Campbell River Schools International will have a variety of students coming to Campbell River from Germany, China, Taiwan, Austria, Spain, Brazil, and Mexico in the coming year and all families, with or without children, are invited to get involved as homestay parents.
School District 72 will host a homestay information session Tuesday, Feb. 24, from 7-8 p.m. at the Timberline Secondary School library to share more information on becoming a host family.
Most international students prefer to stay in families with children, especially children their own age, but the program also gets students who prefer a quieter setting with adults only.
Most homestays are for the full school year, but others are for five months or less — some as short as two weeks.
Host parents are compensated $700 per month and are expected to provide a warm and welcoming home environment, parental supervision, a private bedroom with a desk or table to study, Internet access, and three healthy meals per day, plus snacks.
Training and support is provided to families interested in becoming a host family.
Campbell River Schools International promotes the homestay family program as a way to bring a new culture into your home without the inconveniences of travel.
Residents can see the world through new eyes and rediscover the joys of Campbell River while sharing them with a newcomer.
Homestay families often build lasting relationships and many of the program’s host parents have stayed in contact with their students for years afterwards.
Meeting international students can also inspire local students to travel, learn new languages and take an interest in global issues.
For more information on becoming a host family, and to RSVP to attend Tuesday’s homestay information session at Timberline, contact Mercedes Hayduk, homestay contractor, at 250-895-5946.