Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Families

Usually yes. However some students prefer to have either no meals or just one or 2 meals daily. A  typical day within a homestay providing meals is as follows:  Breakfast can be prepared by the student, as it does not require cooking skills. The host  or student will pack a lunch to take to school or work upon mutual agreement. Dinner will be prepared by the host family. The student will eat with the  rest of the family. Some students may want to be included in compiling the shopping list and/or visiting the supermarket with you.

Summer students generally come for one to three months. Students arriving in autumn generally stay between three and six months. High school age students can stay much longer than this.

Yes, we obtain home address information, identification, and more. International students go through a screening process in their home  country in order to be granted student visas by our embassies.

YES, all homestays include all basic utilities; such as water, cable, internet, electricity, heat and hot water. Local telephone is also included, but most students use their own laptop or mobile devices.

The student should have access to common areas of the house; living room, bathroom, garden, etc. You may need to teach the student how  to use laundry machines and kitchen appliances. For laundry, use of the machines, soap and fabric softener are included.

YES, it must be fully furnished, have good heating for the winter and ventilation in the summer.  Furniture should include a bed with  adequate sheets, pillows and blankets, a dresser, closet and desk.

The student/guest should give at least one week notice upon finding alternative accommodations, unless it is an emergency, in which case any notice is waived.

The student/guest is expected to pay the monthly Homestay fee to HSH directly. Never discuss money or payments with your homestay student. If you have any questions of a financial nature, please contact HSH.

To a student/guest, first impression is very important; therefore, we highly recommend that you take the time out of your busy schedule to  show your new student/guest around your neighborhood and show them where to catch the bus, how get to school, etc. Some students would also  like to open a bank account at a bank branch nearby or get to know how to do their basic shopping.  As host, you also need to show your guest or student around your home and let them know how to use your kitchen equipment (toaster, microwave, kettle, etc.), laundry machine,  and give them tips on how to stay safe in and outside your home and what to do in case of any emergency. Students normally get very busy later  on when they start school, so the first week is a great time to bond and get know each other.

Yes, Canadian families come in all shapes and sizes.

Yes.  Many students prefer to live within walking distance of their school, but this is not realistic. As long as you live within 45 minutes  commute by public transit to the downtown core, you are eligible to apply.

Please fill out the family application form or send us an email if you have more questions about the program.