Homestay in Saskatchewan

Homestay in Saskatchewan

The Canadian province, Saskatchewan, offers world-class education and draws above 7,000 international students per year. Indeed, Saskatchewan is home to high-quality secondary and post-secondary schools in the country. While it is easy to decide where to study, the more complicated task is to find where to live. Fortunately, most schools offer homestay in Saskatchewan for international students. It is an opportunity to live with the local family and experience their lifestyle firsthand. But before discussing homestay in Saskatchewan, it may be interesting to find out more about the province and its education system.

Overview of Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan is a western Canadian province, which borders Alberta, the Northwest Territories, Manitoba, Nunavut, and the U.S. states of Montana and North Dakota. Its total area is 651,900 km2, and its total population is 1,132,505 citizens. About 10% of Saskatchewan’s total area is fresh water, lakes, rivers, and reservoirs.

Residents of the province mostly live in the southern prairie half since the northern half is forested and sparsely populated. Most Saskatchewanians live in the province’s biggest city Saskatoon or the provincial capital Regina. Other significant cities are Moose Jaw, Yorkton, Prince Albert, Swift Current, North Battleford, Melfort, and Lloydminster.

According to the latest census, the main ethnic groups in Saskatchewan are German, English, Scottish, Canadian, Irish, Ukrainian, French, First Nations, Norwegian, and Polish. English is the official language of the province, and the other most spoken languages include French, Tagalog, Cree, Hindi, Punjabi, German, Mandarin, Spanish, and Ukrainian.

Saskatchewan’s economy is primarily associated with agriculture, wheat, canola, flax, rye, oats, peas, lentils, canary seed, and barley production. The province is also the largest exporter of mustard seed in the world. Mining is the main industry since Saskatchewan is the largest exporter of potash and uranium in the world. Oil and natural gas production is also an important part of the province’s economy.

Speaking about the tourist attractions in Saskatchewan, it is worth mentioning three of them. The Athabasca Sand Dunes are in the Athabasca Sand Dunes Provincial Park, near Uranium City. It is one of the most northerly active dune formations on the planet. Saskatchewan is also home to a unique phenomenon, purple sand beaches. During the homestay in Saskatchewan, international students can find them at the Hunter Bay and Prince Albert National Park.

The third tourist destination is Saskatoon. From Saskatoon Farm and Forestry to the Saskatchewan Literary Festival, Remai Modern Arts center, and Wanuskewin Heritage Park, there are other attractions to keep international students interested.

Secondary and Post-Secondary Schools in Saskatchewan

Education in Saskatchewan is divided into elementary (primary school), followed by secondary (high school), and post-secondary (university, college). Schools offer a curriculum set out by the Government of Saskatchewan through the Ministry of Education. International students can start exploring the study programs from secondary school. High school usually runs from grades 9 to 12.

In Saskatchewan, there are twenty-seven school divisions that include eighteen public school divisions, eight Roman Catholic separate school divisions, and one francophone school division. International students who want to attend the best public schools and get homestay in Saskatchewan can consider Glentworth Central School, Central Butte School, Medstead Central School, McClurg High School, and Lake Lenore School.

Athol Murray College of Notre Dame, LCBI High School, Luther College High School, Rosthern Junior College, and Prairie Christian Academy are the best private schools that help international students with a homestay in Saskatchewan.

Speaking about post-secondary education, Saskatchewan has two universities with degree-granting authority: the University of Regina and the University of Saskatchewan. The other public school is Saskatchewan Polytechnic, an internationally recognized institution for post-secondary technical education and skills training.

Carlton Trail College, Cumberland College, North West College, Southeast College, and Great Plains College are high-quality public post-secondary schools for international students. Saskatchewan also has private colleges, namely Briercrest College and Seminary, Horizon College and Seminary, and Eston College.

Arrangement of Homestay in Saskatchewan

The mentioned public and private secondary and post-secondary schools tend to offer homestay in Saskatchewan for all international students. Those who consider this type of accommodation can ask the chosen schools to tell them more about the available options before confirming admission. Overall, homestay in Saskatchewan has four models.

1. School administrations have a list of approved host families for international students and match them with each other.
2. Schools cooperate with homestay providers in the region. These agencies undertake to find a homestay in Saskatchewan for international students.
3. Schools prepare a list of certified service providers that arrange a homestay in Saskatchewan for international students.
4. Private companies offer to find a homestay in Saskatchewan for students. However, they usually do not cooperate with school administrations. International students who want to hire private homestay providers ought to consult with the school to avoid any misunderstandings and problems with enrollment.

Requirements for the Host Family

International students tend to spend free time with their host families. Hence, they must be matched with the right family. International students should submit a full homestay application, specifying their eating options, describing their interests, and giving other essential information.

The school or the certified provider of homestay in Saskatchewan must conduct a comprehensive selection procedure for host families, which includes seven steps.

1. Host parents need to be no less than 25 years old and speak English.
2. The prospective families ought to complete the application and answer family-related questions.
3. They must submit the criminal records of each family member over 18 years old to the homestay coordinator.
4. Coordinators should interview potential host families and verify the information.
5. Homestay coordinators need to examine whether the households follow Saskatchewan’s Building and National Standards.
6. Coordinators ought to score host families based on the designated selection factors.
7. Homestay coordinators should match international students with approved host families.

Facilities of Homestay in Saskatchewan

To provide homestay in Saskatchewan, host families must offer basic facilities for international students. They prepare comfortable private rooms with a bed and a desk. However, the common practice in Canadian households is to have a shared bathroom. Also, international students can use the internet and laundry facilities.

To get a perfect homestay in Saskatchewan, students ought to choose a meal plan. Those who expect to have three meals a day need to have the full-board homestay. International students who prefer to have lunch at school should choose the half-board homestay, which includes only breakfast and dinner. A meal plan is not included in the roomstay homestay in Saskatchewan, since it is designed for international students who are above 18 years old.

Homestay Fees in Saskatchewan

On average, the roomstay option costs about 700 CAD, the half-board option costs up to 900 CAD, and the full-board homestay can cost above 1,000 CAD per month. Fees for homestay in Saskatchewan depend on the meal plan, the location of the school, and the facilities. For instance, host families that offer additional services and facilities can have higher fees.

Responsibilities of Host Families and International Students During the Homestay in Saskatchewan

Designated host families must guarantee a comfortable homestay in Saskatchewan for international students. Thus, they need to follow four main rules.

1. Host families ought to read all guidelines prepared by the school or homestay program provider.
2. They should create a caring and supportive environment for international students.
3. Host families must inform the school and homestay agency about the students’ law violations or inappropriate behavior.
4. The host parents ought to set a reasonable curfew and house rules for international students.

Students also need to follow general responsibilities during the homestay in Saskatchewan.

1. They must respect each member of the host family and accept their way of living.
2. International students should take part in community events and activities.
3. They must inform the parents, custodian, school administration, host family, or homestay coordinator about any issues or challenges during the study in Canada.

 

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