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. This will include 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. 


Further, 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.

Homestay Coordinators

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. 


Also, 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.

Host Families

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.


How will I fit in with my host family?

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.


What to Expect in a Nova Scotia Home

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:
  • provide you with a private bedroom
  • provide food for three balanced meals per day
  • provide laundry facilities
  • invite and encourage participation in family events and travel
  • show local culture and visit some highlights of the area
  • explain family rules and expectations and be familiar with program rules (link to ‘getting acquainted…’)
  • provide use of common areas in the home (living room, family room, etc.)
  • allow the use of telephone and appropriate computer according to family house rules (link to ‘getting acquainted…’)
  • encourage involvement in daily functions of family life (meal preparation, clean up, etc.)
  • provide guidance and advice for school and social problems
  • Provide transportation to the school or other local sites whenever possible to facilitate their participation in extra-curricular activities.


Things that may be different than home
  • pets
  • maids
  • meal times
  • chores(?)
  • transportation
  • showers
  • meal preparation
  • curfews
  • computer use 

Privacy

Before undertaking this international program, it is imperative that students and their parents understand that they will be subject to the rules and procedures of their host family. As such, students' liberties may vary from that which they are ordinarily accustomed to in their own home. This is part of the experience. All reasonable rules must be followed. 


All students have a right to essential privacy in their homestay; however, at their discretion, the host family reserves the right to search any room or item found within their home.

Host Family Rules

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.


  • Your host family will treat you as a regular family member.
  • Students will have the same responsibilities as every other member of the family. This will include contributing to completing household chores and respecting any other rules (e.g., curfews) set by their host family.
  • By the above, student’s liberties may vary from those they are ordinarily accustomed to in their home. This is part of the experience. All reasonable rules must be followed.
  • If there is a discrepancy, students are encouraged to contact their homestay coordinator with questions or concerns about any host family policy.
  • Further, all students have a right to essential privacy in their homestay; however, at their discretion, the host family reserves the right to search any room or item found within their home.

Topics/Issues you will want to discuss with your Host Family

Use of telephone
  • 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.
Use of computer
  • 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.
Student Transportation
  • 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.

Problems with school or homestay

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.

NSISP with KW Edu

803 Autumn Willow Dr
Waterloo, ON N2V 0C3
Canada

email: kweduconsulting@gmail.com
phone:
+1(519)721-7766


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NSISP with KW Edu Consulting

Great Tiger Inc


803 Autumn Willow Dr

Waterloo, ON N2V 0C3


email: kweduconsulting@gmail.com

phone+1-519-721-7766


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