Do you need a U.S. guardian for boarding school? What a guardian does and how to choose one

What a guardian is, and what it is not

A U.S. guardian (some schools say "local guardian" or "custodian") is an adult in the United States whom the family trusts to look after a student's needs outside the school's own care. The parents remain the child's legal parents. A guardian does not replace them and does not give the student a visa: for an F-1 student the school issues the Form I-20 (see how to check whether a school can issue an I-20).

What a guardian usually does

• Stays reachable day and night if the school or a doctor needs a decision.
• Picks the student up from the airport or school, and hosts the student when dorms close for breaks.
• Takes the student to medical appointments and handles routine paperwork.
• Acts as the school's contact for health, discipline and travel questions.

What is included differs by school and by service, so ask for the list in writing.

When schools require one

Rules differ. Many schools require a local guardian for international students under 18, sometimes within a set distance of campus. Others accept relatives or a host family the school arranges, and some run their own programs. Check the school's international-student page or ask the admissions office, and read the student handbook.

How families set it up

• The parents sign a document that authorizes the guardian to act. This is commonly a power of attorney, often notarized, sometimes with a medical consent form. Requirements differ by state and by school, so ask which forms the school needs.
• Tell the school who the guardian is, and give the guardian and the school each other's contact details.

Questions to ask before you choose

• Which schools does the guardian work with, and does your school accept them?
• Who answers the phone at 2 a.m., and in which language?
• Where does the student stay during breaks, and who else lives in the home?
• Are references, insurance and background checks available?
• What does it cost, what is included, and what is the cancellation policy? Get a written contract.

Be careful with promises. No guardian can guarantee admission, a visa or a school's decision.

Where USAnaru fits

USAnaru™ informs and introduces. Guardian services that join USAnaru™ are checked by our team before they are listed in the directory of help organizations. We never rank by payment, and you decide whom to contact. Read how we check and show our sources.