Experience another culture from the comfort of your own home while assisting an international student by becoming a homestay host.
Though the school year is two months in, homestay and experience co-ordinator Sandra Rhodes issued a plea on Facebook, seeking more host families. Though the two international students are currently placed, more could possibly arrive in January, and situations can change, so she likes to have a contingency in place.
“Ideally I’d like to have two more, for sure,” Rhodes said. “I don’t have a backup plan in Sicamous, so I’m in a bit of a bind.”
The fact that her previous spares had to bow out after one moved away and the other had their kids move back home, highlights the need for additional volunteers.
When choosing host families, Rhodes looks for safe comfortable homes with a private bedroom for the student, close proximity to schools or bus stops, active families willing to share Canadian culture, healthy meals, computer and wireless access and the willingness to provide emotional support. She also puts them through a careful screening process that includes interviews, a home inspection and reference checks.
In exchange, hosts receive $900 a month to cover room, board, transportation and other costs, and the opportunity to learn about learn about the student’s culture and while sharing their own.
Interested hosts can apply online at www.isp.sd83.bc.ca and welcome a new student, with most coming primarily from Italy, Germany, Belgium and Spain.
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