Rocky View Schools is inviting 62 teenagers from Taiwan to Cochrane and Airdrie this summer (July 3-25) and are looking for hosts.
The initiative is part of the Canada Homestay International program, which brings students from all over the world to numerous provinces in order to experience Canadian life and culture firsthand.
“We’re a non-profit organization which welcomes students from everywhere,” said Renee Gillespie, relationship manager of the Calgary and Rocky View regions for Canada Homestay International.
“We have students come from Taiwan, Korea, Germany, Russia, you name it. Right now, we have students in Cochrane who are from China and Mexico.”
The program provides students with the opportunity to learn language and Canadian culture in a healthy, caring environment, as well as providing them with a positive view of Canadian family life, which encourages many students to apply for permanent residency after they graduate.
“Many of the students come here as part of the year round program and finish high school before going off to college,” said Gillespie.
The Canada Homestay Network has hosted tens of thousands of students from 120 countries since its inception in 1995.
Without the help of homestay families this would not have been possible.
Homestay hosts help students to adapt to Canadian life and values, and in return, students provide a glimpse into their own culture and society.
“It’s a two-way street,” said Gillespie. “(The program) provides people with life-long relationships. I have one host that is going to their student’s wedding.”
Being a host is also a full time commitment.
“It’s a 24-hour commitment,” said Gillespie. “Hosts provide breakfast, lunch and dinner. Also full year students must be provided with their own private bedroom.”
The summer hosting opportunity pays $25 per student per night for 22 nights ($550 per student, or $1,100 for two).
Students will have regular classes and activities scheduled during the week (typically 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.).
Weekends will be spent with the host family.
If you wish to volunteer or find more information about the program, go to canadahomestayinternational.com, or contact Renee Gillespie at (403) 456-6426 ext. 2033, or, [email protected].
