Homestays

A Home Away From Home

An International Student lives with an English-speaking Canadian homestay family who takes the place of the student’s natural family for a time. The homestay family also plays an important role in the improvement of the student’s English and understanding of Canadian culture.

The homestay will:

assume responsibility for the care of the student
provide encouragement and support
provide all meals
provide a private room that is warm, clean, and that has a study desk.
act on behalf of the parent in the case of an emergency

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who is responsible for the Homestay Program?

A: The Homestay Coordinator is responsible. She:

ensures a successful placement for each student.
provides a thorough homestay orientation, using an interpreter if necessary
meets regularly with the student at school to monitor his/her happiness and well-being
ensures prompt correspondence with natural parent(s) when required.

Q: How do we assure quality homestays?

A: We screen very carefully, including references, a criminal record check, an interview, and an in-home inspection.

Q: How do we choose a homestay when a student applies?

A: We make every effort to match students with families who have similar interests and a family structure that we think best suits the student’s needs.

Q: What happens if the homestay match is not compatible?

A: Concerns are addressed immediately by the Homestay Coordinator through consultation with the student and the family. If all issues cannot be resolved, the Homestay Coordinator chooses a new match. The student meets the new family before making a final choice.

Q: How do we support the student and the homestay family?

A: The Homestay Coordinator meets weekly at the schools with all homestay students. She is also readily available by telephone after school and on weekends to address student or homestay family concerns.

Advantages of Living With a Homestay Family

Families participate in typical Canadian recreational pastimes on weekends, and students who live with families have the opportunity to join the families. This helps students develop interests of their own that they can share with new friends

A Homestay Coordinator monitors the happiness of students in homestays. She acts as a liaison between student and family when required, and finds new homestays if necessary.

Students in homestays learn English very quickly.

Students in homestays experience Canadian culture.

Often the bonds that are made between International Students and their homestay families endure many years, and are maintained through letters and email.

Custodianship

Immigration Canada requires that all International Students under the age of 19 have a notarized custodian who is a Canadian citizen or landed immigrant. The District Principal--International Education or the Coordinator--International Student Education assumes this responsibility for all students in Grades 8 to 12.