By Mandy Moraes, NLPS Staff
Families in Nanaimo and Ladysmith have said that welcoming a student from another country into their home has been a rewarding experience. Not only do they share meals and discover new traditions, but they also help someone see life on Vancouver Island for the first time.
The International Student Education (ISE) program at Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools brings students from all over the world to the Island. Some students come to learn English at NLPS schools, but also make friends with local and other international students along the way.
This year, about 550 international students from 22 countries will join the school district.
The program offers students a memorable learning experience, but it’s the homestay families who help them feel truly welcomed to the country.
Inviting an international student into their home is more than simply providing a place to stay. Homestay families help students adjust to their new surroundings and build confidence.
Instead of planning activities or entertainment for students every day, families are encouraged to support the students’ interests and cross off any “bucket list” goals.
Hosting has been described as a two-way exchange, since students will often share their culture and traditions with their homestay families, who have, in turn, picked up new holiday customs, recipes, and a world perspective beyond Canadian life.
One local homestay mom recalled hosting students from Japan who had never experienced Halloween before. They dressed up, went trick-or-treating, and enjoyed the excitement of the night for the first time. The students told her it was a highlight of their stay, and it will be an event she and her family will always remember.
Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools aims to make homestay a positive experience for students and families. Before hosting, families go through background checks, have a home visit, and attend an orientation. District staff ensure that both the student and the host family are a good fit and share expectations.
NLPS homestay co-ordinators provide ongoing support to help host families feel confident and prepared, including access to a 24/7 emergency phone line when urgent needs arise. Host families also receive a monthly honorarium of $1,125 to help cover costs such as meals and daily expenses.
If a host family needs to travel or leave town, the ISE team can arrange a safe, temporary placement for the student. And families don’t need to commit to a full term, since short-term hosting options are available, which include placements during spring break.
Many families find that hosting doesn’t end when the school year is over, as they often stay in touch with former students for years, exchanging messages and gifts.
As the ISE program continues to grow, NLPS is always looking for new homestay families.
If interested in supporting young people, sharing culture, and building connections, more information can be found through the button below.