Your Host Family

Your Canadian host family will be as excited about this visit as you are. It is recommended that you write a letter to your new hosts before you leave your home country. Tell everyone in your new homestay about your family, friends, school and pets. You can ask your host family about their hobbies and sports interests. Your hosts would also like to receive a photograph of you and your family, with your names on the reverse. If you are not sure of how to pronounce the names of your hosts, you can ask.

Speaking With Your Hosts in Vancouver

If you have trouble communicating with your host family, do not give up! It is normal to have difficulty making yourself understood at the beginning. If you use every available, appropriate opportunity to speak with your hosts, conversations in English will be easier each passing day.

Homestay Rules

You should ask your host family about their house rules when you first arrive. You will feel more comfortable if you know what is expected of you. Some standard homestay rules your hosts might want you to abide by are: Alcohol is not allowed, neither are smoking and using drugs; you must speak English only in the house, and you should be home by a specified curfew.

If you decide to leave your homestay, you must give at least two weeks notice before changing to another homestay.

Gifts for Your Hosts

Some host families offer gifts to their guests. Many students form strong friendships with their homestay parents and continue communicating with them after they leave. You might want to bring some souvenirs for your hosts.

Enjoy Your Vancouver Homestay!

This can be a great adventure! Homestays in Vancouver Canada are fun and relaxed. Have a good time and take the time to learn about your host family.