What is homestay?
How do I apply for a homestay family?
Who is my Canadian homestay family?
How is my homestay family selected?
What do I do when I want to move out?
What does it mean by living with a host family?
What things do I need to keep in mind?
How much does it cost to live in homestay?
Download "Homestay Application Form"

WHAT IS HOMESTAY?

Homestay is a wonderful opportunity to practice speaking English and learn about Canadian culture while living in the home of a Canadian family. Dorset College encourages students to live in homestay because each student will have a private, furnished bedroom, three meals each day and will have the opportunity to learn about Canadian life through interaction with his/her Canadian family.

HOW DO I APPLY FOR A HOMESTAY FAMILY?

Applications for the homestay program must be received by Dorset College at least two weeks before you arrive in Canada. Along with the homestay application form, please submit the homestay placement fee, the first month homestay fee and the airport pick-up fee. If the airport pick-up service is required, please send us your flight number, date and time of arrival. Once a homestay family has been located, the information will be faxed or mailed to you. You may wish to write a letter to your host family and send a photo to introduce yourself. Please note that there is no refund for the first month homestay fee.

WHO IS MY CANADIAN HOMESTAY FAMILY?

Canadian families are not all the same. Your host family might be a married couple with or without children, a retired couple, a single parent family or even a single person. In some families only the father works, while in other families both the mother and the father work out of the home.

Canadian families live in different types of homes and in different parts of the city. Your host family might live in an apartment, townhouse or a large house. They might be within walking distance of the school or a 40-minute bus or train ride away.

HOW IS MY HOMESTAY FAMILY SELECTED?

Homestay families have been chosen because of their interest in intercultural communication and their commitment to involvement with their students. Your homestay family has been carefully selected and interviewed in their home to ensure that they are a suitable family. Students and families are matched based on the information received on the homestay application form.

WHAT DO I DO WHEN I WANT TO MOVE OUT?

You must give the appropriate amount of notice to Dorset College and host family before you move out.

If you live in homestay for one month only:
Give Dorset College and host family two week's notice prior to moving out. (i.e. Give notice on your 15th day of homestay.)

If you live in homestay for two months or longer:
Give Dorset College and host family one month's notice prior to moving out. (i.e. Give notice on the day your homestay fee is due for the 2nd month.)

LIVING WITH A HOST FAMILY

Both the host family and you, the student, have responsibilities. It is impossible to guarantee that you will establish a good relationship with your host family. Your relationship will depend on how willing you are to try to communicate with one another; personality conflicts sometimes create a problem. The key is to have mutual respect for each other and keep trying!

Homestay is an opportunity for you to become part of a Canadian family. On a typical day at home, you will notice that there are many small tasks that need to be done. These include preparing meals, setting and clearing the table, washing the dishes or loading the dishwasher. Often, in a Canadian family, parents and children all help out around the house to complete these tasks. Your main responsibility will be to keep your bedroom clean and tidy, and clean up the bathroom after use, but any extra time that you spend helping in the home will serve to deepen the feeling that you are more than just a guest and that you are really a member of the family.

THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND

At Dorset College we understand that applying for a study permit extension can be a difficult and time-consuming process. We can help students apply for a study permit extension by providing information and documents.

Manners

Manners vary greatly from culture to culture, so please be observant and ask questions to avoid embarrassment. Ask your host family to explain appropriate Canadian table manners for both the home and the restaurant.

Food and Meals

Canadian food may be very different from the food that you are used to at home. Be prepared to try new foods and experience new tastes. You may tell your host parents what you like and do not like as they will try their best to meet your needs and tastes. Canadians often have cereal or toast for breakfast, a sandwich and fruit for lunch, and potatoes, meat, salad and a dessert for dinner.

In Canada, families often encourage independence in their children by asking them to prepare their own breakfast and lunch, and you might be asked to do the same. You will probably be welcome to help yourself to food between meals, but consult the host family first. Many families encourage their students to cook, so you might occasionally want to make something for yourself or assist in the preparation of an evening meal. (Be sure to ask permission before cooking.)

Transportation

You will be using public transportation to get to and from school. Your host family will explain the fares and schedules to you. They will give you complete instructions and probably take you on a trial run of your route to school before or on your first day of class. Write down all of the information for your own reference; bus and street names, and where and when to transfer. Telephone your host family if you are lost.

Bathroom

Ask your host family for a guided tour of the facilities. Ask how to use the shower, where extra towels are and where to put your wet towels. Please provide your own personal items such as shampoo, conditioner, tissues, hand cream, toothpaste, etc.

Telephone Usage

The host family will explain how to use the telephone. Remember that the telephone is for everyone in the family to use, so calls should be brief and to the point. Arrange a method of payment for long distance telephone calls. This can mean calling collect, using a calling card or some other arrangement. Ask if you need help to place the call correctly. Please ask your family and friends not to call in the middle of the night - check the time difference.

Smoking

If you smoke cigarettes, please consult with your host family regarding rules. Most families do not allow smoking in the home. Also, ask your host family how to dispose of your cigarette butts for safety purposes.

Telephone Your Host Family

If you are not going to be home for dinner or are going to be late coming home in the evening, telephone your host family and tell them.

Your Money

You are responsible for your own spending money (i.e. for public transportation, dining out, long distance telephone calls, entertainment, etc.). Ask the Homestay Coordinator or your host family for assistance with setting up a bank account. Please remember not to carry large sums of money with you as you may lose it or it may be stolen.

Ask For Help

If you are unsure how to do something or are confused, ask your host family to show you how (i.e. how to use the microwave, stove, oven, washer, dryer, etc.).

Guests

If you wish to have guests over, ask your host family's permission first. Please remember to supply the snacks for your guests yourself.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO LIVE IN HOMESTAY?

At Dorset College, we understand that parents would like to know how their children are doing while they are away from home. For this reason, we are willing to provide parents with information about their child's grades and attendance record. In addition, if a student is having problems or has disobeyed school policies, we will notify the parents.

For further information regarding your child's progress at Dorset College, parents are encouraged to contact the Admissions Office via fax or Email.

Homestay Placement fee (Non-Refundable)	$195.00
1st Month Homestay fee (Age 16 and over)	$735.00
1st Month Homestay fee (Under age 16)	$835.00
Airport pick-up fee (if required)	$65.00

Effective on May 1st, 2009, the following new prices will be used :

Homestay Placement fee (Non-Refundable)	CAD $250.00
1st Month Homestay fee (Age 16 and over)	CAD $735.00 or CAD $30/day
1st Month Homestay fee (Under age 16)	CAD $835.00
Airport pick-up fee (if required)	CAD $70.00