Forest Lawn Language Centre

Introduction Programs Home Stay Services For You About Us

HomeStay Program

Families providing HomeStay 
Student Responsibilities

Our goal of the HomeStay program is to bring the diversity of international students into a Canadian home in order to experience Canadian life and culture with your host family.

We hope that this experience will inspire lasting friendships and memories. Living with a Canadian family will dramatically increase the rate at which you will improve your English by participating in daily activities and family conversations.  We believe that this daily practice will further help you achieve your goal of English fluency.

If you wish to apply for the HomeStay program then download our application form, and send it with your application to our school.  Please contact us if you wish for more information on our HomeStay program.

HomeStay Families are expect to provide the following services and amenities:

•  A fun, caring, clean and safe environment

•  Willing to introduce international visitors to Canada 's culture and way of life

•  Treat the student with respect, kindness, and tolerance, respecting their rights, privacy, and culture, including religious and political beliefs

•  Ready to offer support and counseling

•  Include the student in family activities, but honor the student's right to decline this invitation without fear of being treated less kindly as a result

•  If necessary, able to provide transportation for your student if your home is beyond a reasonable distance from the school

•  Single or shared room with a single bed (or larger) and other essential furnishings as well as bathroom access or private bathroom

•  Designated study space and adequate lighting

•  Space for clothing, school books and personal effects

•  An adequate supply of sheets, blankets and towels

•  Access to laundry facilities

•  Provide 3 meals per day, or such meal arrangement as agreed upon between the student and the HomeStay family - all meals should consider likes, dislikes and allergies when making the evening meal and be nutritional and of a quantity deemed consistent with today's standards

•  Have access to TV and telephone and computer/internet – agreement can be discussed with student privately (we recommend for students that they purchase calling cards for any long distance calls, unless a setup for them to use their own phone in their own name can be made)

•  Please remember that your students are new to this culture and our language, and most problems come from communication and language related problems – if your student does something to make you angry, it is probably the result of some misunderstanding. Be patient

•  The HomeStay coordinator should be notified immediately of any problems between the student and family – if necessary, please request mediation by the coordinator

•  The HomeStay program reserves the right to re-locate a student due to incompatibility with the student and the family – changes to a student placement may come on a short notice

HomeStay Students are expected to agree to the following:

•  To follow and comply with the rules of the HomeStay family, school, and Canadian law at all times during the duration of his/her stay in Canada

•  To participate in basic household chores during his/her stay with the HomeStay family and to keep own private space clean and tidy

•  Student shall treat the family with courtesy and respect and to inform the family in advance about any change in personal plans, travel or otherwise – this also includes if you will be late coming home at night, if you will be home for dinner, etc...

•  Do their best to fit into the HomeStay family's normal routine, schedules and diet

•  To be responsible for his/her room and personal property as well as other facilities used in the house (it is advised that students open a bank account to keep valuables safe)

•  Be responsible to reimburse the HomeStay family for any repairs due to damage to their home or property, or any outstanding bill before leaving their home

•  If any personal travel is to be made by the student, he/she must first inform the HomeStay family and the school - please note that the HomeStay family and the school will not be responsible for the student during that time

•  If any friends or siblings and family members are expected to visit during his/her stay with the HomeStay family, the student will first obtain consent of the family

•  A verbal or written two week notice is required in order to change the HomeStay family or move out, otherwise additional charges will be applied