School District 72 is hosting a seminar on April 30 for prospective homestay house families.
The seminar session will go from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. and will go over what homestay families will provide and what the district's international program provides them.
"We have continuous intake for host families in Campbell River and are always looking to attract new applicants. Every spring, we focus on advertising for homestays because all of our student applications for fall arrival are finalized by March," said Rhonda Teramura, SD72's student wellness and homestay advisor.
Teramura says the district aims for 20 news spaces for the program. Four new homestays have been accepted since March, as of April 25.
Carihi and Timberline will see around 70 international students in the school's halls for the 2025-2026 school year. Each student will require a host family to take them in for their stay, which could be for a semester or the whole year.
There is a limit of two students per household. The students are not supposed to speak the same first language to support learning and speaking English.
"Student applications and host parent profiles are carefully and thoroughly assessed by the student wellness and homestay advisor who assigns the student to the homestay based on best compatibility," said Teramura. "The host parent is presented with the student's letter, introduction video, photos and application to review and may accept or ask further questions, or deny."
Homestay families must provide a welcoming and safe home, parental supervision, private bedrooms, a good WiFi connection, and three healthy meals (plus snacks) each day. Teramura says more criteria will be available in the info session and on the website.
"Host families are diverse. We have many different family constellations, partnerships, ethnicities, home environments, personalities, and interests represented in our community, which is fantastic as we have equally diverse students," said Teramura.
The district will visit prospective homestay locations for an interview and tour after applying. The visit is extensive, says Teramura, with a very in-depth assessment of how well the applicant fits the district's criteria, values and practices.
Host parents will be invited to an orientation and given a handbook, and will be in regular communication with the program, as will the international students. This includes in-person connection, emails, training, and more.
Host parents will need to take a criminal record check, driver abstract and reference checks,
For taking in a student or two, the family will receive training, support and coaching, extensive experience and knowledge and $1,050 monthly compensation.
"Monthly remuneration is $1,050 for the 2025-26 year. This reimbursement is for the costs associated with housing, feeding, and supporting the student, such as driving the student as needed and experiencing some fun activities to experience this beautiful area and our way of life here," said Teramura.
Those interested need to email homestay@sd72.bc.ca to RSVP for the session.
"Hosting an international student is a rewarding and fulfilling experience for not only the student but the family, the schools and classrooms they are part of, sports teams, clubs, the arts community, volunteer organizations, and so much more. We are creating a more inclusive and enriching community by welcoming the world to Campbell River."
