Autumn has arrived with its changing colours and reflective mood, reminding us that the world of homestays is full of unexpected moments, heart-warming connections…and the occasional surprise. This month we wanted to share three unique stories from our hosts, our team and our partners that truly capture the spirit of what we do at Hosts International. 

From ‘no pets’ to best friends

One of our hosts in Liverpool lives with six small dogs. When we placed three Omani students with her, they’d initially requested strictly no pets – a common request from students from the Middle East. Despite this, we always explain that pets are very much part of British family life and we encourage students to keep an open mind. The result? The students absolutely adored the dogs! They played with them, took them for walks, fed them and groomed them with genuine enthusiasm. It was a beautiful reminder that stepping outside our comfort zones often leads to the most memorable experiences.

The best kind of surprise

During a particularly busy placement day this summer, our colleague Jacira started feeling unwell. We’d noticed she’d been snacking much more than usual and when she rushed to the bathroom several times that day, we teased her about eating something dodgy. The real story? Jacira is expecting! We’re thrilled to announce that Hosts International will be welcoming its fifth team baby. True to Peter’s values of supporting working women, we’re excited to continue this tradition of celebrating our growing team families.

Handling the unexpected with grace

One of our client language schools welcomed a large Thai group and, as always, we placed students according to their rooming preferences, including two boys sharing a room at one host family. The next morning, the host called us surprised when one student came down in full makeup, high heels and a mini dress, identifying as a female. What could have been a slightly stressful situation was resolved swiftly and sensitively by our team. Within hours, we’d found an appropriate solution and the entire group went on to have a wonderful stay. It reminded everyone involved why clear communication, flexibility and professionalism matter so much in this industry. These moments – surprising, heart-warming and sometimes challenging – are what make homestay accommodation so uniquely human. As we embrace this season of change this autumn, we’d love to hear your own tales from the world of international education. Have you got a homestay story to share? Get in touch with us – we’d love to hear about the memorable moments that have shaped your experience in our industry!