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Homestay

Homes & Families
The home can be an apartment, a large house or a small one. Homes are normally located within approximately 30 minutes of campus by bus. Host families are chosen for their interest in other cultures and their willingness to help students adjust to the Canadian lifestyle. A family can be a single person, a single person with children, two people living together but not married, a married couple with or without children. Living with homestay families is a good way to learn and practise English.

Host family with young children Single Parent - Host family Host family with older children

Arrival
Your host family will meet you when you arrive and welcome you to their family. It is important to give us your arrival information before you come so we can make arrangements. Your family will bring you home and show you to your room. Once you are comfortable and well rested they will introduce you to Kelowna and show you how to get to school. 

Airport Arrival - 1 Airport Arrival - 2 Airport Arrival - 3
 
Bedroom
You will have a private bedroom with a bed, dresser, desk or table, chair and lamp. You are expected to stay with the homestay for at least 4 months.

Private bedroom sample 1 Private bedroom sample 2 Private bedroom sample 3

Rent and Fees
Placement fee currently, $150  will be increase to $250 in September 2010.
2 months' rent currently($1,300) paid in advance to OC (non-refundable) will be increased to 1,500 in September 2010.
A $325 deposit is payable to OC on arrival. This will be refunded when you leave, provided all bills and expenses are paid, you have given proper notice, and have caused no damage to the home.

Rent for following months is paid directly to the host family on the first of the month.
If you arrive before the first of the month at the beginning of the semester, the daily charge is currently $21 but will also increase accordingly.

Meals
Three meals a day are provided. Often food is available for students to make their own breakfast and lunch, and dinner is a hot meal shared with the family. Be on time for dinner. If you are going to be late, or are not going to be home for dinner, you must tell your homestay host beforehand. Canadian food will be different from food in your own country - please give everything a try, and tell your host if you have any food allergies. Most homestay hosts would be delighted if you occasionally cook a special meal from your own country for the family.

Moving out
One month's notice is required. Example: If you want to move out May 1st, you must tell the host family before April 1st.

Living with a Homestay Family
The homestay experience of Daniela, a student from Brazil