Which parts of Cornwall can I host from?

Anywhere, as long as the journey to the student's lessons works. Schools search by location, so families in towns such as Truro, Falmouth, Newquay and Penzance are easiest to place.

Does registering cost anything for Cornish families?

No. HostFamily.uk is free for host families, with no subscription or placement fees.

Is Cornwall only busy in summer?

Summer is the busiest time by far, but some students visit in spring and autumn, and university students are here through the academic year.

How do students get around the county?

The main railway line runs through Cornwall to Penzance, with branch lines to places such as Falmouth, St Ives and Newquay, and buses link most towns.

Become a Host Family in Cornwall

Why Cornwall needs host families

Surrounded by sea on almost every side, Cornwall is a county of beaches, fishing villages and dramatic cliffs. Truro, its only city, has a cathedral and a busy shopping centre, while Falmouth, St Ives, Penzance and Newquay each have their own character and attractions.

Students come here for the coast and the outdoors as much as for lessons, often in summer. Falmouth is also home to a university, adding to the international students in the county. Whatever brings them, a family homestay helps them speak English every day and feel welcome.

Hosting can suit anyone with a spare bedroom, whether you live in a town or a village. You set your own dates, decide which students to accept, and schools contact you directly when a placement is a good fit.

Host family sharing a meal with an international student in Cornwall

Who you could host in Cornwall

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

Summer on the coast

The summer holidays bring young learners and groups to Cornish towns for short stays combining lessons with beaches and coastal trips.

Activity and outdoor courses

Some students combine English with surfing, sailing or walking, staying with families near the coast for a week or more.

University and long-stay students

Students studying in Falmouth or on longer courses may want a family home for a term or more, especially when first arriving.

Where you could host

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

Truro

Falmouth

Penzance

St Ives

Newquay

St Austell

Bodmin

Camborne

Redruth

Helston

Bude

Launceston

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 Cornwall 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 Cornwall 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 Cornwall: common questions

Ready to host in Cornwall?

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 Cornwall