Community gathering

Host Guest was founded on one simple belief: every student deserves to feel at home, no matter how far they travel. What began as a shared vision between friends from different cultures grew into a movement that connects students with welcoming host families across the world.

From Tunisia to Oman, London to the United States, Illinois to California, our journey taught us that belonging is not a place, it is people. It’s the shared meals, late-night talks, and quiet moments of care that turn strangers into family.

Host Guest exists to make that feeling possible for every student who leaves home to follow a dream, to make their first step into a new world feel like coming home.


Our Values

Trust and Safety

Trust and Safety

Belonging and Community

Belonging and Community

Accessibility and Affordability

Accessibility and Affordability

Meet the Team

Amine Makhlouf

Amine Makhlouf

Head of Strategy and Operations

“In 2024, I came to the United States to pursue my master’s degree and lived with a host family. That experience changed everything, it was more than accommodation, it was living the American dream through connection, kindness, and culture. Today, I’m driven to help every student feel that same warmth and belonging I once did.”

Daniel Messina

Daniel Messina

Marketing and Growth Associate

“As a University of Iowa graduate, I’ve learned how to bridge creativity and data to make ideas connect with people. My background in art, computer science, and economics shapes how I approach marketing that feels genuine and meaningful. I use curiosity, creativity, and design to bring Host Guest’s story to life and make every message connect with people on a personal level. Having adapted to new communities myself, I know the power of belonging and work to make that same feeling easy to find for everyone who joins our platform.”

Kiley Gustin

Kiley Gustin

Graphic Design Lead

“I’m passionate about the power of design and its ability to foster belonging, understanding, and connection. As the Graphic Design Lead at Host Guest, I focus on creating thoughtful, human-centered experiences that bring people together, both online and offline. I believe great design tells a story, builds trust, and reflects empathy, all of which I work to cultivate for Host Guest.”

Frequently Asked Questions


General questions

For Guests

For Hosts