Being a part of an international student’s dreams as they plan for the future and immerse themselves in a new culture is wonderful. The student’s host family plays an important role in making an international student’s experience a reality. Whether it is for a short period of time or a year, the host family opens the doors of their home and shares their traditions, culture and language.

What does host family mean?

To be a host family means to take on the opportunity to shape these student’s experiences in a positive way, being empathic; and in the same way, you will enjoy sharing the day to day of your family with the student, granting an opportunity to know what makes Canada such an interesting country.

Is there a perfect host family?

You may have in mind what a family means, a couple of parents, one or two children, some pets, all making a life in a movie-like house. However, all families are different, including host families, so meeting a “standard” is not the norm for becoming a host family right now.

You can be the ideal host by providing, through empathy and closeness, support during the exchange student’s adjustment to the new lifestyle; the stay can be difficult the first few weeks because of the nostalgia of family separation and this new temporary home will help in the whole process. Another aspect that defines host families is acceptance, involving the student in family activities, from basic household chores, eating out, celebrating special dates and excursions to nearby places.

Being a part of an international experience, either as a student or as a host family can changes both parties’ lives forever. We invite you to visit our host family platform to learn more about our selection process and how your home can become one of the most important memories in the lives of these young international baccalaureate students.