Be Proud to Host

Providing every student the opportunity to be immersed in new and exciting cultures

Learn moreRegister my school

Bring the world into your classrooms

In today’s globalised world, students must develop the key skills, knowledge and values to succeed as globally-aware citizens. The Be Proud to Host programme brings the world into your classrooms, offering a unique opportunity for the whole school community to be immersed in new and exciting cultures.

Through hosting, your school can:

  • Enhance global awareness: interacting with international peers helps students develop empathy, curiosity and a deeper understanding of the world.

  • Celebrate diversity and languages: showcase global cultures and languages while providing authentic opportunities for students to engage and form international friendships.

  • Earn funding to support your international work: develop and grow opportunities for students and staff.
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”In just two days, our students created some positive and strong bonds with the visiting students. They grew in confidence and were excellent ambassadors for the school and also themselves. Seeing how much out students grew from the opening to the closing ceremony. Some were quite shy and nervous to start, but by the closing ceremony they were beaming with pride and and communicating really well with their buddies, despite langage limitations. Students are now wanting to know more about China and how it differs from the UK. It has enabled them to see past their local area and heritage countries.

Beth ReynoldsDeputy Headteacher, Villiers High School

How does it work?

Register your school

Sign up to join the database of schools and select your preferences

Get Notified

We'll be in touch when a group is available to host

Onboarding Call

Our team will ensure you are well prepared

Welcome Visitors

Warmly welcome a group of international students to give them a taste of life at your school

Collect Hosting Fee

Once the programme is complete, you will be able to apply for your hosting fee

About the programme

Typically, groups of up to 30 international students visit your school for a 5-day immersive experience, joining regular curriculum lessons. This full integration into school life ensures an authentic exchange that benefits both visiting and host students.

Each visiting student is paired with a host buddy for the duration of their stay. This buddy system helps students settle quickly while giving your pupils the opportunity to develop meaningful international friendships, strengthen communication skills and collaborate across cultures.

Hosting empowers your students to act as global ambassadors, proudly sharing their culture and values. Through this immersive experience, they build confidence, develop empathy and foster personal growth – gaining a deeper understanding of the wider world that extends far beyond the classroom.

Register your interest

What are the benefits?

Welcoming international students sparks curiosity and broadens horizons beyond the local community. It enriches learning and builds the confidence and global perspectives students need to thrive in an interconnected world.

  • Whole-school impact – Authentic international engagement across year groups.
  • Real-world cultural exchange – Global perspectives brought directly into your classrooms.
  • Student leadership opportunities – Pupils act as ambassadors and host buddies.
  • Confidence and personal growth – Developing resilience, communication and independence.
  • Greater empathy and global awareness – Understanding different cultures and traditions.
  • Meaningful international friendships – Building lasting cross-cultural connections.

Hear from Participating Schools

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“It is a privilege to welcome and host the pupils from China. We hope that they have a wonderful stay and enjoy the experience. Our pupils were overwhelmed by the support and kindness offered to them when they went to China and we hope we can provide the same and that they go back with some wonderful stories and memories.”

Antony HughesChief Executive, The Harmony Trust
“

Thank you to the Global School Alliance for the opportunity to be involved in such an enriching experience. Our students and staff thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to host our visitors. Cultural experiences like this are an integral part of our school's vision and GSA made it all possible. Thank you!

Laura O'NeillEnglish Teacher
“

"Can we thank everyone who has given us this opportunity. It has been an a pleasure hosting and feel it has been a valuable educational experience for all involved."

Dovedale Primary School
“

The past few days I spent with my buddy Robinson were incredibly insightful. I learned a lot about his school, as well as Peruvian culture and their education system. He was so friendly, and I was able to take him to my lessons, where he got to experience a Business class, his subject at university. He said it was interesting to see the differences between our curriculums. Overall, it was a great experience and a wonderful opportunity for me to practise my Spanish. I really hope there will be a chance for us to visit Peru in the future.

Year 13 StudentOasis Academy Enfield
“

The Global School Alliance provided our school with non-stop support through our journey on the program. From the planning stages to the execution, we knew what we were in for. We were delighted to host a group of students from China this year and hope to host even more next year! It was a culturally and socially enriching experience for our students and it really made their summer term special.

Sehyr SarfarazEnrichment Coordinator
“

"This has been an amazing educational experience for all the children and staff. It has been lovely to see our pupils and the pupils from China enjoyed each other's company and learning about their lives. Cultural and language barriers have been broken down and the partnership strengthened through this fantastic visit."

Burton-on-the-Wolds Primary School

FAQs

When can we host a group?

Let us know your school’s available hosting dates and student capacity, and we will endeavour to align this with any suitable opportunities with our global network.

What support do the GSA provide?

We support the host school every step of the way and share ideas for activities to make sure you are fully prepared for hosting a group.

What countries are included?

Our hosting programme is currently open to primary and secondary schools in the UK.

When do visits usually take place?

Groups typically visit during the autumn and summer terms.

Do we need to arrange accommodation or transport?

No. All accommodation, travel and logistics are managed by the Global School Alliance.

Register to Become a Host School

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