Since 1988, Hosts International has been at the forefront of homestay provision, offering international students more than just accommodation, a genuine home away from home. What started as a small North London operation helping a handful of students find safe places to stay grew into something much larger when Peter Brown brought his wealth of experience running a major international college in London into the mix. Peter’s years of teaching diploma and degree programs to students from around the globe gave him unique insight into what international students need, not just academically, but personally. His college required safe, reliable, and affordable accommodation, yet finding consistent homestay options was becoming increasingly difficult. Concerned about losing access to suitable placements, Peter acquired Hosts International, relocated operations to the college in Central London, and set the foundations for the trusted network the company is today. From there, Hosts International grew steadily, guided by Peter’s core values: care, respect, and the human touch.

Understanding Students from Their Perspective

At the heart of Hosts International is a team that genuinely understands the international student experience. Harsha, who now leads the company following Peter’s passing, knows first-hand what it is like to live abroad. Having arrived in the UK from Sri Lanka as a student herself, she stayed with three different host families, gaining invaluable insight into the highs and lows of student life. Harsha began her journey at Hosts International by visiting the host families Peter had acquired. Her role was simple, yet vital: evaluate whether she would want to live there as a student. From a corner desk in the college offices, she started managing accommodation placements, infusing her work with empathy and experience. Slowly, the company grew organically. Schools and agents started asking, “Can you handle our student accommodation?” and Hosts International’s first clients were secured. “There is a reason we do this,” Harsha explains. “Homestays should be the go to option for students. We believe in the transformative power of living with a host family.” Her leadership ensures that Hosts International continues to deliver personalised experiences, exceptional care, and high-quality service across its network of trusted providers. “We understand students because we are not just an agency,” Harsha adds. “We have been a provider for a school, working directly with students, parents, and agents. Peter and I travelled worldwide, visiting students in Iran, China, India, Nigeria, and South America. Meeting students and their families face to face gave us a true understanding of their needs.” “We like to be called an ‘Accommodation Provider Partner,’” she continues, “because it reflects the role we play in a student’s journey.” Peter, a proud Northerner from Lancashire, built relationships on honesty, humour, and trust. Trained as an engineer but experienced in sales, he brought a diverse career background into everything he did. “Together, Peter and I always worked tirelessly to ensure we never let anyone down intentionally,” Harsha recalls. “We are fully committed to these long-standing partnerships.”

Relationships Built on Trust and Humanity

Peter set the benchmark for building lasting relationships with schools, agents, host families, and students. Known for his authenticity and warmth, he modelled the kind of trust and respect that remains central to Hosts International today. Many partnerships have lasted 20 to 30 years, a testament to the company’s dedication to responsiveness, care, and attention to detail.

A Dedicated Team of Experienced Homestay Providers

Hosts International’s team brings decades of experience and passion to every placement. Long-serving professionals like Andrew, Aneta, and Jessica ensure that each student is matched with a home that meets the highest standards. Together, they often joke that they have over 100 years of combined experience, but their enthusiasm for homestay management has never waned. Reflecting the diversity of the students they serve, the team brings global perspectives while sharing a unified commitment to excellent service.

Thoughtful Growth Across the UK and Ireland

Hosts International has expanded strategically across London, Brighton, Bournemouth, Bristol, Manchester, York, Leeds, Liverpool, Edinburgh, and Ireland, always maintaining a focus on quality. As expert homestay providers, they combine meticulous vetting, personalised matching, and ongoing support to ensure every placement is safe, welcoming, and enriching. Registered with the British Council, Hosts International adheres to rigorous safety and safeguarding standards, giving students, parents, and schools complete confidence. The company also collaborates closely with a wide range of educational providers including boarding schools, sixth forms, independent schools, universities, and guardianship programmes, while complying with AEGIS, ISI, and OFSTED requirements, as well as working with education agents worldwide.

People First, Always

At Hosts International, people come first. Every placement considers a student’s lifestyle, location preferences, and dietary needs, with 24/7 support available. Guided by Peter’s vision, Harsha’s experience, and the team’s expertise, the company ensures students thrive, host families feel supported, and partners can trust every placement.

Looking to the Future

As demand for reliable homestay providers grows, Hosts International continues to lead with integrity, care, and innovation. By expanding their host network, developing new tools, and nurturing lasting partnerships, the company ensures homestay experiences remain safe, seamless, and transformative. Hosts International is more than a network of homestay providers. It is a community of people who care, guided by experience, and inspired by the belief that living with a host family can truly change a student’s journey.