Guide for Hosts

Having an international student in your home
takes time, patience, and a willingness to share.
There are many differences to overcome, both
cultural and personal—but learning about these
differences and celebrating them is part of the joy
of welcoming someone into your home—and, in
many cases, making a new friend for life. So, be
yourself and have fun!
What to Expect
Besides providing meals, a host has a significant
role in the successful development of a student’s
English skills. It is very important that students be
included in family activities, outings, discussions,
and so on. This makes the students feel like part of
the family at the same time as it exposes them to
English in a natural environment.
You may find the students somewhat shy at first. If
you find them spending a lot of time alone, try to
organize an activity to do together like shopping,
cooking dinner, or walking the dog.
You will notice certain cultural differences. When
you do, please be as gentle and understanding as
possible, keeping in mind that there are often no
right or wrong ways of doing something, only
different ways. Of course, each culture has its own
norms and social etiquette. If you notice your
student doing something unacceptable in terms of
Canadian culture or social etiquette, please let
them know in a kind and helpful way.
Getting Settled
Upon arrival, introduce the student to all members
of your family. Repeat the names so they can
remember. Make sure they have your address and
phone numbers (home and work) on a sheet of
paper—they should keep this with them at all
times. Then show them around.
A Tour of Your House
Please give the student a tour of your house and
show them where everything is, with special care
to show them the essentials, including their
bedroom and bathroom; the kitchen and dining
area; the laundry room; the linen closet (or
wherever you keep your clean linen and towels);
and so on. Please make it clear how to use:
• The washer and dryer (provide them with any
necessary supplies);
• The fire extinguisher and what to do in case of
fire;
• Appliances and entertainment, like the
dishwasher, TV, microwave, computer etc.;
• The telephone (911 should be posted by the
phone and its use explained).
Without your instructions, your student won’t
know if and how they can make themselves at
home! Your student should arrive to find their own
bed, closet space and a place for studying, as well
as clean towels and linen.
Please respect their right for privacy when they are
in their room. Always knock and announce yourself
before entering their room. Do not go into their
rooms when they are not at home without their
permission.
A Tour of the Neighborhood & Local Transit
Please ensure that your student has proper
directions to and from their school and to any local
attractions or meeting place, if they going out with
friends or on a school outing.
Please show your student the route to and from
your home to their school, before they start classes
on the first day of school. Many hosts give their
students a note of the bus number and route; you
might also let them know how to use a public
telephone and to dial 911, in the event of a
personal emergency. If you are unable to show
your student to their school before their first day
and cannot arrange anyone else to help, please
contact CHI for assistance.
© 2011 CHI/CANADA HOMESTAY INTERNATIONAL 2