Add a valuable dimension to your Canadian education experience.
Be part of the Canada Homestay Network
When you choose homestay with CHN you become a member of the family you live with and part of the community you live in.
CHN Student Services: Our Warm Welcome
The CHN Warm Welcome is our promise to:
- Provide you with appealing accommodation in Canada
- Make a terrific match with a caring host family
- Stay in close contact for the duration of your visit in Canada
- Help you apply for homestay
- Send you a host profile with information on the host family selected for you
- Provide documents about Canadian culture and tips for a successful homestay experience
- Provide a formal orientation to prepare you for homestay
- Ensure that you are supported as you learn to take public transit, access a health clinic, open a bank account, and so on
- Talk to you during first month to see how you are adjusting to school and homestay
- Help you communicate effectively with your homestay host and resolve difficulties, as required
- Meet with you whenever you need to talk
- Provide 24-hour support to you, in the event of an emergency
#ExperienceCHN
Homestay is a safe, affordable, all-inclusive accommodation option, and living with a local family adds a valuable layer to your experience and education in Canada.
CHN’s expectations for both hosts and students are clearly laid out in our Student Participation Agreement (SPA), which you must read, sign, and discuss with your hosts as part of our application and onboarding process. The SPA is a blueprint for making the most of your homestay experience in Canada.
To learn more about homestay and how it can fit into your Canadian adventure, please watch the following video.
Accommodation Options
All of our accommodations are located in appealing, safe neighborhoods accessible to your school or workplace by public transportation. At CHN you can choose accommodations to suit your budget. ALL of our hosts meet our high standards for safety and cleanliness.
All our accommodations include, at a minimum:
- A furnished room with a window
- A bed with clean linen (sheets, pillow, and blankets)
- Private storage for your belongings (such as a chest of drawers or a closet)
- Access to a shared bathroom with your own clean towels.
- A quiet place to study, usually in your own room
PLEASE NOTE: The meal plans listed below may not be available in all locations. Special requests (like dietary restrictions) will be taken into consideration.
Number of Meals
3
Type of Meals
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Details
Typically, students prepare their own breakfast and lunch, and host prepares dinner
Number of Meals
2
Type of Meals
Breakfast
Dinner
Details
Breakfast is defined as typical breakfast items in regular portions such as: cereal, toast, juice, coffee, bagel, eggs, fruit or yogurt. Half board does not include taking food or snacks from the home to consume at school or while out socializing.
Number of Meals
1
Type of Meals
Breakfast
Details
Student would only receive breakfast from the host (typically consisting of breakfast items) in regular portions such as: cereal, toast, juice, coffee, bagel, eggs, fruit or yogurt.
Number of Meals
0
Type of Meals
N/A
Details
Access to kitchen and refrigerator storage shelves and cooking facilities are expected, for foods students purchase and prepare for themselves. Students are responsible for cleaning the kitchen after use.
Number of Meals
0
Type of Meals
N/A
Details
Intended for students who leave homestay temporarily, without removing their belongings from the room. The host may not use this room for another student while the current student is away.
Start your homestay in Canada experience
Apply Now!FAQ
We are here to support you
Before you arrive in Canada, we will send you the CHN Guide for Students, an easy-to-read manual that describes what makes a successful homestay experience, what it is like to live in Canada, and how we can help you while you are here
Why should students participate in a homestay program?
When you choose homestay with CHN, you become part of the family you live with and part of the community you live in. Hosts are committed to including their students in meaningful family time including meals, conversations and excursions.
What types of people are CHN homestay hosts?
Like many Canadians, our hosts have different cultural backgrounds and lifestyles. Many host families are traditional two-parent families, while others are single-parent families, older couples with grown children who don’t live at home and single women, who are just as dedicated to the well-being of their homestay students as they are to their own families.
Is help available whenever students need it?
Yes, students and hosts have access to CHN support 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can count on us to help you whenever you need us.
How close are homestays from schools?
Proximity to schools can differ from community to community, but CHN strives to ensure homestays are no more than 45 minutes travel time by public transit, including walking, from partner schools. In peak seasons, such as the summer in Toronto, the travel time may be extended to 60-70 minutes.
What is CHN's business model?
CHN is a not-for-profit organization with more than 25 years experience in Canada’s international education sector. Like educators, agencies and hosts, CHN is motivated by the common good—how homestay benefits students, host families and the communities that students study in. Fees and host allowances cover the common-sense costs in order to help ensure a successful experience for everyone.
I want to change my host family
Remember, a good homestay experience requires an open mind, patience, and clear communication. Moving to a new family can be stressful and tiring for both you and the host families. Often the reasons you’re unhappy with your host family can be resolved. It takes time to adjust to living with a new family. Be patient with yourself and them.
Who do I contact if I’m not happy in homestay?
It depends – sometimes it should be your host, and sometimes your CHN Relationship Manager. In any case, please contact your CHN Relationship Manager (RM) to let us know what’s happening. Your RM will be happy to discuss any of your concerns about homestay with you. It is your Relationship Manager’s responsibility to help you.
How quickly can I move homes if I am not happy?
Unless there is an emergency, you may have to wait several weeks before moving to a new host family. Selecting an appropriate family is a process that takes time, so please be patient. Your RM will discuss a timeline for relocation with you.
Do I have to pay more money to change my host family?
You may be required to pay an additional fee to change your host family. Please consult your Relationship Manager.