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Homestay Canada

Your home away from home

Live with a Canadian family

Are you looking for a home away from home? Be welcomed into one of ILSC’s Canadian Homestay families, and experience a supportive living environment in Vancouver, Toronto or Montréal. Homestay offers the perfect opportunity to practise your English conversation skills and experience Canadian culture and family life.

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Settling into a new home in a different country can be an exciting but challenging experience. This guide provides essential information on homestay expectations, daily routines, and house rules to help you adjust smoothly. To further support you, a video guide is available with English subtitles and translations in multiple languages, offering step-by-step insights into homestay life.

Whether you're adjusting to a new environment, navigating cultural differences, or simply seeking practical advice, these resources will enhance your homestay experience.

Watch ILSC Homestay Program video

Click to view Practical Tips for Homestay

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Before securing your stay with ILSC, it's important to review our Accommodation Booking Policy to understand the terms, conditions, and procedures for booking a homestay. This policy outlines key details such as eligibility, fees, cancellation terms, and modification requests, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free experience.

Please take a moment to familiarize yourself with the guidelines below to help plan your accommodation with confidence.

australia homestay
MEAL PLAN OPTIONS
  • icon_coffeeFULL-BOARD (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
  • icon_burgerHALF-BOARD (Breakfast + Dinner)
  • icon_plateROOMSTAY (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.

Desk

Desk

Bedroom

Bedroom

Kitchen

Kitchen

Dining

Dining

Our homestay options provide different meal plans and levels of independence in a supported environment with a Canadian family in Vancouver, Toronto or Montréal.

All prices are in Canadian dollars (CAD). Taxes are included where applicable. Rates are per person. Booking is subject to availability.

All ILSC & Greystone College homestay bookings require a placement fee of $250 in addition to weekly fees.

Pricing is valid for arrivals in 2025 but is subject to change at any time. Please view 2025 pricing for Toronto, Montréal, and Vancouver on our Price List pages.

A minimum booking length of 4 weeks (28 days) is required. ILSC will accommodate homestay bookings less than 4-weeks as part of short-duration study tours and individual study programs only. In these circumstances, homestay bookings must match the duration of studies (i.e. 2 weeks study program = minimum 14 nights homestay).

NOTES: Extra nights may be added upon pre-approval from our Accommodation Department and will be charged a flat rate of $80 per night. When the total extra night fees are greater than the weekly fee, you will be charged the lesser amount.
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
High season pricing applies from the night of June 1 to the night of September 1, 2025 inclusive, based on the dates of your stay

Full Board

Enjoy a homestay experience with a full meal plan, so that all of your dining needs are taken care of by your homestay family.

  • icon_coffee BREAKFAST
  •  
  • icon_burger LUNCH
  •  
  • icon_plate DINNER
    • WEEKLY RATE FOR 18+
    • $335
    •  
    • WEEKLY RATE FOR UNDER 18
    • $350
    •  
    • HIGH SEASON SUPPLEMENT
    • $40

Half Board

Have your breakfast and dinner taken care of by your homestay family; but enjoy the flexibility to eat out for lunch with new friends.

  • icon_coffee BREAKFAST
  •  
  • icon_plate DINNER
    • WEEKLY RATE FOR 18+
    • $310
    •  
    • WEEKLY RATE FOR UNDER 18
    • $320
    •  
    • HIGH SEASON SUPPLEMENT
    • $40

Roomstay*

Dine your way, with total flexibility to buy your own food and prepare your own meals, or to eat out if preferred.

  • icon_shopping Kitchen access to prepare meals
    • WEEKLY RATE FOR 18+
    • $300
    •  
    • HIGH SEASON SUPPLEMENT
    • $40

*Roomstay is only available for students 18 years or older

WHAT OUR HOMESTAY FAMILIES ARE SAYING

This is a way of me getting to know different cultures. I’ve had all types of students, and I enjoy talking with them, and they enjoy talking with me, so we get to know each other, and how they live. We are different cultures all under one roof. It's an incredible experience.

Teresa Shiavinato
Teresa, Vancouver

Practical Tips for Homestay Students

Welcome to Your Homestay

  • Your host family provides a safe and friendly home. They will help you adjust to life in Canada and guide you when needed.
  • Respect and understanding are important for a good homestay experience.

Before You Arrive

  • You may contact your host family before arriving by email or WhatsApp. They may also contact you.
  • When you get a Canadian mobile number, share it with your host family as soon as possible.

Living with Your Homestay Family

  • Homestay families come from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and religions. ILSC is a welcoming and inclusive space for everyone.
  • You may live with other students from your country, but you should always speak English.
  • Your homestay family is kind and understanding. If you feel nervous at first, give yourself a few weeks to settle in.
  • Some hosts prefer to be called by their first name, while others may ask you to call them "Mum" or "Dad."
  • Be polite! Say things like "Thank you," "Good morning," "Hi, how are you?" and "Bye, I’m going out, but I’ll be back for dinner."
  • If you spend too much time in your room, your host may think you are unhappy. Spend time talking with them, watching TV, or helping with small tasks.
  • Every homestay has house rules. Your family will explain them on your first day. Try your best to follow them.

  • Dust, pollen, and seasonal allergies are common, especially in spring. Bring allergy medicine if needed.
  • Canada has a relaxed lifestyle. Your homestay will give you both independence and support.
  • The weather changes with the seasons. Bring warm clothes for winter and light clothes for summer.
  • Many houses in Canada may have less insulation and soundproofing than homes in your country.

  • Always lock the front and back doors when leaving the house.
  • Return your keys when you leave your homestay.
  • If you damage something in the house, you will need to pay for repairs or replacements.
  • Guests and overnight visitors are not allowed unless your host gives permission.
  • Bedrooms are private spaces. Knock before entering someone else's room.
  • Your room will have a bed, wardrobe, study desk, and chair. You will also receive bed linen and a towel.
  • You must buy your own personal care items, such as shampoo, toothpaste, and soap.
  • Heating and cooling devices may be available. Ask your host about using them and turn them off when not needed.
  • Turn off the lights when leaving a room or going to sleep.
  • Most bedrooms do not have locks. Keep your valuables safe.
  • Talk to your host if you need space for your luggage.
  • Keep your room clean and tidy.
  • Be quiet after 10:00 pm. Most Canadians go to bed early. If you need to call family in your country, ask your host about a suitable time.
  • You can stay up late if you are quiet and do not disturb others.
  • Clean up after yourself in common areas.
  • Helping with small tasks is a wonderful way to show respect to your host family.

  • Your homestay provides half-board meals (breakfast and dinner every day,). Full-board meals(Breakfast, lunch and dinner) and Room stay (no meals)
  • Breakfast is usually simple: toast, coffee, yogurt, or cereal. Most families do not eat breakfast together.
  • Lunch is usually a light meal, like a sandwich or leftovers from dinner.
  • Dinner is a hot meal, usually prepared by the parents.
  • Your host will tell you what time dinner is served. If you will be late, let them know.
  • If your host is not home at dinner time, they will prepare your meal in advance.
  • Ask your host where you can store your snacks.
  • Many Canadian families freeze and refrigerate food to keep it fresh. This is normal.
  • If you have food allergies or foods you cannot eat, tell your agent and host before arriving.
  • After eating, wash your dishes or put them in the dishwasher.
  • Most Canadians eat with a knife, fork, and spoon. Making noises like slurping or burping is considered rude.
  • Always say “Thank you” to the person who prepares your meal.
  • Do not eat food in your bedroom to avoid insects and mess.
  • You are not allowed to cook unless your host gives you permission.
  • You can use kitchen appliances like the microwave, toaster, and fridge. Your host will show you how.
  • Keep the kitchen clean.

  • The bathroom is shared with other family members. Follow the rules your host gives you.
  • Shower time is usually 5 to 7 minutes to save water.
  • Keep the bathroom floor dry.
  • In Canada, males should lift the toilet seat before urinating.
  • Toilet paper must be flushed in the toilet. Do not throw it in the bin.
  • Feminine hygiene products must be wrapped and placed in the bin, not flushed down the toilet.
  • Always wash your hands after using the toilet.
  • Your host will tell you when and how to do laundry, usually once a week.
  • Some hosts do the laundry for you, while others will ask you to do your own.
  • Do not hang wet clothes in your bedroom. Your host will show you where to dry them.
  • Do not wash clothes in the shower.

Speak to a homestay
specialist today.

We are looking forward to answering your questions.

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