Interested in being a Host Family?
We are always looking for more qualified homestay families to take care of our International Students. To find out if you qualify please contact our homestay coordinator
We believe that homestay is the most important part of the international experience, so we operate our own homestay department. International students aged 12 or older can stay with a carefully selected Canadian homestay family while studying in Abbotsford. Students younger than 12 must stay with their legal parent(s) or a direct relative such as an aunt, uncle, or grandparent.
The Homestay Selection Process
Our homestay selection process is designed to ensure students have the most comfortable and rewarding experience possible. Host families accommodate a maximum of 2 international students at a time. Students have their own private rooms, and are always from countries that have different languages. All homestay families must speak only English when the students are around.
Homestay families are required to:
- Attend an information session on the expectations of the home stay program
- Have their home visited and inspected by our Homestay Coordinator
- Have family members interviewed by the Homestay Coordinator
- Provide character references with their application
- Pass a criminal record check
- Attend training sessions during the home stay year
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All family members must be able to communicate fluently in English. Students learn their English through immersion so English in the home is very important.
Homestay in Abbotsford includes:
- Homestay family profiles before students arrive
- Tips on how to prepare for the home stay experience
- A homestay orientation meeting before school begins
- A clean, private, fully-furnished bedroom
- Food provided for three nutritious meals a day
- Access to a bathroom, laundry and other facilities
- A 24-hour emergency contact number
Read our Host Family Guidelines
Contact our Homestay Coordinator for more details