Frequently Asked Questions: Homestay (Host Family) Services in Ottawa Canada

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the Full Homestay Plan?

Our Full Homestay Program provides you with an opportunity to live with a Canadian family, learn about Canadian culture and become a member of the family. You will be provided with 3 meals per day, a private room and numerous opportunities to practice your English with your Canadian Host Family.

What is the Breakfast Homestay Plan?

Our Breakfast Homestay Program provides you with an opportunity to live with a Canadian family, learn about Canadian culture and become a member of the family. You will be provided with 1 meal per day (breakfast only), a private room and numerous opportunities to practice your English with your Canadian Host Family. Please note that most families will NOT permit you to prepare your own meals in the home for insurance purposes, you may have to purchase lunch and dinner in restaurants.

Will there be other students in my homestay who speak my language?

Host Families are limited to a maximum of 2 students, each of whom must speak a different language, unless specifically requested by the student. English will be the language spoken in the household.

How do I get from the airport to my homestay?

Airport Transfers can be arranged directly with LAC or you can take a taxi to your homestay. Your Host Family or a LAC Representative will greet you at the Ottawa International Airport, Ottawa Bus Station or Ottawa Train Station and take you to your new home. A sign displaying your name will be held by the LAC Representative at your Arrival Gate.

Can I do my laundry in the homestay, and when?

Yes. In most cases laundry facilities are included in the home. Clients may have reasonable access to laundry facilities or the family may do the client's laundry on a weekly basis. In most cases laundry is done once per week and Host Families advise their students for suitable days within the week to wash laundry.

What does Homestay include?

You will be provided with a fully furnished private bedroom with reasonable access to the home's amenities such as bathroom(s), laundry facilities, T.V. and VCR/DVD, as well as 1 to 3 meals per day. In most cases internet access is available, but student access is not guaranteed. It is important to remember that you are a member of the family and you are expected to live by the family's rules. If you are looking for a room to rent with maid service then a host family is not your best choice.

Who are Homestay families?

Canada is a multicultural country comprised of people from all over the world. There is wide range of Canadian families, with different occupations, interests and ethnic backgrounds. Some Canadian families consist of a mother, father and children. Some of our other host families include single parents with young children, single persons, couples with no children, families with pets, and older, retired people who enjoy the company of international students.

Where are the homestays?

Host Families are located within a short travel distance from downtown Ottawa. Public transportation is generally within 5 minutes walk from your home, and all homes are located along major bus routes. The average travel time by bus between homestays and downtown Ottawa is approximately 20 to 25 minutes.

What types of homes are offered?

Homestays range from single family homes to condos and apartments in quiet residential areas. Homestays usually have at least two bedrooms, with one bedroom exclusively for the student. Most homestays include a yard, balcony and/or patio. Students' rooms are fully furnished and, in some cases, may include a private TV and telephone for local calls. However, students are encouraged to fully participate in the family's daily activities in order to have more opportunities to practice their English skills. In many cases the bathroom may be shared with the rest of the family, or students may have access to their own bathroom.

How can I apply for a Homestay Placement?

Students and visitors may register for a Homestay placement on a year round basis. You are required to fully complete and submit our Homestay Application Form, either online or via fax. You will receive an Invoice shortly after submitting your Application Form and you must provide a full or partial payment at least 4 weeks prior to the Homestay start date. Please complete ALL sections of the Application Form as it will assist us in choosing the best homestay available based on your answers. You may also send a photograph and a short letter of introduction. Important: We may not be able to place clients who apply for Homestay fewer than 4 weeks before the start of their homestay.

When do I get information about my Host Family?

After we receive your Homestay Application Form and payment we will send you information about the Host Family we have selected for you. You will receive your Homestay information no later than 2 weeks prior to arrival, assuming we receive your completed Application Form and payment at least 4 weeks prior to arrival.

Do I need to bring something for my Host Family?

A small gift from your country is a good idea, but it is not necessary.

When can I move into Homestay?

You can move into your Host Family home any day, but preferably no later than 10:00pm from Monday to Sunday. We require advanced notice if you change your arrival date at least one week prior to arrival.

What is the cost of Homestay?

You will need to pay a non-refundable Homestay Application Fee of $190.00 CAD when you receive your Invoice, along with the first 4 weeks of homestay (see Fees for details). You are required to provide the full payment no later than 4 weeks prior to arrival, or a monthly payment directly to LAC no later than the 25th day of each month. We will require post dated cheques on the first week of homestay for the whole duration of homestay.

What happens if I don't like my host family?

LAC makes every effort to match you with a suitable Canadian Host Family. However, clients and Host Families must realize that they are meeting each other for the first time and there is a normal transition period in the first couple of weeks. You are dealing with a new culture and customs, new city and surroundings, new diet and a little stress. Even if you are matched with a family that is different from what you expected, your Homestay experience can be rewarding if you choose to adapt and integrate with the family. You are encouraged to discuss your issues in a respectful manner with your Host Family or Homestay Coordinator if problems arise. However, sometimes personality conflicts cannot be avoided. In unusual circumstances problems may persist and cannot be resolved, and it may be necessary to move you to a new Homestay. LAC will evaluate each situation on an individual basis and make homestay changes where appropriate, and without additional fees.

Are there any rules and regulations at my Host Family home?

When staying with a host family, you will become a member of the family, and all family members must follow reasonable household rules that apply to ALL family members. Guidelines and responsibilities are there to help you make your homestay experience an enjoyable and rewarding experience.

Can I bring friends home?

If you want to bring a friend home, please ask your Host Family for permission in advance. Do not forget to confirm the visiting hours with your Host Family. Do not bring strangers to the house.

What time can I arrive home at night?

Ask your Host Family. You are expected to be home at a reasonable hour during weeknights as your host family needs to rest and go to work the following morning, and later during weekends. Always let your host family know what time you will be home. Host families can get extremely worried about your safety.

Can I eat some meals away from the Host Family?

If you plan to eat out, please call your host family as a courtesy at least 2 hours in advance and let them know that you will eat out. You will not receive a homestay credit if you choose to eat meals outside the home.

Can I use the washroom anytime I want?

If you are sharing a bathroom with other members of the family, please find out when is the best time to have a shower and for how long. Do not take long showers or baths at it uses a lot of hot water and monopolizes the washroom. It is your responsibility to provide your own personal hygiene items such as shampoo, soap, body wash, toothpaste, mouthwash etc.

When can I make or receive phone calls?

Find out when you can receive calls and for how long you can keep the phone busy. If you make long distance calls from the host family's home, you must use a calling card or make collect calls.

Does my Host Family provide maid service?

No. Your Host Family is not a maid service. You are responsible for keeping your room clean. You are expected to remove your plate and utensils from the table after meals. However, you are not required to do home chores such as baby sitting, gardening, house cleaning etc..

Can I keep the lights or TV when I am outside of the room?

Electricity is expensive is Canada and most Host Families use energy conservation lighting and rules. Please don't forget to turn off the lights when you leave a room. Turn off the TV or radio when you are not using them.

What happens if there is an emergency at home?

Dial 911 in emergency situations to reach an ambulance, police or fire department and advise your host family. Do NOT attempt to extinguish any fire, leave the home immediately and wait for emergency personnel to provide assistance.

Do I need medical insurance?

You must obtain medical insurance that covers any medical expenses that may happen during your stay in Canada. Please show proof of insurance and emergency contact details to a LAC Representative or the Host Family upon arrival. Insurance can also be purchased in Canada within the first five days of your arrival. Neither the Host Family nor LAC - Language Achievement Canada are responsible for your medical or emergency medical expenses. Additionally LAC - Language Achievement Canada does not assume any responsibility for any injuries you suffered while in the host family's care. Please consider getting insurance that covers both health care and emergency medical.

Are there any other recommendations or guidelines?

Yes, here are some additional guidelines and recommendations:

	If any physical or verbal abuse occurs, the student or visitor will be removed from the home immediately. The incident will be reported to the police and legal action will be taken. (Applies to both the student/visitor or host family).
	If you have any concerns that you cannot discuss with your host family, please contact your LAC Representative as soon as possible.
	If you accompany your host family on holidays, outings, or trips, you must pay for travel arrangements, admission tickets, accommodations, meals and personal expenses. Your host family is NOT responsible for these fees.
	International students must be willing to learn about and accept possible differences in Canada’s multicultural society, including the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, women's rights, freedom of speech, environmental protection, and animal rights.