Hosting Students in Surrey
Hosting Students in Surrey, Canada: A Comprehensive Guide
Introduction
Surrey, British Columbia, is one of Canada's fastest-growing and most culturally diverse cities. It is also a key destination for international students, thanks to its excellent public and private schools, proximity to Vancouver, and a supportive multicultural community. As a result, many families in Surrey are opening their homes to international students through homestay programs.
It is a cross-cultural exchange, a mentorship opportunity, and often, a life-changing experience for both the host and the student. This report explores the comprehensive process of hosting students in Surrey, Canada.
1. Understanding the Homestay Model
1.1 What Is a Homestay?
A homestay is an arrangement where an international student lives with a Canadian host family during their studies. The student becomes part of the household, and the host family provides meals, accommodation, and support.
1.2 Homestay in the Canadian Context: Hosting Students in Surrey
In Canada, and particularly in British Columbia, homestay is a well-established accommodation option for students. Education providers (e.g., school districts, language schools, universities) often work with approved homestay agencies or manage their own programs.
Homestays are especially popular for:
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High school students under 18
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Language school attendees
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Short-term exchange students
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New university students transitioning into Canadian life
2. The City of Surrey: A Prime Location for Homestay
2.1 Multicultural Environment
Surrey is known for its ethnic diversity. Over 50% of its residents are immigrants, and over 100 languages are spoken across the city. This makes international students feel welcomed and supported.
2.2 Education Hub
Surrey is home to:
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Surrey School District (SD36) – the largest in B.C., with over 70,000 students
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Private and independent schools
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Post-secondary institutions like Simon Fraser University (Surrey campus) and Kwantlen Polytechnic University
These institutions have strong international programs and partnerships that attract students from around the globe.
3. Who Can Host a Student?
3.1 General Requirements
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Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
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Live in a safe, clean, and comfortable home in Surrey
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Be fluent in English (bilingualism is a bonus)
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Be interested in cultural exchange
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Be able to provide emotional and logistical support
3.2 Screening and Approval: Hosting Students in Surrey
Hosts must go through:
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Application and interviews
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Home inspections
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Reference checks
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Criminal record checks (including Vulnerable Sector Checks)
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Orientation or training sessions
Every adult (18+) in the household must complete a background check.
4. Responsibilities of a Host Family
4.1 Accommodation
The host must provide:
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A private, furnished bedroom
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Access to shared areas (kitchen, bathroom, living room)
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Utilities and internet
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Laundry facilities
4.2 Meals: Hosting Students in Surrey
Homestay typically includes:
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Breakfast, lunch, and dinner on weekdays and weekends
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Consideration of dietary restrictions or cultural food preferences
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Encouragement of healthy eating habits
4.3 Support and Supervision
Especially for students under 18, hosts are expected to:
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Supervise and provide structure (e.g., curfews, study time)
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Help students adjust to school and life in Canada
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Monitor well-being and report any concerns
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Be a caring and supportive presence
4.4 Cultural Exchange: Hosting Students in Surrey
Hosts are encouraged to:
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Involve students in family life and community events
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Share Canadian customs, holidays, and traditions
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Show local landmarks and encourage social interaction
5. Legal and Custodianship Considerations
5.1 Hosting Minors (Under 18)
In Canada, international students under 18 must have a custodian—an adult responsible for their care and legal supervision. A custodian can be:
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Appointed by the parents abroad
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Assigned by a school or homestay provider
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The host family, in some cases (if formally authorized)
5.2 Documentation
Hosts may need to work with schools or agencies to submit:
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Custodianship Declaration forms
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Homestay agreements
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Emergency contact forms
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Medical information
All documents must meet Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) standards.
6. Becoming a Host: Step-by-Step: Hosting Students in Surrey
Step 1: Choose a Homestay Agency or School Program
Surrey School District, private schools, and institutions like KPU and SFU often work with homestay agencies such as:
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The Custodian Student Homestay Vancouver
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IEC Immigration
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The Custodian Student Homestay BC
Step 2: Application
Submit an online or paper application with:
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Family profile and photos
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Room details
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Availability
Step 3: Home Visit and Interview
A program coordinator visits your home, checks safety standards, and discusses expectations.
Step 4: Background Checks: Hosting Students in Surrey
Step 5: Orientation
Training sessions cover:
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Cultural awareness
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Emergency response
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Conflict resolution
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Program rules
Step 6: Matching with Students
Matching considers:
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Proximity to school
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Shared interests or language
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Religious or dietary preferences
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Pet allergies or household rules
7. Financial Aspects: Hosting Students in Surrey
7.1 Host Compensation
Host families are paid a monthly allowance to cover costs. In Surrey, rates are typically:
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$950–$1,200/month (with meals and utilities)
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Higher rates for specialized needs or short-term placements
This is considered non-taxable income by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) if it qualifies as a "boarder" arrangement under certain thresholds. Hosts should still consult a tax professional.
7.2 Reimbursement vs. Profit
Financial gain should never be the primary motive.
8. Benefits of Hosting
8.1 Cultural Enrichment
Families learn about other cultures, languages, and customs, and children in host families grow up globally minded.
8.2 Personal Fulfillment: Hosting Students in Surrey
Hosts find joy in:
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Supporting a young person’s growth
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Helping students build confidence
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Forming lifelong international friendships
8.3 Community Engagement
Homestay strengthens community ties and promotes diversity. Many hosts participate in school events, festivals, and outings with their students.
9. Challenges and Considerations
9.1 Cultural Differences
Different traditions, values, and habits may cause misunderstanding. Examples:
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Differences in food tastes or religious practices
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Expectations about cleanliness or curfews
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Social norms around gender, privacy, or communication
9.2 Homesickness and Emotional Support
Students often experience:
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Loneliness
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Stress from academic pressure
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Language barriers
Hosts must be empathetic and help students connect with counselors, teachers, or mental health support if needed.
9.3 Conflict Resolution: Hosting Students in Surrey
Disagreements may arise over:
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House rules
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Use of space
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Friend visits or outings
Programs offer mediation and guidance to resolve conflicts calmly and respectfully.
10. Host Family Best Practices: Hosting Students in Surrey
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Be patient and communicative
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Set clear expectations from the start (curfews, chores, internet use)
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Learn a few words of the student’s language
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Celebrate cultural holidays together
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Involve students in daily life (shopping, meals, family games)
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Be open to learning and teaching
11. Hosting Across Education Levels: Hosting Students in Surrey
High School Students
Often aged 14–18, they need more structure. Many attend:
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Enver Creek Secondary
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Semiahmoo Secondary
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Johnston Heights
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Private schools like Pacific Academy
These students usually stay for a school year or longer.
University Students
Older and more independent, students at:
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KPU (Kwantlen)
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SFU Surrey
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Columbia College (nearby Vancouver)
Need less supervision but benefit from local support.
Language School or Exchange Students: Hosting Students in Surrey
May stay for just 4–12 weeks. Hosting involves more touring and cultural activities.
12. Testimonials from Surrey Hosts
“Hosting students has taught my children compassion, curiosity, and open-mindedness. We’ve had students from Korea, Brazil, and Japan—it’s been an amazing journey.”
—Lisa, Host Parent, Fleetwood
“The homestay experience helped me improve my English and feel like part of a Canadian family. I miss my host parents even after graduating.”
—Mei, Former Student from China
13. The Future of Homestay in Surrey: Hosting Students in Surrey
As international student numbers continue to grow in B.C., homestay demand is increasing. With improved support, more regulation, and stronger community networks, the homestay model is becoming even more professional and impactful.
Surrey’s position as an education hub, combined with its affordability and diversity, ensures it will remain a leading city for hosting international students in Canada.
Conclusion
Hosting a student in Surrey, Canada, is a rewarding way to contribute to global education and cultural exchange. Families who open their homes to international students play a vital role in the success and well-being of young people adjusting to life in a new country.
With proper training, open communication, and community support, host families not only provide shelter—they offer belonging, mentorship, and lifelong memories. As Surrey continues to grow as a global city, homestay will remain a vital bridge between cultures, and a profound opportunity for those who choose to open their doors.
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