EMBRACE DIVERSITY

Canada is a multicultural country. Because of this, your homestay family in Vancouver, Toronto or Montréal might have a foreign background. Please be open to embrace different cultures.

ENGLISH WILL BRING YOU TOGETHER

Your homestay family might have other international students, but no one will speak the same language as you.

PET-FRIENDLY ENVIRONMENT

Canadian homestay families are very pet friendly. Your homestay family might have pets. Please note, if you requested to stay in a house with no pets, we will do our best to accommodate your request.

BEDROOM TYPES

It is quite common in Canada to have a bedroom in the basement. Your bedroom will be located either in the basement or above ground (main floor or second floor).

SMOKE FREE SPACES

All our homestay families do not allow anyone to smoke inside their houses. If you are a smoker, please let us know before your arrival.

HOUSE RULES

All homestay families have house rules. Please talk to your homestay family about their house rules on your first day and do your best to follow them.

GUESTS

Guests and overnight guests are not allowed in your homestay unless your homestay parents give you permission.

PENALTIES

You will be responsible to pay for any damage you have caused during your stay.

MEAL PLAN OPTIONS

• FULL-BOARD (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
• HALF-BOARD (Breakfast + Dinner)
• ROOMSTAY (No Meals)

BREAKFAST

Breakfast is usually prepared by the student and may consist of a piece of toast with coffee and/or a bowl of cereal with milk.

LUNCH

Families usually provide a packed lunch, which may consist of a sandwich, drink, and fruit. Ask your family whether or not you are responsible for packing your own lunch.

DINNER

Dinner is prepared by the family. Your family will set the dinner time (typically sometime between 6−7:30 pm). Dinner is usually a well-balanced, full meal.

USE OF THE KITCHEN

FULL-BOARD OR HALF-BOARD

If you choose a full-board or half-board homestay you will not be allowed to use the kitchen. If you would like to use the kitchen, please ask your homestay family first; but be aware that they are not obligated to allow you to use the kitchen.

ROOMSTAY

If you choose a roomstay, you will be allowed to use the kitchen to store food and prepare meals. It is your responsibility to clean after using the kitchen, without exception.

SPECIAL DIET

For special diets, please inquire about availability - if available special diets are an additional $50/week
Special diet surcharge includes, but are not limited to:
• Gluten-free
• Lactose-free
• Halal
• Vegetarian
• Vegan

FOOD ALLERGIES/RESTRICTIONS

Students must disclose any food allergies/restrictions when applying to the Homestay program.
Host families may accommodate a single common food allergy without the additional “Special Diet” surcharge being applied.
Common allergies may include: Eggs, fruit, seafood, shellfish, nuts etc.
If there are any food restrictions, such as pork or beef, these must also be disclosed at the time of application.