Becoming a Host Family

Thank you for your interest in hosting an international student.

International students at OC come from all over the world but principally from Asian countries. Students who choose to stay with a host family usually want to spend time with the family, learning about Canadian culture and practising their English skills. Students request the type of family (e.g. teenagers, no children, etc.) with whom they would like to live and we attempt to place them accordingly. Please note that requests for homes with single hosts are relatively rare.

Homestay fee is $650 per month. This includes a private bedroom and food for three meals per day. It is expected that host families spend at least 40% of the homestay fee on food.

OC international students participate in short term and long term programs.

Group Programs

These programs can run anywhere from one to six weeks. Students usually come as a group and attend special morning English as a Second Language (ESL) classes, participate in afternoon recreational/cultural activities and occasional weekend field trips.

Regular Programs

These students come as individuals and study from two months to several years, depending on the program they are in.

Host families are expected to:

• Provide a separate private bedroom with a window
• Be in homes that are on a bus route
• Provide food for three meals per day (a hot evening meal)
• Pay for a police record check for each member of your family over15 years of age (currently $32.10 per person)
• Help with assignments (if requested)
• Set aside time for English conversation
• Be willing to attend special events and provide some transportation.

New host families are needed for various programs throughout the year. Most new families are initially given a short-term hosting experience on a trial basis. If you wish to be considered as a host we will be having an orientation at the college in the near future. Please contact the International Office by e-mail - inted@okanagan.bc.ca for more information.