Homestay families play an important part in our students’ life. Inviting a student into your home is very rewarding as you have an opportunity to participate in the life of an international student and to learn about another culture.
It is our hope that the student will become a member of your family and the experience will help to build cross-cultural ties.
Cultural Exchange
Hosting a Japanese student allows you to experience a new culture without leaving home. You’ll learn about Japanese traditions, language, and customs through daily interactions, shared meals, and conversations. From experiencing Japanese holidays to trying new foods, this cultural exchange offers a unique and rewarding learning opportunity. At the same time, you can introduce your student to Canadian traditions, local customs, and everyday life. This mutual exchange fosters global awareness, appreciation for diversity, and meaningful connections between cultures.
Meaningful Connections
Hosting is more than just providing a place to stay—it’s about forming lasting relationships. As a host, you play a key role in helping students adapt to Canadian life, improve their English, and build confidence. Many host families develop deep bonds with their students, staying in touch for years and even visiting them in Japan. Some students return to Canada to reunite with their host families, showing how these connections extend beyond the homestay. The experience creates lasting friendships and cherished memories for both hosts and students.
To ensure a safe and enriching experience for both students and host families, we have a few key requirements:
English Only Environment
Our students come to Canada to immerse themselves in an English-speaking environment and improve their language skills. To support their learning, host families must ensure that English is the primary language spoken in the home. This helps students build confidence in their communication skills and encourages them to practice English in real-life situations, ultimately enhancing their overall study abroad experience.
No Gender Mix
The safety, comfort, and well-being of our students are our top priorities. To create a secure and stress-free living environment for female students, we place them only in homes where there are no unrelated male residents. This policy helps ensure that students feel comfortable in their homestay, allowing them to focus on their studies and fully enjoy their experience in Canada.
Criminal Record Check
To ensure a safe and secure environment for our students, all adult members of the household (18 or older) are required to get a criminal record check before hosting. This screening process helps us maintain the well-being of our students and gives peace of mind to both families and students alike. We accept criminal record checks issued within the past five years. The application cost ($28 per person) is the responsibility of the host family.
