Host Families
Our International Student Program welcomes students from around the world to attend our schools, for various lengths of time, offering them a chance to experience Canadian education and culture firsthand.
The homestay experience is an integral part of our program, offering students meaningful opportunities to engage in Canadian family life, practice their English and share their own culture in return. Hosting a student is an exciting and enriching cultural exchange that benefits both the student and the host family. While most international students are high school age, we occasionally welcome upper elementary students for short term visits (1-2 months).
All our homestay students fill out an extensive questionnaire to help create a compatible match.
Who would make a great homestay host?
A caring and understanding individual or family who provides hospitable accommodations and a safe, supportive environment for an international student studying abroad. Our students are a long way from home, and living with a compassionate, considerate family that communicates with care and patience is essential.
Things to consider:
Is your entire household on board to accept someone from abroad in your home? This could be children or other household members.
Are you planning to be away while you are hosting a student? If so, we can arrange for a respite stay if it is three or more days.
What is your schedule like? Will it permit you to spend quality time with an additional person? Some students want to be involved in your social life and be active, others prefer some independence and still others desire a high level of independence and privacy.
What is your availability to host? We have a few hosting options: a full school year (September-June), a semester (September – January OR February – June), short term visit (1-4 months) and respite (1-14 days coverage for a primary host family).
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When you make the decision to become a homestay host and welcome an international student into your home, you make a lasting contribution to your family, your community, and the student.
FAQ
Can I be a homestay host?
Homestay hosts reflect the beautiful diversity that is Canada. They may be single, a couple, or empty nesters, and they may or may not have children. Just as each host is different, so too are their homes—some live in apartments, while others live in houses. Hosts may be retired, own a business, or be in the prime of their careers. The important thing is that they are welcoming, supportive, and committed to providing a safe and positive homestay experience.
How do you match a student and host?
Both host families and students complete a detailed questionnaire. This information helps us carefully match students with hosts who are compatible and well suited to their needs.
How long until we host students?
It’s hard to say exactly when you’ll be matched with a student, since it depends on when a homestay is requested and how well the student fits with your profile. Most students arrive in September or February, but occasionally a short-term student may come at a different time for a stay of a few months. Whatever the timing, we’ll make sure the match is right for both you and the student.
What support and preparation do hosts receive?
Each Host will be given a Host Handbook describing the expectations, responsibilities, and terms of the hosting relationship. Hosts are required to attend an annual orientation session designed to prepare the hosts for the hosting experience. The GSCS ISP team, including the homestay coordinator, will be available to hosts to provide support as needed. There will be an emergency number for hosts to contact the GSCS ISP team 24/7. Hosts will be invited to various educative sessions throughout the school year in addition to sharing their experiences with others in the hosting community. We are happy to provide additional resources that hosts may find helpful.
Hosts also receive financial support in the amount of $1050.00 at the end of each month as reimbursement for the food and supplies required by the student. This is not considered as income, and no tax receipts are issued.
What happens if the student I am matched with doesn’t “click” with our family or if there is a behavioural concern?
There is always the chance that, even with processes in place to try and match the students and hosts based on commonalities, the student and host will not be compatible. Many issues, however, are the result of misunderstanding, miscommunication and cultural differences and can be overcome with patience, understanding and a willing to work through differences. The GSCS ISP team is committed working with the host and the students to try and get to a better place first, as relocation of a student is seen as a last resort. There are some situations, however, in which it is better for both the host and the student for a relocation to occur. If there are concerns, it is vitally important that a member of the GSCS ISP team is notified as soon as possible.
What if I must cancel?
While we hope this situation does not occur, we understand that circumstances may arise that prevent you from continuing as a host. If this happens before your student arrives, please notify us as soon as possible.
However, if the student is already enroute, we may be unable to reach them before they arrive. In such cases, we may require your assistance in accommodating them for one or two days while we arrange an alternative placement. We appreciate your cooperation and understanding in these situations.
Questions?
Please contact our ISP Homestay Coordinator, Malvina Rapko at homestay@gscs.ca or 306-371-5457.
To apply to become a homestay host, please click the following button.
Once your application has been reviewed, you will receive an email informing you whether it has been successfully processed or decline.
If your application has been successfully processed, our Homestay Coordinator, Malvina Rapko, will contact you regarding the next steps.
