Get to know Hosts International: Aneta Chua celebrates a decade of dedication to Hosts International and Homestay Hosts in the UK and Ireland
Behind every successful homestay placement is a team of professionals working quietly to ensure students feel welcome, safe, and supported. One of those professionals is Aneta Chua, Deputy Operations Manager at Hosts International, whose ten year journey reflects both personal growth and a deep commitment to supporting homestay hosts in the UK and Ireland.
As the sector moved into 2026, many professionals began reflecting on the past decade. For Aneta, that reflection naturally brought her back to March 2016.
“The year of 2026 started with everyone looking back and sharing their achievements and progress made in the past ten years,” she says. “For me, March 2016 marks the beginning of my journey with Hosts International.”
The Beginning of a Career in Homestay Accommodation
Aneta joined the company as Assistant to the Groups Manager, supporting group bookings and accommodation arrangements for visiting students.
“At the time, I joined as Assistant to the Groups Manager without really knowing how much I would progress and change in the following ten years,” she explains.
Those early experiences gave her valuable insight into the world of international student accommodation and the important role played by homestay hosts.
Growing Through Different Roles
Over time, Aneta progressed through several positions within the organisation, each offering a broader understanding of the sector.
“Over the past years, I have had the privilege of working across several key positions,” she explains. “I started as Assistant to the Groups Manager and later progressed to Groups Manager.”
When her personal circumstances changed and she relocated from London, she moved into the role of Direct Sales Coordinator. Each stage of her career added new perspectives.
“All these roles helped me gain a broad and in depth understanding of our operations, partnerships, and the needs of our students and partners,” she says.
Stepping into Leadership
In March 2024, Aneta reached another important milestone when she became Deputy Operations Manager at Hosts International.
“I was delighted to step into the role of Deputy Operations Manager,” she says.
The position reflects her long term commitment to the organisation and its leadership team, as well as her dedication to maintaining high standards across operations.
“My focus continues to be on supporting high standards of service, clear communication, and strong collaboration with our partners.”
When it comes to the heartbeat of our operations, Aneta truly stands out. Harsha Brown, Director at Hosts International, describes her as “my right hand – I couldn’t manage without her. Aneta embodies everything Hosts International stands for: our ethics, our ethos, and the values we hold dear. She’s more than a colleague; she’s an extension of me, the company, and the principles Peter championed every day.”
The Importance of Trust and Partnership
Throughout her career, Aneta has worked and still works very closely with language schools, agents, guardians, and students. These relationships are central to delivering a positive homestay experience. This is reflected in the amount of positive reviews and feedback Aneta received for her service and personality.
“I value the importance of trust, reliability, and responsiveness in all our partnerships,” she explains.
Aneta has a special connection with several key locations she has nurtured and grown over the years—from Brighton to Liverpool and everywhere in between. She leads these sites alongside her trusted team of four, while also supporting the wider Hosts International family in her role as Deputy Operations Manager. Her commitment ensures that every location reflects the values and spirit that make Hosts International so special.
This trust is equally important when working with homestay hosts, who play a vital role in welcoming international students to the UK and Ireland. By providing a supportive home environment, hosts help students settle into a new country and culture.
Looking Ahead
After nearly a decade with Hosts International, Aneta remains focused on strengthening partnerships and supporting the network of homestay hosts who make the student experience possible.
“I look forward to continuing to work with you and strengthening our partnership in the years ahead,” she says. “Please do not hesitate to reach out if you need any support or have any questions.”
As international education continues to grow, the dedication of homestay hosts in the UK and Ireland remains at the heart of the experience for thousands of students each year.
