Homestay Program: You will be living with a Canadian, English-speaking
family. This will give you an opportunity to practice your English
while learning about Canadian lifestyle and culture. Our families
all live on a bus route to school. The homes are safe, secure, inspected
and approved by the Orientation Coordinator. Your host family will
include you in their family activities. Your family will help you
to adjust to Canadian culture and customs. Details about your host
family will be sent to you prior to your departure from your country.
Our International Orientation Coordinator
will be able to assist you whenever you have questions or if you
just want to talk about your homestay.
PLEASE NOTE THAT HOMESTAY IS A COMMITMENT FOR THE LENGTH OF THE
TERM AND YOU MUST NOTIFY THE HOMESTAY OFFICE AT LEAST ONE MONTH
PRIOR TO YOUR PLANNED ARRIVAL IF YOU WISH TO BE CONSIDERED FOR HOMESTAY
PLACEMENT.
What to expect from the Host Family: Our Canadian Host families
vary in size, age and ethnic background. Although many of our host
families consist of the traditional family (mom, dad and children),
it is not uncommon for a host family to be a single parent with
children or a single person (young or older). Within the family
unit you will find that most Canadians work outside of the home
and have a very busy lifestyle. You will find some differences both
personal and cultural between you and the host family, however,
with patience and understanding these differences will seem minimal
in a short time after your arrival. Remember, you are choosing to
study in a new country and to learn about a different way of life
- enjoy the differences!
You
will have your own bedroom. Each bedroom will be equipped
with a desk, bed (linens and towels), and dresser, and
will have a window.
Location &
Transportation
All host families
live on or near a bus
route. For more information on using the public transit
to get to the university, click
here.
Meals or No Meals
You have the choice
of homestay with Meals or without Meals.
Eating your meals with the family is a great way to practice
your English and make new friends. Homestay without meals
means that you will need to buy and cook all of your food.
The family will let you use their kitchen.
About Our Families
We will send you a detailed
profile about your family at least 3 weeks before you
start our program (time allowing).
Safety &
Problems
All host families have
been interviewed by the Internatioanl Orientation Coordinator;
however, if you should have any difficulties when you
arrive, please speak with her.
What Else Does
Homestay Include?
As part of a new
family, you will be able to use any of the rooms (except
family members' bedrooms) and facilities your family's
home has to offer. Some families may have a home computer,
TV/VCR, piano, or even a swimming pool.
What is Not Included
in Homestay?
You should bring
your own toiletries (shampoo, razors, etc.) Host families
are not responsible for your transportation.
Once
you arrive at Brock University, you will be provided with a booklet giving you
more details about how to have a successful homestay experience.
It is also
possible to stay in the university residences in the spring
and summer sessions. More
info...
