School District 71 is seeking new homestay families who reside in the Comox Valley for the 2018-19 school year.
Each year, more than 300 international students come to the Valley to study for a term of one month to a full school year.
“These foreign students all need a caring family and home to support their educational journey and make their stay a more enriching experience,” reads a press release from SD71.
Homestay families are required to provide all the essentials a child needs. Inclusion in family outings and recreational activities is also vital for full student integration.
A monthly honourarium, homestay orientation and cultural awareness evening are provided each month and year.
Steve Knight, the district principal of the Comox Valley’s International Student Program, says homestay families are the backbone of the Comox Valley International Program.
“Not only is the experience enriching for the student, it brings a cultural experience to the host family and can forge bonds that will last for years to come,” he said. “Everyone benefits from the homestay family relationship.”
New applicants submitting applications before April 15 will be invited to the annual homestay appreciation dinner at Crowne Isle Golf Resort in late May.
The Comox Valley International Student Program homestay program is an internally run program that operates in partnership with SD71.
International students do not take away curriculum placement for Valley students. Since the program began in 2006, funding received from the program has helped increase the operating budget for SD71, including the addition of teaching positions and more classroom resources.
Learn what other families have to say about their experience with the Homestay Program by viewing this five-minute video at bit.ly/2FRIHyM
Detailed information can be found online in the Homestay Manual at bit.ly/2ptozrR
Applications can be submitted online and are available at bit.ly/2IGraaU