Frequently Asked Questions

Host Guest is a trusted platform that connects international students and out-of-state students with welcoming host families across the United States. We help students find safe, affordable, and supportive homes that feel like family.

Our mission is to make every student feel they belong, no matter how far they have traveled for their education. Students looking for host families can easily browse listings, find the right host for their needs, book accommodations, and create meaningful connections with hosts and guests from around the world.

Host Guest is built on trust and transparency. We charge no fees for students, and there are no hidden costs. Our platform verifies both hosts and guests through identity checks to make sure every connection is safe and reliable. Each host is chosen for their commitment to creating a welcoming home and a genuine cultural exchange. Host Guest is not just about finding a place to stay. It is about creating a real home experience where students can belong, grow, and share cultures together.

Host Guest is for international and out-of-state students who are looking for a verified and welcoming home across the United States. It is also for host families who want to open their homes, share cultural experiences, and earn extra income while making a positive impact. Whether you are a student moving for school or a family ready to host, Host Guest helps you connect safely and easily.

Yes. Safety is our top priority. Every host and student is verified through identity checks to help create a trusted community. We also monitor listings and profiles to make sure they meet our standards. While we do not run full background checks unless a concern is raised, we act quickly if any issue occurs. Our team is always available to support both hosts and students at every step of their stay.

Host Guest is always looking for passionate students and families who want to make a difference. You can become a Student Ambassador or a Host Ambassador, refer new hosts or students, or help us spread awareness at your school or local community. Schools and organizations can also partner with us to support students across the United States.
To get involved, email us at support@hostguest.net and we will get back to you.

We offer badges for hosts and students who complete identity checks and profile verification.

Start by creating a free student profile on our website. Once your account is verified, you can browse available host families across the United States. You can view their home details, photos, and descriptions to see what feels right for you. When you find a home you like, you can message the host directly. A stay is confirmed only after both you and the host agree.

You can choose the length of your stay based on your needs. Some students stay for a semester or a full academic year, while others may only need a short stay for orientation, summer programs, or campus visits. Host Guest allows flexible arrangements that fit your timeline as long as both you and the host agree.

If you ever need help, our support team is here for you. You can contact us anytime at support@hostguest.net and we will assist you as quickly as possible. Whether it is a question, a concern, or an issue with your stay, we make sure every student feels supported and safe throughout their experience.

Becoming a host is simple. Create a free host profile on our website and share details about your home, your household, and the kind of student experience you want to offer. You will also be asked to upload photos of your home and your family to help students get to know you better. Once your profile is complete, our team will verify your identity and review your information. After approval, you can start connecting with students who are looking for a welcoming home.

Hosting with Host Guest is a meaningful way to make a difference while earning extra income. You will open your home to students who are far from theirs, share cultures, and build lasting connections. Many hosts describe it as one of the most rewarding experiences they have ever had. Beyond financial benefits, hosting is about creating memories, learning from others, and making students feel at home in the United States.

Yes. As a host, you have full control over who stays in your home. Students can message multiple hosts to find the right fit, and you can review their profiles, learn about their background, and decide whether to accept their request. A booking is only confirmed once both sides agree.

If something does not feel right or a problem comes up during a stay, you can contact our support team at support@hostguest.net right away. We take every concern seriously and will work with both you and the student to resolve the issue. Hosts can also leave reviews about their experience, which helps keep our community safe and transparent. Our goal is to make sure every hosting experience stays positive and fair for everyone.

Payments are securely processed within the Host Guest platform through Stripe Connect Express. Everything happens on our website, so you do not need to create a separate account or leave the platform. Host Guest applies a 10% service fee, with a promotional rate of 7% until December 31, 2025. Example: If a student pays $800, Host Guest takes 7% ($56), and the host receives $744 after Stripe's standard processing fee of 2.9% + $0.30. During onboarding, hosts set up Stripe Express by linking their bank information. All payments and transfers are managed securely by Stripe for safety and compliance.

There are no fees for students. Host Guest is completely free to use for anyone booking a stay. For hosts, there is a 10% service fee, with a promotional rate of 7% until December 31, 2025. This small fee helps us maintain the platform, provide support, and keep the community safe for both students and host families.

Safety is at the heart of Host Guest. Both students and hosts go through identity verification before being approved on the platform. We review every profile, listing, and submission to keep our community trustworthy. Our team monitors activity and responds quickly if any concern is raised. Reviews after each stay also help maintain accountability and transparency across the platform.

If a cancellation happens, we make sure both sides are informed right away. Students can search for other available host families directly on the platform and contact them to arrange a new stay. Hosts are also notified immediately if a guest cancels, so they can update their availability.

Host Guest verifies the identity of both students and hosts before approving any profile. While we do not run full background checks for every user, we review reports and take action if a concern or issue is raised. Our goal is to build a safe and respectful community based on trust, transparency, and accountability.

If you ever need support, you can contact us anytime at support@hostguest.net. Our team is here to help with questions, issues, or emergencies during a student’s stay. We are committed to making sure every hosting experience is safe, smooth, and positive.

Host Guest does not provide insurance coverage for hosts or students. We recommend that host families maintain a limited liability or homeowner’s insurance policy to protect their property and guests. Hosts who provide proof of coverage can earn the Peace of Mind Badge, which appears on their profile. This badge helps build trust with students and shows a higher level of preparedness.