Become Homestay Family in Calgary
How to Become a Homestay Family in Calgary
Calgary, a dynamic city located in Alberta, Canada, is known for its welcoming community, vibrant cultural scene, and world-class educational institutions. As a hub for international students, the city offers many opportunities for families to engage in cultural exchange through homestay programs. Hosting a student can be an enriching experience, providing both personal growth for the family and support for students adjusting to life in Canada. This guide outlines everything you need to know about becoming a homestay family in Calgary, including the application process, requirements, benefits, and tips for a successful hosting experience.
1. Understanding Homestay Programs: Become Homestay Family in Calgary
1.1. What is a Homestay?
A homestay is an arrangement in which a family or individual offers accommodation, meals, and support to an international student who is living away from home. The homestay family helps the student integrate into their new environment while experiencing Canadian culture firsthand.
1.2. Why Host a Student?
Hosting an international student can be a rewarding experience, as it offers both cultural and educational exchange. As a host family, you contribute to the student’s academic and personal success while also learning about their culture and language. The benefits of hosting a student include:
- Cultural Exchange: Hosting a student offers an opportunity to learn about different cultures and traditions.
- Financial Benefits: Families are compensated for hosting students, typically receiving a stipend to cover living expenses.
- Community Engagement: Being a homestay family fosters a sense of community and connection with the world beyond Calgary.
- Personal Growth: The experience of living with someone from another country can broaden your perspectives and help you develop new skills in communication, empathy, and cultural understanding.
2. Who Can Become a Homestay Family?
2.1. Eligibility: Become Homestay Family in Calgary
To become a homestay family in Calgary, there are some basic eligibility requirements:
- Stable Home Environment: Families must have a stable, welcoming environment with a clean and comfortable space for the student.
- Availability: Hosts should be able to provide accommodations for a minimum of one academic semester or a full school year.
- Willingness to Participate: Homestay families should be committed to including the student in family activities, offering support as they adjust to their new environment.
2.2. Types of Host Families: Become Homestay Family in Calgary
A homestay family can be a single parent, a couple, a family with children, or even retirees. The most important factor is that the family is eager to engage in the cultural exchange and provide a supportive environment for the student.
3. Benefits of Being a Homestay Family in Calgary
3.1. Cultural Enrichment
Hosting a student from a different country allows your family to experience new cultures, traditions, and languages. This cross-cultural exchange can lead to lasting friendships and a deeper understanding of the world.
3.2. Financial Compensation: Become Homestay Family in Calgary
Homestay families are compensated for the costs associated with hosting a student. In Calgary, host families typically receive $800 to $1,200 per month, depending on the program. This compensation covers expenses such as meals, utilities, and the student’s accommodation.
3.3. Personal Growth
Living with an international student provides unique opportunities for personal growth. Family members may develop better communication skills, greater patience, and increased cultural sensitivity. These experiences can have a lasting impact on your family’s values and worldview.
3.4. Creating Lasting Relationships: Become Homestay Family in Calgary
Homestay arrangements often lead to long-term relationships. Many host families stay in touch with their students even after they have returned to their home countries. This lasting connection is a testament to the power of cultural exchange.
4. Requirements for Becoming a Homestay Family in Calgary
4.1. Accommodation
- Private Bedroom: You must provide a student with a clean, furnished private room, ideally with a desk, bed, and storage for their belongings.
- Access to Amenities: The student should have access to the family’s common areas, such as the kitchen, bathroom, and living room.
- Safe and Comfortable Environment: Your home should be a safe and welcoming place for the student, with smoke detectors, first-aid kits, and clear emergency exits.
4.2. Meals: Become Homestay Family in Calgary
Host families are expected to provide three meals a day (breakfast, lunch, and dinner). If the student has dietary restrictions or preferences, hosts should be prepared to accommodate these needs. Some families may also provide snacks or other food-related provisions as agreed upon.
4.3. Background Checks
All adults in the household must undergo criminal background checks to ensure a safe and secure environment for the student. A thorough screening process is part of the application process.
4.4. Communication Skills: Become Homestay Family in Calgary
As a host, effective communication with the student is vital. You should be open and approachable, ready to listen and offer guidance when necessary. It’s also essential to keep in touch with the student’s school or homestay program coordinator to ensure the student’s well-being.
5. Steps to Becoming a Homestay Family in Calgary
5.1. Research Homestay Programs
There are several agencies in Calgary that manage homestay programs. Some popular options include:
- The Custodian Edmonton: Offers a homestay program for international students attending public schools in Calgary.
- IEC Immigration: A global provider of language and cultural exchange programs, offering homestay arrangements for international students.
- Student Homestay and Accommodation Canada: A nonprofit organization that connects students with host families across Canada, including Calgary.
Each program has its own requirements and application process, so it’s essential to research and select the one that fits your family best.
5.2. Apply to Become a Host Family: Become Homestay Family in Calgary
Once you’ve chosen a program, you will need to complete an application form, providing details about your home, family, and reasons for wanting to host a student. You’ll also need to provide information about your household, including the number of family members, pets, and other relevant factors.
5.3. Home Assessment and Interviews
After submitting your application, the homestay program coordinator will arrange a home visit to assess the suitability of your home for hosting. This visit includes a tour of your home, ensuring that it meets the accommodation requirements, and conducting an interview with your family members.
5.4. Background Checks: Become Homestay Family in Calgary
All adult members of the household must undergo criminal background checks to ensure safety for the student. The program coordinator will also verify your references and assess your ability to provide a supportive, welcoming environment.
5.5. Training and Orientation
Before hosting a student, you will attend an orientation session to understand your responsibilities as a homestay family. This training will cover cultural sensitivity, communication tips, and practical information on how to support the student during their stay.
5.6. Host Student Placement
Once you are approved as a host family, the program will match you with a student based on factors like the student’s interests, personality, and preferences. You will receive information about the student before they arrive so you can begin to prepare.
6. What to Expect as a Homestay Family in Calgary
6.1. Adjustment Period
When the student first arrives, there will be an adjustment period. They may feel homesick or face challenges with language or cultural differences. Be patient and supportive, providing guidance and offering reassurance as they settle in.
6.2. Ongoing Support: Become Homestay Family in Calgary
As a homestay family, it’s essential to offer ongoing support and encouragement. Ensure that the student feels comfortable, safe, and welcome. You should also help them navigate daily life, including transportation, shopping, and other practical matters.
6.3. Regular Communication with Program Coordinators
Stay in contact with the homestay program coordinator to discuss any issues, concerns, or progress updates. Regular communication helps ensure that the student’s needs are met and allows you to address any challenges that arise.
7. Challenges and Solutions: Become Homestay Family in Calgary
7.1. Language Barriers
- Challenge: Language differences can make communication difficult, especially in the initial stages.
- Solution: Be patient and use simple language. Encourage the student to ask questions and use language resources like translation apps or online dictionaries.
7.2. Cultural Differences: Become Homestay Family in Calgary
- Challenge: Cultural misunderstandings may occur, especially with different norms around meals, schedules, or family dynamics.
- Solution: Be open-minded and sensitive to cultural differences. Discuss expectations clearly and respectfully, and be willing to learn from each other.
7.3. Homesickness
- Challenge: Students may experience homesickness, especially in the first few weeks or months.
- Solution: Create a warm, supportive environment where the student feels comfortable expressing their emotions. Encourage them to stay connected with family and friends back home and offer reassurance as they adjust.
8. Conclusion
Becoming a homestay family in Calgary is an opportunity to contribute to a student’s academic success and personal development while enriching your own family’s life. Through cultural exchange, financial compensation, and personal growth, the benefits of hosting are significant. By following the steps outlined in this guide, preparing your home, and committing to the experience, your family can provide a valuable service to international students and create lasting memories of connection and friendship.
In case, if you prefer to Become Homestay Family in Calgary or other cities of Canada, please fill in application below or contact us directly.
