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Housing International Students: How to Have a Successful Homestay Experience

1 Georgian College, 1 Georgian Drive, Barrie, Ontario L4M 3X9, [email protected]

HOMESTAY RESOURCE GUIDE

This resource guide provides information to homestay families, and to international students. It should be used as a guide, and as a primary source of information. If you need further guidance please contact the International Centre at Georgian College. .

HOW TO USE THIS GUIDE:

Please keep this package in a convenient location so that the guide can serve as a resource and reference for both hosts and students alike.

STAYING UP TO DATE:

Please contact Georgian’s Homestay coordinator if you think there is an error or something needs clarification,

If you have a question or concern, please check this Resource Guide. The guide will be helpful to have on hand if you are phoning the coordinator.

THE HOMESTAY RESOURCE GUIDE IS THE PROPERTY OF GEORGIAN COLLEGE.

SUPPORT FROM THE INTERNATIONAL CENTRE HOMESTAY COORDINATOR

Georgian College’s International Student Service Officer (ISSO) can help you with any difficulties that may arise during the stay of the student. You may reach the ISSO at 705-728-1968 Ext 1392 or email [email protected] The International Student Service Officer is available to help the homestay hosts and the international students with any troubles or difficulties, which may arise. For the homestay hosts, please call if there are questions or difficulties concerning your student(s), or your role as host(s) trying to support your student. The ISSO is available to provide information and answers to questions about out-of-school experiences for international students. `

mailto:[email protected]


RESOURCE SUPPORT FOR THE HOMESTAY HOST

First Point of Contact

International Student Service Officer (ISSO) [email protected] 705-728-1968 ext. 1392 The ISSO is the Homestay Coordinator and main point of contact for any homestay related questions.

Fellow Homestay Hosts

If you have questions about how to deal with certain situations, there is a good chance that another host has dealt with the same issue. Connecting with more experienced hosts can be a good support network. Contact the ISSO to connect you with one of our homestay hosts.

Academic Counsellor

The counsellor for international students works with all students from different cultural backgrounds or for whom English is a Second Language. The counsellor helps students with their academic, personal, social, relationship, program, career and cultural issues. The ISSO can connect you with the counsellor if needed.

International Student Advisor (ISA)

The ISA is responsible for assisting students to make the transition to Canadian and student life. They can also assist students with their visa, study and work permit applications.



Contents

HOMESTAY RESOURCE GUIDE ............................................................................................................... 0

SUPPORT FROM THE INTERNATIONAL CENTRE HOMESTAY COORDINATOR ........................................... 1

RESOURCE SUPPORT FOR THE HOMESTAY HOST ................................................................................... 2 First Point of Contact ............................................................................................................................ 2 Fellow Homestay Hosts ........................................................................................................................ 2 Academic Counsellor ........................................................................................................................... 2 International Student Advisor (ISA) ..................................................................................................... 2

WELCOME! ........................................................................................................................................... 5

BEFORE YOU HOST A STUDENT ............................................................................................................. 5

HOMESTAY CHECKLIST.......................................................................................................................... 5

APPLYING TO BE A HOST....................................................................................................................... 6 Application Process .............................................................................................................................. 6 Getting a Criminal Record Check ........................................................................................................ 6 Homestay Visit ...................................................................................................................................... 6

BEING A HOMESTAY FAMILY................................................................................................................. 7

EXPECTATIONS OF THE HOMESTAY FAMILY .......................................................................................... 7

PREPARING FOR YOUR STUDENT .......................................................................................................... 8

AIRPORT PICKUP .................................................................................................................................. 9 Arrival Expectations ............................................................................................................................. 9

MY STUDENT HAS ARRIVED, NOW WHAT? ............................................................................................ 9

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR HOMESTAY STUDENT .................................................................................. 10

LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY ..................................................................................................................... 10 Tips for communicating with an Individual who speaks little English ............................................ 11

LENGTH OF STAY ................................................................................................................................. 11

FOOD AND EATING– FULL HOMESTAY ................................................................................................. 12

FOOD AND EATING– SHARED HOMESTAY ............................................................................................ 12

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT HEALTH INSURANCE ................................................................................... 13 Emergency .......................................................................................................................................... 13

USE OF TELEPHONE ............................................................................................................................. 14

USE OF THE INTERNET ......................................................................................................................... 14

SLEEPING ARRANGEMENTS AND THE STUDENTS ROOM ...................................................................... 15 Sleepovers ........................................................................................................................................... 15


FAMILY CUSTOMS ............................................................................................................................... 15

VISITORS ............................................................................................................................................. 15

PRIVACY AND SECURITY ...................................................................................................................... 15

MUTUAL RESPECT & CONFIDENTIALITY ................................................................................................ 16

HOMESTAY PARENTS’ ABSENCES ......................................................................................................... 16

THE BUS .............................................................................................................................................. 16

ALCOHOL AND DRUGS ......................................................................................................................... 16

HOUSEHOLD CHORES .......................................................................................................................... 17

THE WASHROOM AND KITCHEN .......................................................................................................... 17

LAUNDRY ............................................................................................................................................ 17

........................................................................................................................................................... 17

PROBLEMS IN THE HOMESTAY ............................................................................................................. 18 Some things that may cause problems ............................................................................................. 18 The coordinator will help the student and family to ......................................................................... 18 Georgian College’s Homestay coordinator may: .............................................................................. 18

STUDENT WITHDRAWAL AND DEPARTURE .......................................................................................... 19

PAYMENT ............................................................................................................................................ 19

MISBEHAVIOUR ................................................................................................................................... 19

AFTER YOUR STUDENT LEAVES ............................................................................................................ 20


WELCOME! Welcome to the Homestay Program of Georgian College. As a homestay host, we believe that you will be able to provide a welcoming, nurturing, family environment, for a student from another country. We hope that you will find this experience enriching and rewarding for yourself, and all members of your family.

BEFORE YOU HOST A STUDENT

HOMESTAY CHECKLIST We recommend that you go through and answer these questions honestly. You should consider if you actually do want to host an international student and your reasoning behind it. It is very important to remember that we expect for the student to be treated as more of a member of your family then just a tenant or a guest in the home.

Do you or anyone in your home over the age of 18 have a police record? Y / N

Is your home an English-language environment? Y / N

Is everyone in your household in favour of being part of this program? Y / N

Do you agree to help familiarize your student with all shared areas of the home and instruction for use?

Y / N

Is your home cleaned on a regular basis? Y / N

Would you be able to treat students from a different culture as a member of your family? Y / N

Do you agree to provide access to nutritious food for three meals per day, 7 days per week (full homestay)?

Y / N

Are you available to prepare and eat the main meal of the day with the student (at least 4X a week)?

Y / N

Are you on a bus route easily accessible to Georgian College? Y / N

Is the student room well-lit, well ventilated, private, furnished room? Y / N

Does the window is the student’s room open and is it easily accessible in case of fire? Y / N

Is the bedroom furnished with a proper bed, dresser, and storage area for student’s belongings? Y / N

Is there internet connection in the student’s room or do you have wireless? Y / N

Do you have working smoke alarms on every floor of your home? Y / N

Do you have working CO2 detectors on every floor in your home? Y / N

Is your home smoke free? Y / N


APPLYING TO BE A HOST

Application Process

You are required to fill out a Homestay Application in order to be considered as a homestay host. This application is a simple form that goes over your preferences for a student, where you live, whether you want full homestay (including meals), or only shared homestay, and many other details so we can best match a student to you.

Once you finish this form you can scan and email it to [email protected] or drop it off at the International Centre at Georgian College (hours are between 8:30am – 4:30pm, Monday to Friday). Additionally you could mail your application to:

Homestay Coordinator Georgian College International Centre

1 Georgian Drive C Building - Room 279

Barrie ON L4M3X9

Once we receive your form it will be entered into the Homestay database (an internal, secure system) and we will proceed with doing a homestay visit.

Getting a Criminal Record Check

A criminal record check should be provided to the Homestay Coordinator for yourself, and anyone over 18 years old who lives on the property. If you already have had a police record check done in the last six months you are welcome to submit that instead.

These record checks can be done at the local Police Station (in Barrie they are done at 29 Sperling Drive.). The records counter is open between 7:00am – 11:00pm, seven days a week. In order to get a police record check you are required to provide two pieces of valid identification. One of the pieces of identification must be government issued and include your name, date of birth, signature and photo – such as a driver’s license or health card. The second piece of identification must have your name on it (no photo required), such as another piece of government ID, birth certificate, library card, or student card.

The cost of getting a record check done is $40 and can take up to 8 weeks to complete.

Homestay Visit

A homestay visit is a mandatory requirement before a student will be placed in your home. These visits are set up through the Homestay Coordinator and are usually quite brief – no more than 30 minutes in length. What the Homestay Coordinator is looking for is information about you, to better match a student, and identify and answer any questions or concerns early on. Additionally a safety inspection will be briefly conducted to ensure that there are working smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and that all the main exit ways are cleared properly. The Homestay Coordinator will also want to take a quick look at the student’s room, to make sure that it is also appropriate.



BEING A HOMESTAY FAMILY Your role as a homestay host is critical to the student and their success throughout their stay in Canada and their program at Georgian College. Homestay hosts are an integral part of the life of the students who live with them. Homestay hosts become friends, and guides in a new culture. The experience is enjoyable and rewarding for both the students, and the families. International students are young adults, and just like Canadian young adults, they exhibit varying degrees of confidence and doubt, responsibility, and forgetfulness and occasional laziness. The level of your involvement required varies according to age and personality type of the particular student. Please remember it is important to have patience, consistency, flexibility, and good communication with the student to avoid major problems in the home. As expected, there is often a period of adjustment for the student. For many students this is their first time away from home, and experiencing a new culture. You should expect your student to feel some homesickness, difficulty in communicating, and the occasional bout of tears. The academic workload is also very demanding in the beginning, because of difficulties learning the English language. In the beginning many students will need a lot of information and support from their Homestay families. The student will not be able to absorb everything the first day and, in fact, will not be able to understand everything you say to them. You will need to explain things more than once. Though we sometimes enjoy the humour and novelty of cultural differences, we also need to be sensitive to discomforts and difficulties the student is facing. What you take as indifference, slowness, thoughtlessness, or rudeness the student is showing may only be a mutual misunderstanding of signals. You will find that interacting with other homestay hosts will be of great assistance, both in giving you new ideas and in reassuring you about the pace of the development of your relationship with your student. The Georgian College International Centre plans several activities and trips throughout the school year; please make an effort to join in these activities when possible.

EXPECTATIONS OF THE HOMESTAY FAMILY As a Homestay host we expect you to do the following:

Be prepared on the day when the student arrives. Yourself, or one of your family members, MUST be at home to welcome the student.

Give the student the name, address, and phone number of your family on a card that will fit in their wallet.

Accompany the student to the International Centre at Georgian College prior to the first day of classes.

Provide a safe, nurturing, home environment to the student. Encourage your student to attend, and be punctual, for their classes each day. Monitor and support the physical and emotional well-being of your student. If you notice

any strange behavior please contact the International Centre. Include your student in your family activities, if they wish to participate.


Provide a private bedroom, with a window which has measurements no less than 15” and in a location with an unobstructed portion no less than 3.8 square feet.

Supply bus route information to and from college for your student and show them where the closest bus stop to your house is.

Make a point of engaging the student in conversation. In the beginning, this will require very careful questioning, slow, distinct speech and paraphrasing of questions and answers.

Treat the student like a member of the family--not like a guest. Support the student’s learning and development. Set reasonable household rules. Be sure your student understands the rules and has a

chance to request changes, or clarification. Communicate clearly with the student and let them know when there is a problem. Be specific and take the time to ensure the student understands. Communicate with the coordinator, as needed, to assist your student in being successful.

PREPARING FOR YOUR STUDENT Prior to receiving a student you will receive an email from the Homestay Coordinator, stating that we have a student that is in need of a homestay. This email will provide you with the student’s sex, country of origin, and age. You must reply to this email if you are interested in hosting the student. Once the homestay has been arranged, you will be sent another email from the Homestay Coordinator, giving you the student’s name and the details of their flight if known (in an attached document). A sample of this email can be seen below; this email will identify you as the homestay host for the arriving student.


The student is also copied on this email, as well as their agent. It is helpful to contact your student prior to them arriving in Canada so that you can answer any questions that they may have beforehand, as well make the student feel more welcome about coming to Canada. Remember this is a new country for them, and it is quite far from their home and family, many of them will be nervous about leaving their home country. The more you interact with them before their arrival and their first few weeks in Canada, the easier they will adjust and feel comfortable. In some cases, parents or agents will accompany students to Canada. In this case, the Homestay family will meet with the student’s family or agent and allows them to view the student’s bedroom and the home’s amenities. You will need to prepare your student’s room. A private bedroom is essential. The room should include a desk, lamp, bed, closet, dresser and window with appropriate dimensions (no less than 15” and in a location with an unobstructed portion of no less than 3.8 square feet) and access to the Internet. Towels and bedding are to be supplied by the homestay host. Other niceties, you could provide, would be putting up a welcome banner, and providing magazines, or a small gift upon the student’s arrival. We appreciate all the effort that homestay hosts use in welcoming their students, and the students often feel very welcome and comfortable with their homestay hosts.

AIRPORT PICKUP Students will pre-book their airport pickup before they arrive in Canada, through Simcoe County Airport Service. Students book through an online form located on the international student services website. You should be sent a confirmation of this information, as the student is required to enter their homestay host’s email address in the online form. This confirmation will provide you with the exact date the student will arrive along with their flight number. When you have the students flight number you will be able to type that flight number into Google on the day of their flight to check for delays. It always recommended that you communicate with your student to confirm their flight details.

In most cases there will be a Georgian College Airport Greeter at the airport to meet the student, greet them, and walk them to the Ground Transportation desk to check in, and answer any primary questions the students may have. The Airport Greeter will have a cell phone with them and may call you to let you know your student has arrived.

Arrival Expectations

A member of the family must be present at the home to greet the student when they arrive.

Once the ISSO has contacted you with details of your student, it is your responsibility to connect with the student directly to learn their flight details.

Airport pickup is provided by Simcoe County Airport Service, which is an independent company from Georgian College. The student will include the homestay home address in their pickup request online so the driver will know where to drop them off. The homestay host may also receive an electronic copy of the pickup request sent by the student.


Homestay hosts can contact Simcoe County Airport Service (1-800-461-7529) with inquires of their student’s arrival status.

MY STUDENT HAS ARRIVED, NOW WHAT?

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR HOMESTAY STUDENT Often, it is helpful to get to know some very basic information about your Homestay student early in your relationship. Use the categories listed in Table 1 below to provide a basis for discussion. Table 1 Conversation Topics

About the Student Their Family Their Interests

Students Name Names of Parents and Siblings

Favorite Subjects

Country of Origin Names of Relatives in Ontario/ Canada

Special Prizes or Awards they have won

Date of Birth Religion Club Activities Duration of Stay/ Expiry on Study Permit

Sports

Number of Years Studying English

Hobbies/ Interests

Allergies Favorite Foods (Georgian College International Centre)

It will be helpful to both you and your student if you have a discussion about family rules and schedules shortly after the student’s arrival. Patience will be required in all your explanations. If they seem to have difficulty understanding you, it is often helpful to write things down. Students will often have greater comprehension of written English than spoken English. When you guide the student through your home, it is a good idea to show them how to use some of the facilities and the appliances. Encourage them to ask questions, and try to use simple language in your explanations. Since we often learn best by doing, involve the student in trying out devices such as the washing machine, dishwasher, shower etc. Students who will be using cooking appliances must be provided with adequate instruction and supervision.

Go over emergency procedures with the student: 9-1-1 and the numbers for police, and fire, and have them posted for the student to refer to incase of an emergency. Please see Appendix B for

a list of emergency and non-emergency numbers.

LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY Students are coming to Canada with the hope of improving their English skills. As a homestay host it is important to help engage the student in conversation at home. Speak in short basic sentences to help reduce confusion. Many times students will indicate that they understand when


they do not. This can be because they don’t want to bother you. You may need to paraphrase and ask the student to repeat back or check that they understand. This can be really important when giving instructions.

Tips for communicating with an Individual who speaks little English

Arthur J. Moore University of British Columbia Assume:

1. The other person speaks at least one language well. 2. The other person is translating into his/her own language-this takes at least twice as much

time as usual. 3. The other person is probably just as intelligent as you. 4. Non-verbal communication is even more important than usual.

Tips: 1. Don’t yell, but speak clearly 2. Take your time, speak slower than usual, but avoid “talking down”. 3. Communicate words in order of importance. 4. Avoid idiom (or explain them). 5. Do not try to imitate their accent; use your best Canadian accent. 6. Non-verbal communication:

a. Make sure it’s consistent with your verbal. b. Remember that gestures in one culture may have different meaning in another

culture. 7. A smile, nod or “yes” from the other person often doesn’t mean “I understand”. If it is

important, ask a question and look for a paraphrase response. 8. 50% of communication is based on context-use it. Make sure the other person

understands which part of the context you are referring to. 9. In information gathering or liaison:

a. Don’t get “down to business” too quickly b. Empower the other person: avoid being louder than, or higher than the other

person, and consider personal space 10. Laughter may communicate embarrassment. This is considered inappropriate in our

culture but not in most other cultures. On the other hand, laughing at a mistake may be insulting. If a person cannot understand the joke, laughter may convey disrespect. If something the student does or says seems amusing, explain the humour.

LENGTH OF STAY It’s hard to know how long a student will stay in the homestay home for. The minimum stay is two months and then it’s up to the student after that (month by month). Generally students will move out once they’ve established a group a friends they want to live with or when they feel comfortable enough to live on their own and be more independent. It doesn’t hurt to touch base with your student every so often to see what their plans on.


FOOD AND EATING– FULL HOMESTAY If you are offering a “full homestay”, you are obligated to provide meals for the student. Meals are often a common area where there can be disagreement or miscommunication in homestay home. To an international student, Canadian cooking may seem very different from what they’re use to. Even if a student has tried ‘western’ food before, individual style and cooking will most likely be different. Common meals like cereal for breakfast and sandwiches for lunch may be very exotic food choices for students. The idea of homestay is for the student to experience Canadian life so you don’t want to make drastic changes to your dishes. Students will likely enjoy trying new foods but you can help ease their transition by learning what their food preferences are. Homesickness can sometimes be cured by familiar food so knowing these preferences is important.

A trip to the grocery store is always a good way to help solve any food-related problems. This way the student is playing an active role in the type of food that’s being purchased and is also observing the costs of food. Having the student participate in making dinner or having a cooking lesson from your student may also help.

As a homestay host you are required to provide 3 well balanced meals a day. Dinner is the most important meal and should be a sit down meal together at least 4 nights a week. If you have a usual time for dinner clearly inform the student so there is not confusion and ask them to inform you well in advance if they will not be able to make it. You may also want to go over ‘clean-up’ instructions in case the student will be arriving later and heating up their meal. If the rest of the family prepares their own breakfast and lunch, it is acceptable for students to do the same.

Inviting the students to join you in a few household responsibilities will help them become more involved. Meal time is also an opportunity to explain Canadian meals behavior and how food is served. Things like second helpings and appropriate meal etiquette are helpful for students to learn so they feel comfortable at the table.

Who Pays?

Host families are expected to provide: meals including breakfast, lunch and dinner. When to student accompanies the family to a restaurant, the family should pay the bill.

Students are required to purchase their own snack food or any extra food they may want (junk food, specialty food from home etc.)

FOOD AND EATING– SHARED HOMESTAY Students that are paying only for shared homestay are still entitled to all the amenities of full homestay. The only difference between the two plans is that students on the shared homestay plan are expected to purchase their own food and prepare their own meals. The host family is still required to provide the student with an area to store the food in the cupboard, fridge, and freezer. You may still want to share the odd dinner together or collaborate on meals if you’re both interested in doing so.

Sometimes students may ask to switch their plan to shared homestay because they feel comfortable cooking or they find they are missing a lot of meals due to their academic schedule. The decision is entirely up to you and the student, but should be made at least after the first


month. If the student paid $750 for first and last and then switches to shared homestay, the host will be expected to return the last month’s $250 that would have gone towards food.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT HEALTH INSURANCE International students who are registered and enrolled full time for classes will be automatically enrolled in health insurance through a company called Guard.me Insurance.

Students will receive information about their health insurance policy during orientation and will have their health cards emailed to their Georgian College student email account at the beginning of each semester or EAP session start. If the student needs to visit the doctor before they have their health card, they will need to pay up front, hold on to the receipt and make a claim afterwards for reimbursement.

Guard.me insurance is an emergency health insurance plan. It will cover emergencies and anything that’s new (flu, sore throat, rash etc.). It will not cover any pre-existing conditions.

The important thing for homestay hosts to know is that students are covered. If the student has questions about health insurance, please direct them to the ISSO or the International Website (http://www.guard.me/or http://www.georgiancollege.ca/international/student-services/health-insurance-tab ).

Post- secondary students also have health coverage through the student administrative council, SAC insurance. This insurance covers supplementary health care including vision and dental.

Emergency

Health

As a homestay host it is important that you familiarize yourself with the closest walk-in clinic to your home and post emergency numbers close to a phone or on the fridge. It’s also important to help the student differentiate between the hospital and walk-in clinic. Explain that the RVH is only for emergencies and that you could be waiting 6-8hrs.

If your student needs to go to the RVH or walk-in clinic, please do what you can to help – that could mean driving them or going with them. If it’s a serious emergency, please contact the ISSO right away.

Fire

It is important that you create a fire escape plan and go over this with the student. What may seem common sense such as exiting out a window, might be might not be normal fire exit procedure at home. Fire alarms should be on all levels and in working condition.

Emergency Numbers

Please post emergency numbers on your fridge or close to the phone in case of an emergency. Explain to the student which number to use in which situation.

*See page 21 for emergency numbers

http://www.guard.me/

http://www.georgiancollege.ca/international/student-services/health-insurance-tab

http://www.georgiancollege.ca/international/student-services/health-insurance-tab


USE OF TELEPHONE Please set definite guidelines regarding phone usage. Students are encouraged to purchase international phone cards for making phone calls home. Shortly after arriving, your student may wish to call home. If necessary, explain how they can make a collect call. Make it clear that the cost of long distance calls is the responsibility of the student. No local calls should be made or received after 10:00 p.m., unless there is an emergency. Students should not be on the phone for long periods of time; they should be discouraged from phoning home more than once a week. Phone use should be discussed when the student arrives, so this does not become a problem. Many students will be interested in getting a cell phone once they arriving in Canada. Students can purchase cell phones, and phone plans at various communications companies in the mall (Rogers, Bell, Kudoo, TELUS, etc.). It is recommended that the student adds your phone number and address to their contact book, and you add theirs as well. This way you are able to reach your student in case of an emergency, and will be able to communicate more freely.

USE OF THE INTERNET The use, or misuse of the internet, is usually what causes the most problems between homestay hosts and students. It is important to set strict guidelines for the student, to ensure that there are no issues down the road.

Downloading is something that students will usually want to do at some point, whether it is files for school, music, or TV shows. This can increase the cost of the internet substantially if downloads exceed the allowed limit. Students can usually do most of their downloading while at the school.

What uses internet?

Downloading TV shows, movies, and music

Skype

Watching YouTube videos

Netflix

Downloading photos

Online gaming

Telephone apps and games when connected to Wireless Internet

Tips

It is a good idea to increase your internet usage to one level higher to accommodate the extra use of internet in your home. This may mean a slight increase in price; however it will potentially save you a lot in the future.

Monitor your internet and bandwidth usage. Most Internet Service Providers have a website you can log into to monitor your usage, and you can also set up an email or text alert to let you know when you are getting close to reaching your limit.

Enable bandwidth capping on your router. Some home routers will allow you to setup bandwidth capping, check your routers manual, or talk to your computer guy.


Limit Bandwidth on Netflix - Netflix has been a big concern in terms of bandwidth. However, Netflix now allows users to choose how much bandwidth watching videos will consume. According to Netflix, previously watching 30 hours would typically consume up to 30GB of bandwidth, while now it can be as low as 9GB under the "Good" setting.

Have the student do any necessary downloading at the school. The college offers free Wi-Fi and the students can download and Skype from the school which will not take any of your bandwidth. Please be advised that the student should be able to do some downloading from their homestay, however using the schools Internet is a viable option.

o If the student plans on Skyping or watching movies or TV shows, please advise them to bring headphones with them, to ensure they do not disrupt any other students.

SLEEPING ARRANGEMENTS AND THE STUDENTS ROOM A private bedroom is required for each student staying with you. The room should include a desk, lamp, bed, closet, dresser, window with the appropriate dimensions, and access to Internet. Define clearly where the student can put their clothes and belongings. Ensure that the student has adequate blankets and pillows. Let the student know at what times you will be going to bed and getting up for breakfast. This will facilitate setting up schedules and adapting to your family’s routine. It is important that you help them establish routines that are compatible with your family’s lifestyle.

Sleepovers

When we do not know where our students are, it is both a worry and a safety concern for the host family. If your student will be late or not coming home at night, they should let you know in advance. Please talk to the student on arrival if friends are allowed to sleepover. It is up to the Homestay host to set the rules in this regard.

FAMILY CUSTOMS Customs vary in every culture, so your student may require some guidance from you in order to avoid embarrassment. For example, if your family wears shoes inside the house, let your student know that it is common in Canada and acceptable in your home.

VISITORS Your home is the student’s home. They may wish to invite a friend home to be sociable, or to work on homework. Please discuss visitor etiquette in advance with your student and agree on notice of visitors, appropriate times, and any other aspect such as snacks.

PRIVACY AND SECURITY Privacy is an essential element when several people live together. It is important that homestay hosts specify those areas of the home that are private. The student’s room should be considered “off limits” to family members and visitors to the home. This is true even if the student is away for a few days.


At no time is it appropriate for a family member or visitor to “borrow” possessions (IPod, computer, CD’s or money. etc.) without prior approval.

Homestay hosts should also explain carefully to the student which household items the student can use and which cannot be used. In addition please be concise about the procedures for securing the home, and items such as bikes. Explain about locking windows and doors, as well as which entrance to use when entering and exiting the home. Also explain when, and how to use the heating system, electrical appliances, and home alarms, if present. Any security cameras MUST be disclosed to the Homestay Coordinator, and will be brought to the student’s attention before they are placed in the home. Additionally once the student is placed in the home, they must be shown the location of all the cameras. Cameras cannot be placed in the student’s bedroom or bathroom.

MUTUAL RESPECT & CONFIDENTIALITY Family members and students are to treat each other with dignity and respect at all times, and not make threatening, or sexual advances (implied, physical or psychological) to each other, or any members, or guests in the home. Confidences must be respected. Nevertheless, if a student complains of any form of abuse, the coordinator or director must be notified.

HOMESTAY PARENTS’ ABSENCES The student may be left alone overnight, if the homestay host is confident of the student’s ability to cook and adhere to safety procedures in the home. If the host will be away for an extended period of time, it may be advisable to ask someone to stay in the home with the student, in the homestay host’s absence.

THE BUS Please explain that exact change ($2.85 CDN) is needed for the bus, and teach the student about asking for a transfer, and how to use it. Students are encouraged to obtain a bus pass at the beginning of each month. Bus passes can be purchased at the downtown terminal in Barrie, or Bear Essentials (located on the first floor of C Building at the College). Homestay hosts should show the student how to travel between home and the closest shopping centre, and services, by taking the bus with the student once or twice. For more information about the Barrie bus routes and transit information please refer to the Barrie transit website: http://www.barrie.ca/Living/Getting%20Around/Pages/TransitInformation.aspx

ALCOHOL AND DRUGS Students over 19 years of age or older are able to go to clubs/bars and are able to drink with valid photo identification. Rules about drinking and smoking in your home are at the host’s discretion and should be clearly discussed. Please make your student(s) aware of the dangers that are involved with drinking large amounts of alcohol, and the some laws regarding drinking and drugs in Barrie.

http://www.barrie.ca/Living/Getting%20Around/Pages/TransitInformation.aspx


HOUSEHOLD CHORES The homestay host will not impose unusual household duties, except those related to the maintenance of the student. The student should maintain a clean room, clean up after food preparation, leave the washroom clean after use, etc. It is acceptable to ask your student for help when doing household chores, however please treat them like any other member of your family and use judgment and reason when assigning chores.

THE WASHROOM AND KITCHEN The washroom is one of the most confusing roomS in your house for overseas students. Start with a guided tour--show your student where the extra towels, toilet paper, and soap are located. Show them how to work the toilet, the shower, and the shower curtain or doors. Discuss the appropriate length of shower time, keeping excess water to a minimum, and that it is not appropriate to wash their laundry in the shower. You should also discuss cleanup after washroom use. Please note that toothpaste, toothbrush, exotic soaps, hair sprays, shampoos, and cosmetics are

the responsibility of the student.

The kitchen should be given attention as well, especially when it comes to appliances like the stove or microwave. Discuss what can go into a microwave and what cannot (EX. aluminum foil), how to wash and rise dishes and where things are put away.

LAUNDRY Inform your student about the laundry arrangements. The cost of laundry is included, however the student is usually responsible for purchasing their own detergent, fabric softener, dryer sheets, etc. Explain where they can put the laundry, the schedule for washing laundry, as well as specific responsibilities with their own laundry. Try to arrange a schedule that benefits all members of the household. A reasonable laundry arrangement would be to run one load once a week. The chart of peak hours and off peak hours can be seen below.


PROBLEMS IN THE HOMESTAY Some of the difficulties in talking about and solving problems are because of language barriers, cultural differences and because the homestay host is not the real parent. The student may want more independence. Please remember that there are program rules, and each homestay host will have specific rules and expectations. Please also be aware of Canadian laws that all students must follow. Often times the student’s find that the rules in the homestay are unfair to them, and this is what usually causes the most problems.

Some things that may cause problems

Listed below are some common complaints students listed in the results of a survey done of students who have completed, or are currently enrolled in the Homestay Program at Georgian College.

The bedroom- too cold; not enough light; too noisy, etc. Food- not what the student likes or used to; not enough to eat; meals are too late or too

early, etc. Children or other students in the home-- too noisy or do not talk to the student; going into

the student’s bedroom without prior approval; using the student’s things without asking permission, etc.

Personalities- a loud voice, using hand gestures or facial expressions that are not understood or appreciated.

House rules- helping with house chores and meals, doing laundry, calling when the student will not be home, eating with the Host family, curfew times, sleepovers etc.

When you have a problem in your home you can talk to the Homestay Coordinator who will help you to resolve the problem. You may tell the Homestay Coordinator some very personal things, as what you say will be kept confidential. Sometimes students ask that we do not tell the homestay host about the problem because the student is embarrassed. The Homestay Coordinator understands that your information is sensitive and personal, and our policy to respect the privacy of the student. In these cases, speaking openly and respectfully is very important, so that the problem can be solved easier.

The coordinator will help the student and family to

Work together to solve problems Be willing to deal with the problems Collaborate so that all people feel like winners Learn to trust Create a plan to work together for a solution Live up to each side of the agreement

Georgian College’s Homestay Coordinator may:

1. Talk with you over the phone. 2. Communicate by e-mail 3. Meet you at the college 4. Visit you and your Homestay family.

Please remember that there is a solution to every problem.


STUDENT WITHDRAWAL AND DEPARTURE

While registered at Georgian College your student will have access to all the services offered by Georgian College International Centre. If the student withdraws from the college, Georgian College WILL NOT provide medical insurance coverage for the student. If you discover that your student has withdrawn from the college, please contact the ISSO.

Georgian College is not responsible for any actions of the student at any time at the homestay home. Students are responsible for their own debts, conduct and actions.

PAYMENT All payment is done between the homestay host and the student. Georgian College is not involved in the issue of compensation. We do recommend that you explain to the student how rent payment works, and when you expect them to pay each month. Additionally please remind the student that they must provide you with one month’s notice before leaving the homestay – their last month’s rent coverage should be paid up front, along with their first month’s rent.

Students may ask for rent receipts. Please be prepared to provide them for the student.

MISBEHAVIOUR Students are required to follow the homestay rules as a condition of remaining in the Homestay Program. Some rules are more important and taken much more seriously than other rules. Examples of rules that are taken extremely seriously in the Homestay Program and at Georgian College are:

No involvement with alcohol, drugs, pornography or gambling. No fighting, criminal activity, or police charges.

Young people do make mistakes! While Georgian staff, teachers and homestay hosts cannot prevent every mistake; we can teach students to not repeat the same mistakes twice. Decision-making is an essential skill, but it must be learned. Do not assume all students have this ability.

When students are seriously misbehaving and causing a lot of problems in the home, the student can be asked to leave the homestay at any time. In such cases every effort is made to correct the behaviour, to be sure that the student has been fully informed, and understands why this decision has been made. We hope that eviction is not required, but both the student and homestay host must feel secure and unthreatened in their home. Procedures must be followed if a student misbehaves. The Homestay Coordinator and homestay host will be required to consider many strategies when dealing with the student misbehaviour. The student and the homestay host will both be interviewed separately to determine the circumstances surrounding the misbehaviour. Ideally, a remedial plan of action will be created with the cooperation of the student and the homestay host.


If a student is to be asked to leave the Homestay, the Homestay Coordinator must be informed in advance.

AFTER YOUR STUDENT LEAVES The student is required to provide you with one month’s notice in advance of moving out. At this time, please send the coordinator [email protected] an e-mail of when the student will be leaving so your file can be updated. Once your file has been updated to reflect you have a room available, a new student can be placed. International students are arriving every two months so the more communication between yourself and Homestay Coordinator, the better your chances are at getting a new student sooner.



Contact Phone Number Reason to Call

Emergency Services 9-1-1 This number should only be called in a very serious emergency! Fire, paramedics, or police will arrive depending on the situation.

Barrie Police 705-725-7025 This is the non-emergency number for Barrie Police. This means that if you require police assistance but it is not an emergency you should call this number.

Barrie Fire 705-728-3199 This is the non-emergency number for Barrie Fire. This means that if you require fire assistance but it is not an emergency you should call this number.

Non Emergency Ambulance

705-726-8103

Telehealth Canada 1-866-797-0000 If you do not have a family doctor in Canada, you can contact a representative to help quickly diagnose your health problems. 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Deluxe Taxi 705-728-5555

Barrie Taxi 705-721-7777

Georgian College 705-728-1968 If you have any questions, and need to get in contact with someone at the school, there is an automated voice system that will direct your call.

Georgian College Library Commons

1-877-890-8477

Georgian College International Centre

705-728-1968 ext. 1218

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