Information for Homestay Families

As August 13, 2007 Vancouver International Homestay has a new way of introducing students to homestay families.
Now students can contact homestay families directly to reserve accommodation within the family without the intervention of a homestay coordinator. Families should be ready to deal with the students if they call or email looking for accommodation.
The fees are now up to the families to decide, though a suggested price list is posted in our web site as reference and is based on the fees offered by most languages schools homestay programs. Students will be paying directly to the homestay families. Homestay families should decide how and when the payment should occur.
Only at a request of a student Vancouver International Homestay will use a homestay coordinator to assist and will contact the homestay family to ensure the placement.
Homestay families enrolled in the program can update their online profile and upload pictures if desired. A good and attractive profile can increase the number of requests
by students.

A Few Reminders to deal with students when they contact you:
1. When exactly will the student be arriving/leaving.
2. Does the student require airport pickup/drop off.
3. Preapre some instruction how to get to your home when they decide to use public transportation (skytrain, bus #).
4. You should decide how much to charge for the airport pickup & drop-off. Please refer to our fees page as a guide.
5. You should always confirm the age of the student.
6. Homestay fees should be clear what they contain (how many meals per day). Some students may require only 2 meals or just roomstay.
7. It's recommended to charge a deposit when the student books their homestay with you.
8. If the student is sending you payment from another country, it should be either certified cheque or money order in canadian dollars.
9. Reminder: usually homestay fees include only room and board. Students are responsible for their own expenses: phone, transportation, etc.

FAQs

From what locations/cities do you accept host family applications?
We accept host family applications all over Canada

I live in a remote area. Can I still find students to my home?
Yes. Some students come to Canada to work as interns in local companies or to learn english by just communicating to people

What areas do the students come from?
The students come from all over the world

How old are the students?
We have students of all ages. The most common age is 15-25.

How long do the students usually stay with the homestay families?
Students can stay with the family from a few weeks to few months, or even a year. If you prefer to receive short or long term students, please specify that on your profile.

Can I get new students all year long?
Yes, we have students contacting us all year long. Of course the summer months are the busiest, but you should have your profile up all year long, as some students like to plan well ahead and book the room few months before they arrive

How much do the homestay families get paid?
All families are welcome to adjust the fees charged to the students according to their needs. Our guidance fees are posted here

How do I become a homestay family?
Please sign up here