International Students: Guardianship Options And Complexities

International students often face the additional challenge of having to navigate a foreign education system and culture. To overcome this, many organisations offer guardianship services to support international students and their parents. These services ensure that students are safe and well cared for, and that their physical and emotional well-being is promoted. Guardianship organisations also help with practical matters such as airport transfers, accommodation, and acting as an emergency contact. In some countries, like the UK, it is a legal requirement for international students under the age of 18 to have a guardian. This raises the question: can an international student be a guardian?

Characteristics of International Students Having Guardians

International students under 18

United Kingdom

In the UK, universities and colleges require their youngest students to have a guardian in the country in case of emergencies. This is because students under 18 years of age are considered children under UK law. Students must nominate a responsible adult or a guardianship organisation, such as Clarendon International Education or Bright World, which offer various services to support underage international students. The university must be informed of these arrangements before an offer is made. Students must also provide the name of their Hall of Residence and emergency contact details. The cost of guardianship services depends on various factors, including the length of time until the student's 18th birthday.

Australia

In Australia, international students under 18 must provide evidence of welfare arrangements when applying for a student visa. This can include nominating a parent, legal custodian, or relative over 21 years of age as a student guardian. The nominated guardian must have a visa to stay in Australia for the duration of the student's visa or until the student turns 18. Student guardian visas are generally granted until 31 December in the year the student turns 18.

United States

In the US, international students under 18 face restrictions on their employment opportunities, as many states have strict age requirements for minors earning wages. Students who do receive wages must apply for a Social Security Number (SSN). Additionally, F-1 students may only attend a public high school for a maximum of 12 months and must pay the full cost of attendance. However, F-1 students can attend private K-12 schools at any grade level without time restrictions.

In summary, international students under 18 must carefully consider their guardianship or welfare arrangements when planning to study abroad. These arrangements are essential to ensure compliance with the relevant country's laws and to provide support and oversight for underage students.

Legal requirements for guardians

International students under the age of 18 who are studying in the UK are required to have a guardian. This is a legal requirement, and the details of the guardian must be provided to the college before the student enrols. The guardian must be aware of the role that the college expects them to take.

In the UK, legal guardianship is one of the options available to parents who are planning for the care of their children in their absence. It allows parents to name a caregiver and give them certain legal rights regarding the care of their child. The parents' rights are not usually terminated, and they still play a role in their child's life. The guardian, however, has custody of the child and the authority to make decisions concerning their protection, education, care, and discipline.

The legal guardian must ensure that the minor receives food, shelter, clothing, education, and medical care. They have the right to consent for the minor and make all decisions regarding their health and education. They will maintain custody until the minor reaches 18 or a judge determines that they no longer need a guardian.

Guardianship can also be a permanency option for a child who has been placed in out-of-home care. This creates a legal relationship between the child and caregiver without the necessity of terminating the parents' rights. The child can maintain family connections while gaining the stability of a permanent home.

In the US, guardianship is a legal process used to protect individuals who are unable to care for their well-being due to infancy, incapacity, or disability. A court will appoint a guardian to care for and make decisions for an individual known as a ward. A guardian will represent the ward's personal and financial interests.

Homestay Guardians

International students in the UK who are under 18 need a homestay for one or two weekends per term and for their half-term holiday if they are not returning home. As a homestay guardian, you offer a student a home from home, allowing them to enjoy the same freedom as a home student. This enhances their experience in the UK socially, culturally, and linguistically. Homestay guardians are remunerated for their role.

Homestay guardians

Host families come from a range of backgrounds and may or may not have children of their own. They are often motivated by the opportunity to meet international students and expose their family to different cultures. Homestay guardians are expected to offer a secure and friendly environment for their student and ensure they have a culturally enriching experience. Students' privacy, rights, religion, and customs should be respected by all members of the household.

The level of guardianship can vary depending on the age and independence of the student. For younger students, homestay guardians may need to provide more supervision and oversight, whereas older students may just require a parental figure to check in with occasionally. Homestay hosts are usually remunerated for their role and can also be reimbursed for any costs incurred, such as food or utilities.

In some cases, a more formal custodianship arrangement may be required, particularly for students under 18. This typically involves a local citizen or permanent resident, such as an extended family member or family friend, who can assist with school registration and act as a substitute guardian. They may also need to attend parent-teacher meetings and assist with any health or school-related concerns.

Guardianship services

International students studying in the UK who are under the age of 18 are usually required to have a guardian. In the UK, international students are required by law to have a guardian. This person must respond to the needs of both the child and the College. Parents who do not reside in the UK are required to appoint a guardian. If a student’s parents do not know a suitable person to nominate as a guardian, the College will be able to supply details of professional guardianship organisations which have been formally inspected and accredited by AEGIS (the Association for the Education and Guardianship of International Students).

• Cogito World Education, which has over 10 years of experience providing guardianship services to international students studying in the USA. Cogito provides 24/7 emergency contact information and guarantees that there is someone available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to take care of the child. They also offer well-being and health support upon request (appointments with dentists, specialists, psychologists, assistance in case of hospitalization).
• Clarendon International Education, which offers a university guardian service for younger students at British Universities and Colleges. Clarendon also attends Parent-Teacher Meetings or other events and provides extra services such as airport transfers.
• Bright World Guardianships, which is the UK's leading provider of care services to UK boarding school and university students.
• Sutherland Education, which undertakes all the legal liabilities involved in guardianship care and ensures compliance with all childcare legislation for students under the age of 18. They also provide ongoing assistance to students and their guardian homestays.
• GNet, which provides Trusted Guardianship services and has a network of welcoming host families.
• Pippa’s Guardians, which provides an exclusive Guardianship service for students attending UK boarding schools whose parents live overseas.

Homestay guardianship is also an option for international students, where a host family provides a 'home away from home' for the student. This option can be culturally enriching for both the student and the host family.

Choosing a guardian

Legal Requirements

Firstly, it is important to understand the legal requirements for guardians of international students. In the UK, for example, it is a legal requirement for international students under the age of 18 to have a guardian. Similar requirements may exist in other countries, so it is essential to research the specific laws and regulations of the country where the student will be studying.

Responsibilities of a Guardian

A guardian is responsible for the student's overall well-being and safety. This includes providing a safe and secure living environment, ensuring the student's physical and emotional needs are met, and potentially managing the student's finances and personal allowance. Guardians may also need to attend parent-teacher meetings, provide transportation to and from school, and be available in case of emergencies. Understanding these responsibilities will help in selecting an individual or organisation capable of fulfilling these duties.

Homestay or Professional Guardianship

There are generally two types of guardianship options for international students: homestay guardians and professional guardianship organisations. Homestay guardians offer a 'home away from home' experience, where the student lives with a host family. This option can provide cultural, social, and linguistic benefits, as the student gets to experience life with a local family. Homestay guardians are typically required to live within a certain distance of the school and are often DBS checked and approved by the student's parents. Professional guardianship organisations, on the other hand, provide a more formal service, often accredited by associations like AEGIS (The Association for the Education and Guardianship of International Students). These organisations offer 24/7 emergency support, health and well-being services, and assistance with airport transfers and campus visits. They may also provide a network of host families that the student can stay with during breaks and holidays.

Compatibility and Communication

When choosing a guardian, consider the compatibility between the guardian and the student's needs and preferences. It is essential to select someone who can provide a supportive and nurturing environment, respecting the student's culture and traditions. Additionally, ensure that there are clear communication channels between the guardian, the student, and the student's parents. This includes regular updates on the student's progress and well-being, as well as prompt responses to any queries or concerns.

Reputation and Accreditation

Whether choosing a homestay guardian or a professional organisation, it is crucial to select a reputable and accredited option. Look for organisations with a long-standing reputation for providing quality guardianship services, as well as those that are accredited by recognised bodies, such as AEGIS. Accreditation ensures that the guardians meet certain standards and provides an extra layer of assurance for parents.

Cost

Finally, consider the cost of guardianship services, as they can vary depending on the level of care and additional services provided. Some organisations charge a flat rate for their services, while others offer à la carte pricing, allowing parents to select the specific services they require. Compare the costs and services offered by different guardianship options to find the best fit for your budget and the student's needs.

Remember, the choice of guardian should ultimately be based on what is best for the student's overall well-being, safety, and success during their international studies.

Frequently asked questions