing. Families are selected for their warmth and dedication, ensuring international students feel supported, secure, and truly at home from day one.

01
Health & safety

Every host family undergoes a thorough screening process, including background checks for all adults. Annual training emphasizes cultural understanding, student safety, and overall wellbeing. Families are selected for their warmth and dedication, ensuring international students feel supported, secure, and truly at home from day one.

02
Cultural immersion

Students immerse themselves in daily English, local customs, and traditional holidays. Every day offers opportunities to connect, celebrate, and learn. By participating in academics, arts, athletics, and extracurriculars, students build lasting friendships and unforgettable memories.

03
Genuine connection

Homestay students thrive in welcoming, inclusive households that prioritize wellbeing and mutual respect. High standards, accountability, and open communication between families, students, and the school foster a strong sense of belonging, making every cultural exchange meaningful and every connection authentic.

Homestay hosting

Homestay hosting


Our private school in California is seeking caring host families to provide a welcoming home for international students. This program fosters meaningful cultural exchange in a safe, supportive environment focused on student well-being and inclusion. Host families receive monthly compensation while helping build a vibrant, diverse community.

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

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