It’s one of prospective host families’ most commonly asked questions: “What’s it like to be a host family?” The short answer is you’ll get what you put into the experience. The more you can dedicate to your international student, the more rewarding the experience will be.
In this article, we’ll hear from past and current homestay host families about their experiences and tell you what to expect as a host or student.
What to expect: For host families
Becoming a homestay host family is like welcoming a new, temporary member to your family for their stay (usually a school term or a whole school year).
They’re not a guest but a member of your family whom you’ll take with you on family adventures and who is expected to contribute to the household, too. They’re expected to clean up after themselves and contribute to some household chores as if they were their children.
New experiences
Most homestay reviews talk about how the international student gets new experiences. Remember that the host family will have new experiences, too!
“Hosting has given us so much pleasure and enjoyment in living and learning about other cultures and their lifestyles. Trying new foods and being introduced to “their families” traditions around various holidays has been exciting!”
– Tarnia P. Surrey, BC
Homestay programs are like a cultural exchange. You’re expected to share about Canadian life and culture, and your student can share about theirs. In addition to taking them out to your favourite local restaurants, you might find a restaurant with food from their culture, and they can explain their favourite foods to you.
You develop life-long friendships
Go into the program with the right attitude. You may discover a strong connection with the student and their family back home. You may all choose to stay connected long after the homestay is over:
“[We keep in touch with previous homestay students] quite regularly. […] It’s so amazing to see who they grow to become. They also love seeing their host siblings grow up. It’s a very unique and special bond we have. Hosting has definitely been rewarding on many levels-priceless rewards.”
— Neda O.
Your kids get to experience a new family member too.
Don’t forget about the experience your children will have when you host a homestay student. Most children and teens love to welcome a new honorary sister or brother to their home. Your children will get to tell their new siblings about their family life, rules, and traditions. The student will teach them about their family traditions and life.
“[We keep in touch with previous homestay students] quite regularly. […] It’s so amazing to see who they grow to become. They also love seeing their host siblings grow up. It’s a very unique and special bond we have. Hosting has definitely been rewarding on many levels-priceless rewards.”
— Neda O.
What about vacation time?
Are you going on vacation with your family while a homestay student lives with you? Bring them along! It’s all part of the experience. Depending on where you go, you may need to get permission from their parents and let your host company know where you’re going.
Do I need to chauffeur the student everywhere?
Generally, most students are expected to learn how to use the bus or walk to and from school. Depending on the circumstances, you may still wish to drive your student. If the student wants to go somewhere outside of school hours, encourage them to find their way, but you can still drive them if you wish.
If the student is younger, you’ll likely be required to drive them where they need to go.
You can expect an honorarium
While hosting an international student in your home is a full-time commitment, you don’t receive a full-time salary for your time. Instead, you can expect a small honorarium (usually around $1050 per month, depending on the student’s dietary restrictions.). This small amount should be enough to help cover some of your extra costs of homing the student.
What to expect: For international students
If you’re a student, the experience of living with a homestay family is not unlike what you’d have at home, with only the cultural differences. You’ll be expected to become a contributing member of your host family (including helping with chores). In exchange, you’ll learn about Canadian culture and life from them.
Your family will include you in family activities like one of their children. You’ll spend much time playing and learning from the other children in your host family and your Canadian peers at school.
Requirements to become a host family
Becoming a host family is a rewarding experience. Not everyone gets to add a new honorary member to their family, so it’s an honour when you’re chosen to host.
The requirements to host through Harmony Homestay are meant to ensure you (as the host) are prepared and able to support the student while creating an environment of safety, learning, and fun.
Are you interested in sharing your home and culture with a global student eager to learn and explore? Here’s what you need to get started:
- Provide accommodations, three meals per day, and a welcome home environment
- English must be the only language spoken around a student
- Criminal Record checks for all adults in the home
- Unlimited wireless internet connection
- Appropriate care and supervision of a student (this varies depending on the type of program)
We’re looking for homestay students right now in Vancouver and Thunder Bay. If you’re ready for the enriching experience of hosting an international student in your home, let us know today.
