Since 1995, the Canadian Rockies Public Schools Homestay Program has welcomed a diverse number of junior and senior high students from across the world. To date, more than 900 international students from Brazil, Japan, Mexico, Czech Republic, Spain, Germany, and many more locations have enjoyed the rich opportunities of the CRPS Homestay Program. And it’s not just the students who benefit! Host families also enjoy an outstanding experience that often changes their lives.
For those interested in becoming a host family or learning more about the program, this guide provides answers and how to contact the program administrators. Review the guide as a whole or click on the links below to quickly access each section.
Table of Contents
- What is the Homestay Program?
- How long are homestays?
- What do host families provide?
- How do host families apply?
- What are the expectations of the students?
- What if I want to host but I am not sure yet?
Who is on the Homestay Team from Canadian Rockies Public Schools?
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Homestay Program?
At its core, the program matches international students with local host families, enabling the student to enjoy living and studying in the Canadian Rockies while providing the host family with an opportunity to learn from another culture.
How long are homestays?
Homestays are 5 or 10 months during the school year and run between:
- September – January
- February – June
- September – June
What do host families provide?
Host families provide the student with a private bedroom, study space, access to a full bathroom, nutritious meals and snacks daily, and the opportunity to be part of the family (including trips, activities, shared holidays, etc.).
Is support provided for host families?
Yes. The host/student application process that has been in effect for nearly 30 years has proven to be very effective in pairing compatible students and families. Support is provided from a host’s first inquiry through the student moving into the home – and beyond. Veteran host families are also part of the network, ensuring new families have ready access to their support. Homestay coordinators sponsor many activities that bring the program participants together. Families and students become part of a shared community.
How do host families apply?
The application process is straightforward and involves steps taken over a period of time, including reference and police checks, to ensure the best possible matches between students and families. The application form can be viewed and download online. Those interested should start the application process at their earliest convenience as matches are made well in advance of the designated homestay periods, often up to three months in advance. Students need to know if they are accepted well in advance so they can apply for student visas and to make arrangements to be away from their homelands.
What are the expectations of the students?
Students are expected to be able to converse adequately in English. Students undergo English language assessments and their homeland teachers must provide a recommendation. Hobbies and interests are assessed and program staff interview each student personally to ensure the best fit with a host family. Students are assessed for their readiness to grow social connections, be good program ambassadors, and enjoy life in the Rockies.
What if I want to host but I am not sure yet?
It is perfectly natural to have questions or even concerns. The Homestay Program administrators are more than happy to have no-obligation conversations and to connect potential host families with the Homestay community for answers and advice. To connect, email: [email protected] or call 403-609-6072
Who is on the Homestay Team from Canadian Rockies Public Schools?
A team of four dedicated individuals from CRPS work closely together with overseas agency partners to ensure both students and Homestay families have their needs met. We interviewed three of these team members: Laura Mooney, Homestay Coordinator; Annette Young, International Program Coordinator; and Steve Greene, Assistant Superintendent.
Following are their insights into the program. Feel free to contact any of them through [email protected]
Laura Mooney
Homestay Coordinator
Many Bow Valley families are not aware of our program or the opportunities for cultural awareness and lifelong friendship creation it can provide! We are continually looking for homestay families year-round; it’s never too late to reach out and let us know you are interested. We have international students knocking at our doors a year or more in advance of their intended arrival. We get to know our homestays and our students very well which makes “matchmaking” fun and personalised. Hosts and students enjoy a positive community atmosphere and many activities that we organize for them. Many of our host families build long lasting relationships with their students and it starts right here in the Bow Valley.
Annette Young
International Program Coordinator
There is a very high demand for this program because we live in a spectacularly beautiful area, which is world renowned. Add to that, the fact that our academic programs are very strong, and we also have some amazingly unique optional course offerings in our high schools. We also have partnerships with agencies all over the world, which continues to drive growing program demand.
For the students that enjoy our Homestay program, we are excited to see their growth maturity, confidence, and independence develop. The students learn to advocate for themselves and undergo positive transformations by learning to navigate many things, for the first time, away from their parents.
Having been an international student myself (twice), I speak from personal experience when I say that participating in a program like this is such a powerful life event. I honestly feel that the culture we provide within CRPS, within our Homestays, and the Bow Valley community, has a profoundly positive impact on these young adults.
The cultural exchange that takes place between a student and host definitely goes in both directions. We have so many heartwarming stories from local families who have traveled the world to meet up with their former students years after hosting them, and students returning to the Bow Valley to visit their host families again.
In whatever way you are involved with a program like this, you truly make a lifelong connection that will stay with you forever. If you’re intrigued and thinking about what hosting could mean for you and your family, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Our team is always happy to discuss!
Steve Greene
Assistant Superintendent
It’s amazing, the opportunities that present themselves for our families to experience and learn from cultures from around the world. This is a gift to Homestay families. Learning from one another is a powerful way to not only broaden one's perspective, it also allows for people to bond and grow together. It cannot be overstated – the lifetime connections that take place for our local families and our families from around the world are truly inspirational.
At CRPS we pride ourselves on ensuring that we create the best possible educational experience for all of our students. This includes creating safe, caring, and inclusive learning environments. By welcoming international students, we showcase the belief that students from all backgrounds and cultures can succeed in our schools. International students bring their own perspectives and experiences that we can all learn from; this international awareness helps our teachers and our schools, who are often welcoming newcomer families who have immigrated permanently from other countries.
We live in a vibrant, outgoing community and each year we have a group of students that are so excited to take part in all that this community has to offer. The students' energy and willingness to try new things is contagious, and all those who come in contact with them benefit from their enthusiasm!
We are grateful to all of the families that open their homes up each year. Without community support, this program would not be possible. We also hope that we can continue to add new families and continue to offer a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to students from around the world.
