An important part of your participation in the NSISP is your homestay experience. The best way to learn English and Canadian culture is by being a member of a Canadian family.
Families in Nova Scotia are diverse, and the number of non-traditional host families has increased in recent years. Some host families have two parents with children, some have no children, and others have only one parent. All host families are carefully chosen and screened prior to their participation in the homestay program.
We are very proud of the host families who are part of our Nova Scotia International Student Program, as they are the ones who truly make your experience a successful one.
Be prepared to be part of your Nova Scotia family as they are participating in the program because they want to meet someone from another country. They will welcome you into their home and treat you as a regular family member. This means you will have the same responsibilities as every other family member, including contributing to completing household chores in shared common spaces and respecting the rules of your host family.
In Nova Scotia, most members of the household work outside the home; therefore, everyone typically pitches in at home. For example, this means when it snows — you should be shovel-ready.
All host families have their own rules in their homes, just like your parents do. Be prepared to follow all family rules; this is part of the experience. You are encouraged to discuss any concerns or questions with your host family. Similarly, you can talk with your homestay coordinator, which is essential to their role.
All students have a right to essential privacy in their homestay; however, at their discretion, the host family reserves the right to enter any room within their home if needed. Host families also signed an agreement with our program that states students will not be left home overnight unsupervised.
Each student is assigned a Homestay Coordinator (HSC). The HSC's role is to support students and host families to ensure a positive experience. Students will receive their HSC contact information in their welcome letter. They can contact them before arrival with questions.
If a student has doubts, concerns, or good news to share, they can contact their HSC. The NSISP has a ratio of about 1:25 for HSC students, and HSCs live within the student's community. This means students can easily access their HSC and won't have to wait days to see them.
If students have problems with their school or host family, they should discuss it with their Homestay Coordinator. The Coordinator takes any major problems to the NSISP Director for help finding a resolution.
Homestay Coordinators work closely with host families to assist with the students' cultural transition, resolve any issues that may arise, provide ongoing support, and provide engagement opportunities.
Families in Nova Scotia come in all shapes and sizes. Some host families have two parents with children, some have no children, and others have only one parent. All host families are carefully chosen and screened prior to their participation in the homestay program.
Many families enjoy participating in activities together. In summer, they travel, hike, swim, and socialize together. In winter, many families ski, skate, watch movies, or attend various concerts and sports events.
Be prepared to be part of a Nova Scotia family. Your host family is participating in the program because they want to meet someone from another country. They will welcome you into their home as if you were their child. Your family will be anxious to show you the sights and introduce you to their family and friends.
Your host families will:
Before undertaking this international program, students and their parents must understand that the students will be subject to the rules and procedures of their host family.
Host families allow international students to use their telephones and computers. The host family is responsible for clarifying the rules for these devices. Most host families do not mind their students making long-distance phone calls. However, if students charge long-distance calls to their host family, they are responsible for paying the bill upon arrival.
The NSISP encourages students to invest in prepaid telephone calling cards. Many local stores sell prepaid international and national telephone cards. The benefit for the student is they do not owe their host family money on phone bills because they have prepaid calls.
Some students bring their own laptops, and others use family computers. Students must understand that host families are responsible for monitoring and restricting all computer use. Families who enforce time limits for their own children can also enforce time limits for their international students.
Students can travel to and from school by school bus. There is no charge for the school bus. If students live in an area where public transportation is provided and they choose to use this method for travel to and from school, it is at the cost of the student.
Host families are encouraged to provide transportation to the school or other local sites whenever possible to facilitate their participation in extracurricular activities.
If students have problems with their school or host family, they should discuss it with their Homestay Coordinator. The Coordinator takes any major problems to the NSISP Director for help finding a resolution.
Apply to NSISP and discover the warmth of a Nova Scotia host family.
Apply Now