Do I need to live close to a language school in Bournemouth?

Schools generally prefer hosts within a reasonable bus journey of the town centre. Homes across Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch are well served by local buses, so most of the conurbation works well.

When is demand for host families highest in Bournemouth?

Summer is the busiest period, from June to August, when junior groups arrive. Adult students study in Bournemouth all year, so hosts are needed in every season.

How much does it cost to register as a host family in Bournemouth?

Nothing. Registration on HostFamily.uk is free for host families, with no subscription or placement fees.

Can I host if I live in Poole or Christchurch?

Yes. Language schools in Bournemouth regularly place students with families across the wider area, including Poole and Christchurch.

Become a Host Family in Bournemouth

Why Bournemouth needs host families

With seven miles of sandy beaches, a lively town centre and easy rail links to London, Bournemouth draws international students all year round. Many come for a few weeks in the summer, and others stay for a term or longer to prepare for university or work.

Homestay is a big part of studying in Bournemouth: living with a local family gives students daily English practice and a real feel for British life. Demand is highest from June to August, when junior groups arrive, but adults study here all year round.

Hosting is a chance to share life by the sea with someone from another country, earn extra income from a spare room, and help a student get far more out of their time in the UK.

Host family sharing a meal with an international student in Bournemouth

Who you could host in Bournemouth

You choose the ages, lengths of stay and dates that suit your household.

Summer junior groups

From June to August, schools welcome groups of younger students, often for two to four weeks. Short stays suit families who want to try hosting.

Adult students all year

Adults on general English, exam or business courses arrive every week of the year and typically stay from two weeks to several months.

Long-stay and university students

Some students stay for a full term or academic year while preparing for, or studying at, a local university.

Where you could host

Schools look for homes within easy reach of their classes. These are some of the areas in and around Bournemouth.

Bournemouth town centre

Boscombe

Southbourne

Westbourne

Winton

Charminster

Moordown

Kinson

Talbot Woods

Queen's Park

Poole

Christchurch

Ferndown

How it works

1. Register for free

Create your host profile in a few minutes. There are no fees or subscriptions.

2. Get found by schools

Language schools that place students in and around Bournemouth search for hosts by location, rooms and availability.

3. Welcome your student

A school contacts you directly to arrange a placement. You decide which students you accept.

Earn up to £7,500 a year tax-free

Under the government's Rent a Room scheme, income from hosting students in your Bournemouth home is tax-free up to £7,500 a year.

Applies whether you own or rent (with your landlord's permission)
Claim it with a single tick box on your tax return

General guidance only. Read more on GOV.UK

Hosting in Bournemouth: common questions

Ready to host in Bournemouth?

Registration is free and takes just a few minutes. Language schools can find you as soon as your profile is live.

Host families are also needed near Bournemouth