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.
Across countries, cultures, and continents, 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
Belonging and Community
Accessibility and Affordability
Meet the Team
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.”
Meg Meyers
Product Manager/Lead Software Engineer
“I’m driven by building systems that actually work in the real world. With a background that spans healthcare, business, and software engineering, I approach Host Guest from both a human and technical perspective. I focus on creating a platform that is not only reliable and secure, but also intuitive and trustworthy for the people using it. Every feature I build is grounded in real-life scenarios, ensuring that hosts and guests can navigate the experience with clarity and confidence. For me, this isn’t just about launching a product — it’s about creating something that genuinely supports people and stands up to real-world use.”