STUDENT HANDBOOK

04 INTRODUCTION
4 Living with a Canadian Family
4 Graduate Attributes
5 Homestay Program Options
6 Canadian Host Families
6 How Matches are Made
07 YOUR RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
7 Homestay Letter of Agreement
7 Laws and University Policies
8 Host Responsibilities
8 Student Responsibilities
09 WHAT TO EXPECT IN HOMESTAY
9 Getting Around
9 Family Activities
10 Private and Shared Spaces
10 Household Chores
11 Washroom Etiquette and Cleanliness
11 Guests
11 Internet Usage
12 Substance Use Policy
13 STUDENTS ATTENDING THE HIGH SCHOOL AT VIU
13 Resources for High School Students
14 MEALS AND FOOD
15 What to Expect from Homestay Meals
16 COMMUNICATION
17 Dealing with Challenges
17 How Challenging Events are Handled by the Homestay Office
18 ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
19 FEES AND MOVING OUT
19 What is Covered by Homestay Fees
19 Budgeting / Additional Expenses
20 Fee Payments and Deposit Refund
20 Giving Move-out Notice
21 Termination of Homestay
21 Moving Out Checklist
22 ARRIVAL CHECKLIST
 INTRODUCTION

Welcome to the VIU Homestay Program. This Handbook

sets out the program’s expectations and standards, and
how these standards will be upheld. It also provides general
and resource information for Homestay students. This
handbook will be amended periodically. The latest version
can be viewed online at https://international.viu.ca/
homestay/viu-homestay/peerstay-program-handbook.

Living with a Canadian Family Graduate Attributes

The Homestay Program gives students Students who commit to learning

the opportunity to learn about culture,
language, and food from the Canadians
with whom they live. Homestay can
be a challenging experience. It is an
opportunity to learn, immerse yourself
in Canadian culture, and improve your
English language skills. Learning often
comes from difficult experiences.
through the Homestay program
and put in the effort can learn
great life skills that will be useful
long after graduating. Students can
increase their capacity to engage
in respectful relationships, build
intercultural perspectives, learn
better collaboration, and gain
better oral communication skills.
Learn more about VIU’s Graduate
Attributes at ciel.viu.ca/teaching-
learning-pedagogy/designing-your-
course/graduate-attributes.

4 | WORLD VIU HOMESTAY

Homestay Program Options

The Homestay Program offers two Homestay without meals is for

options: meals provided by the host
family or food and meals purchased
and prepared by the student. With
both options, your Homestay family
will invite you to join them in activities
and outings. The host family will
provide students with opportunities
to practice English and learn about
Canadian culture and customs.
In Homestay with meals, the host
family will provide food for three
healthy meals a day. Students
make their own breakfast and
lunch; the host makes dinner.
independent students who wish to
purchase their own food and cook
their own meals. A student must have
experience cooking to be considered
for Homestay without meals.
When considering your program
choice, please note that the dinner
meal is an important way Canadian
families interact every day. If
choosing Homestay without Meals,
you may find it more challenging
to find time to interact with your
host family on a daily basis.

LIVING EXPERIENCE
• VIU managed program $850
• A Canadian family experience Per month
• Choose from a 3 meals a day (provided) or a no meals option or $500
• Practice English language skills without meals
• Off-campus, within a 45-minute bus ride to campus
• Shared accommodations
• Utilities included
• Host families are trained and selected by WorldVIU Homestay team
• Opportunity to develop and gain new skills and abilities (building respectful relationships,
intercultural perspectives, oral communication, and collaboration) through interactive
orientation and activities
• 24-hour support available for students through the Homestay Office when problems arise

international.viu.ca/homestay
Applications
Apply 6 weeks before Move-in Day
Apply using the student profile online
The non-refundable application fee is $250
Student and host will usually receive a matchHOMESTAY
letter before three weeks
STUDENT of arrival |
HANDBOOK 5
This housing option is only available for International Students
 Canadian Host Families
Hosts in Canada are diverse and
multicultural. Host families may:
• Be Caucasian or non-Caucasian
• Speak English ‘with an accent’
• Consist of a single person or a
couple with or without children.
Families may consist of two
parents who are the same gender
• Be made up of any ethnicity,
religion, or culture
• Have pets (usually cats or
dogs), which are treated
like family members
• Live in houses of different
sizes, shapes, and structures
• Have finished basements, and your
bedroom may be in the basement
Host families have been screened
and carefully chosen for their
interest in other cultures and their
commitment to helping international
6 | WORLD VIU HOMESTAY
students adjust to a different cultural
environment. For more information
about the screening process, visit
the VIU Homestay website.
You will have your own private
bedroom. In most cases, the
bathroom is shared with the
rest of the household.
Most homes are located within
30-60 minutes from the campus
by bus, and students are expected
to use the transit system.
How Matches are Made
The Homestay Office uses the
preferences you indicated on
your Homestay Profile to try
to match you with the most
appropriate host family available.
 YOUR RIGHTS &
RESPONSIBILITIES

Your hosts are inviting you into their home and

treating you like a member of the family.

Homestay Letter Laws and

of Agreement University Policies

All students and hosts are required
to sign a VIU Homestay Letter of
Agreement (LOA). You can review
the latest version of the VIU LOA
at international.viu.ca/homestay/
homestay/peerstay-application-
process. Students of The High School
(THS) can obtain a copy of the THS LOA
from THS. The LOA sets out the terms
and condition of your participation
in the program, including your
agreement to uphold responsibilities
that are listed in this handbook. The
LOA will be updated periodically.
All students of VIU Homestay
must abide by the laws of British
Columbia and Canada, and VIU
policies, procedures, and guidelines.
Students are encouraged to read all
policies that apply to students at VIU
including VIU’s Student Conduct Code.
Students of The High School (THS)
can obtain a copy of the THS LOA
from THS. The LOA sets out the terms
and condition of your participation
in the program, including your
agreement to uphold responsibilities
that are listed in this handbook. The
LOA will be updated periodically.

Program and House Rules

In addition to program rules outlined

in the LOA, each host family is
expected to have a set of household
rules. Each host family will have rules
specific to their home and students
are expected to follow these rules.
Families normally have rules around
appropriate bathroom and kitchen
use, quiet times in their home,
laundry, substance use and more.

HOMESTAY STUDENT HANDBOOK | 7

Host Responsibilities:
• Be open, honest, tolerant, and
respectful in communicating
with the student.
• Provide a warm and clean
private bedroom and suitable
area for quiet study.
• Homestay with Meals: Provide
food for three healthy meals
each day that meet Canadian
standards and portion sizes.
• Homestay without Meals: provide
the student with space in the
kitchen to store and prepare
food items. Host families also
provide basic kitchen appliances
and dishware for student use.
• Orient students to the
city, neighbourhood, and
university campus.
• Include the student in family
activities in which the student
wishes to participate.
• Arrange to pick up the student
at the student’s point of entry
to Nanaimo unless otherwise
determined by VIU.
• Give clear house rules and
expectations. Household rules
will vary from family to family.
• Follow the terms and conditions
outlined in the Host Family
Letter of Agreement.
8 | WORLD VIU HOMESTAY
Student Responsibilities:
• Be open, honest, tolerant, and
respectful in communicating
with your hosts.
• Learn, understand, and follow
the family’s routines.
• Discuss with your hosts any
of your special requirements,
preferences, and interests, so
they can understand what you
need to feel comfortable.
• Discuss any food likes or
dislikes with your host.
• Tell your host if you will not be
home for dinner, will arrive home
late, or will be away overnight.
• In most Canadian families, all
members of the household
share the chores. Ask your hosts
what you can do to help out.
• Clean your own bedroom
and bathroom.
• Abide by all rules and
guidelines established by the
Homestay program when
staying with a host family as
identified in the handbook
and Letter of Agreement.
• Communicate significant issues or
concerns immediately to your host
family, parent/guardian, custodian,
school principal, or Homestay
Program as appropriate.
 WHAT TO EXPECT
IN HOMESTAY

Getting Around Family Activities

Most host families are located 30-60
minutes by bus from VIU. Your hosts
will help you get acquainted with the
buses nearby and your route to VIU.
Homestay families are not expected to
drive students around. If you expect
you may need a car ride somewhere,
ask your host family politely in advance.
Be aware of bus schedules and check
before going out late. If you will be
late for or absent from dinner, let your
hosts know when you will be home.
You can expect to spend about one
hour per day interacting with your
host family (usually dinner time),
though there might be additional
opportunities during the work
week. On weekends, there might be
opportunities to do larger activities.
Host families may occasionally take day
trips, go sightseeing, or do tourist-style
activities with you, but the Homestay
Program does not require that host
families do activities such as these.

For bus route information,

check out bctransit.com/
nanaimo or maps.google.ca.

What is your goal for living with a host family? Do you want to
learn about Canada, practice your English, or something else?
Share your goal with your host family so they know
what you are hoping to learn or experience!

Check out the World VIU website for Cultural

Connections events. Get to know the Nanaimo
area and meet other international students.

HOMESTAY STUDENT HANDBOOK | 9

 Private and Shared Spaces
Your bedroom is your own private
space. You can expect that your host
family will only enter your room with
your permission unless there is an
emergency, or they have reason to be
concerned about your health or safety.
Your host family may occasionally
ask to check your bedroom to
ensure that it is clean and household
fixtures are not damaged. Keep your
room clean and tidy, and wash your
bedsheets and clothes regularly.
Respect other bedrooms as private
spaces, and only go into another
person’s bedroom if you are invited.
Your washroom will likely be
shared with other members of the
family. Keep it clean and organized
for everyone’s comfort.
10 | WORLD VIU HOMESTAY
Household Chores
While you stay in Homestay, you
are part of the family, and in most
families, everyone – young and old,
male and female – help with household
chores around the home. This could
include washing dishes, vacuuming,
and setting the table for a meal. Your
hosts will help you learn to prepare
your own breakfast and lunch.
Students in Homestay without
meals are responsible for cleaning
the kitchen when they use it.
If you do not know how to do
the chores, ask to be shown.
Washroom Etiquette
and Cleanliness
Most Canadians believe personal
hygiene is very important. Most people
brush their teeth two to three times
per day, shower, and use deodorant
daily, and do laundry weekly.
Canadians usually shower for
10-15 minutes. Students should
take showers of similar length. If
there is a shower curtain, it gets
tucked into the tub; otherwise,
water could damage the floor.
Flush toilet paper down the toilet.
Wrap personal hygiene products
(Q-tips, cotton swabs, paper
towels, tampons and pads, etc.)
and place them in the garbage.
Guests
Ask your host’s permission before
inviting guests to the home, even for
a few hours. The host family is not
obligated to host your family or friends.
If your guests are allowed to stay
overnight, each person should pay the
same nightly fee that you would pay.
Your friends should not expect to
receive meals at your Homestay
on a regular basis. Communicate
openly and honestly with your
hosts to know their guidelines.
Your boyfriend or girlfriend is
not allowed to stay overnight.
Sexual relations are not
permitted in Homestay.
Internet Usage
You will have access to internet in
your host home for study purposes.
Access to a family computer will
be limited, and it is recommended
you use your own laptop. Speak to
your host family about their rules
for internet usage that will use large
amounts of data, like streaming videos
or gaming. Do not use host internet
to download or watch pornography
or download anything illegally.
HOMESTAY STUDENT HANDBOOK | 11
 Substance Use Policy
Legal substances in Canada include
prescription drugs, tobacco,
alcohol, and cannabis (marijuana)
(as of October, 17, 2018).
Laws and VIU policies about
when and where legal substances
can be consumed, along with
your host’s house rules, must be
followed. Breaking a rule regarding
substance use is grounds for
removal from the program.
In BC, the legal age for purchasing or
using tobacco, alcohol, or cannabis (as
of October 17, 2018) is 19 years old.
Consuming any of these substances
under the age of 19 or to the point of
intoxication is not permitted while
you are staying in Homestay.
12 | WORLD VIU HOMESTAY
In Homestay, smoking tobacco,
cannabis and the use of e-cigarettes
or vaping devices is prohibited inside
the host family’s home. However, some
hosts will allow smoking outside. Learn
and follow the rules of your Homestay.
Some legal and illegal substances are
addictive. If you have concerns about
your own use of these substances,
please contact VIU International
Counselling Services in Building 255.
If you have concerns about your
hosts’ use of any substances, please
contact the Homestay Office.
For more information, please refer to
the VIU Student Conduct Code and
your Homestay Letter of Agreement.
 STUDENTS ATTENDING THE
HIGH SCHOOL AT VIU

If you are a high school student and you plan to go out of

town without your host family, you must get a permission
slip signed by the host family and the high school principal.

Talk to your host family about your
plans for spring break, summer,
and Christmas holidays. The
Homestay Office will need to know
if you plan to stay in Homestay for
these breaks or will be leaving.
Over summer, you will need to be a
THS Summer Camp student to remain
in Homestay. If you will be returning
home for the summer and want to
return to the same host family in the
fall, speak to your host family and
the Homestay Office about this.

RESOURCES FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

Students under 18 years old have access to the
following additional resources, according to the BC
K-12 International Student Homestay Guidelines:

B.C. Helpline for Children 250-310-1234

You may call if you feel you are being mistreated
or feel unsafe in the home or at school.

Kids Help Phone 1-800-668-6868

Provides counselling and mental health support.

Kelty Mental Health Resource Center keltymentalhealth.ca

Provides resources regarding mental health issues,
substance use, medications and healthy living.

HOMESTAY STUDENT HANDBOOK | 13

 MEALS & FOOD

British Columbians commonly eat a standard North

American diet. Grocery stores have a tremendous variety of
products, and many stores have large ethnic food sections
that carry a lot of foods you will recognize from home.

Dining Dollars could be purchased by you or your host from the Food
Services website so you can purchase some meals or snacks on campus.

YOU MAY NOTICE: CONSIDER THIS:

Foods you are used to from home Go grocery shopping with your host
are not served by your host family. and show them foods you like to eat.

Meals may contain less Different does not mean unhealthy.

variety or fewer vegetables Try new foods and tell your hosts
than you are used to. which foods you do and do not like.

You may have meals where all the

Ask your hosts about adding a
ingredients go together into one
staple food from home such as
pot, and dinner is made up of a
rice, noodles, or beans to meals.
single dish, such as a stew or pasta.

Many host families are busy, and Many prepared foods are quite
some meals may be made using healthy, and even the less healthy
packaged, prepared foods. ones are okay to eat once in a while.

The food served in Canada Try new things and see what you like.
may be seasoned differently Also, share with your host family
from what you are used to. what spices from home you like.

14 | WORLD VIU HOMESTAY

What to Expect from Homestay Meals

7AM – 9AM This is usually a cold, simple meal. Examples of regular

BREAKFAST breakfast foods include toasted bread, cereal, fruit, yogurt,
or a combination of these foods. If you like hot breakfasts,
ask if it is possible to cook eggs or oatmeal instead.

11AM – 1PM Lunch is normally a cold, simple meal consisting of

LUNCH sandwiches with meat or cheese fillings, vegetables, and a
granola bar or leftover food from dinner the evening before.
Leftovers are a great way to have a hot lunch meal if that is
your preference.

5PM - 7PM The evening meal is generally the biggest meal of the day
DINNER and is normally a hot meal depending on the time of year.
Dinner, also called supper, is prepared by and shared with
your Homestay family. Canadian dinners tend to be simpler
than in other cultures. Examples of dinner meals include
hamburgers, pizza, hot dogs, pasta, and soup. Dinner usually
consists of 1 protein, 1 carbohydrate, and 1 vegetable.
Dinner time should be used to talk with your host family
about your day. If you will not be home for dinner, let your
Homestay family know.

What are foods you eat for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in
your home country? This is a great conversation topic with
your host family! Bring a recipe from home and ask if you
and your host family can make it together for more variety.

HOMESTAY STUDENT HANDBOOK | 15

 COMMUNICATION

Good communication requires honesty, patience, and effort.

Cultural and language differences may sometimes create
confusion or misunderstandings.

In case of damage or vandalism to Homestay property, the individual causing it

will be responsible for reparation. Inform your host right away of any damages.

Carry a small notepad with you. If you encounter a new

word or phrase you do not understand, ask for it to be
written down. If the person uses a word or phrase you think
is useful, write it down so you can remember it later!

16 | WORLD VIU HOMESTAY

Dealing with Challenges

Ask to clarify
Talk through
Ask questions what the expectations
issues early with
and listen are or how the host
your host family
without would like things
for a better chance
interrupting. handled in the future.
of a positive
Share your
outcome.
concerns, too.

Give each Try to

Revisit the person in the consider how
Household Guidelines situation a chance you would feel
homework sheet to speak, and if you were the
together. Are there things indicate that you host family in
covered on the sheet understand what this situation.
that could help clear up they are saying.
this challenge? Are there
things missing from the
sheet that should
be added? Come to If things
an agreement cannot be resolved
together on what with the host, come
changes can be to the Homestay
made to improve Office to discuss
the situation. options.

How Challenging Events are Handled by the Homestay Office:

You will be asked to share your side of the story in person to Homestay staff.

A decision letter will be sent to you outlining what action will be taken and
what expectations Homestay has of you and the hosts going forward.

Any breach of the student conduct code will be shared

with Student Affairs and/or The High School. 

You can request a translation of the house rules, your Letter

of Agreement, or this handbook at any time.

HOMESTAY STUDENT HANDBOOK | 17

 ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

AFTER-HOURS EMERGENCY
Call Campus Security at
250-740-6600

Tell them, “I am a VIU Homestay student living with a host family. I

have an emergency and need to speak to the Homestay Manager.”

They will ask you for details of your emergency and

a phone number you can be reached at.

Refer to your International Education New Student Handbook

for great tips and resources, including:

• Adjusting to a new culture and handling culture shock

• Understanding your medical insurance
• Accessing Student Advising and Counselling Services
• Navigating grocery shopping and the free Grocery Shuttle
• Completing the New Student Checklist

Please visit our website at international.viu.ca/homestay for additional

resources related to the VIU Homestay program including:

• Homestay homework
• LOA
• Handbook and Quick Facts
• And more

18 | WORLD VIU HOMESTAY

 FEES & MOVING OUT
What is Covered by
Homestay Fees
Your Homestay fees (rent) pay for
a private room in your host’s home
with furniture, utilities, study area
that might be inside or outside of
your bedroom, bathroom that might
be shared, and sheets and towels.
Homestay with meals includes food for
three meals a day. Homestay without
meals includes access to kitchen
facilities and space to store food.
You are responsible for purchasing
your own toiletries (shampoo,
conditioner, deodorant, toothpaste,
etc.), clothing, books and other
personal items. If you plan to make
long distance phone calls, please
purchase a calling card. You need
to purchase your own insurance
for your personal belongings.
When you go somewhere with your
host, you will pay for your own travel
costs, entrance fees, and tickets.
When the host invites you to eat a
meal at a restaurant, the host will pay
for the meal. Meals in restaurants
can be expensive, so it is polite to
offer to contribute some money.
You should contribute money
towards day trips or outings when
you go with your host. For example,
ski trips to the mountains, or
trips to Victoria or Vancouver.
Budgeting / Additional
Expenses
Students should consider budgeting
for additional costs while living in
Nanaimo. Examples of additional
expenses can include transportation
costs (bus pass), fun or social activities,
entertainment, eating meals at
restaurants at your leisure, snacks in
addition to the ones provided by the
host family, etc. The specific amount
will vary per student depending
on the individual’s interests.
HOMESTAY STUDENT HANDBOOK | 19
 Fee Payments and
Deposit Refund
VIU will determine whether you
will pay your monthly Homestay
rent directly to your host family,
or if VIU will pay your fees to the
host. Your letter when you are
matched with your host will indicate
how your fees will be paid.
You have paid a deposit which VIU
will hold until you leave the Homestay
program. Your Homestay deposit will
be returned to you approximately
three to four weeks after you have
left the program and provided the
necessary forms and information.
The refundable deposit may not be
returned in full if (but not limited to):
• You have not given 30 days’
notice in writing (Moving
Notification Form)
• There are cleaning costs or
damages in the home as a
result of your conduct
• You have other outstanding bills,
VIU tuition, or VIU fees owing
20 | WORLD VIU HOMESTAY
Giving Notice to Move
Out & Term Extensions
If you wish to cancel your Homestay
agreement before the end of your
“Term” you must give your host a
minimum of 30 days’ written notice
with a Moving Notification Form
(available from the Homestay website)
before moving from Homestay.
Notice can be given on any day of
the month. Once you and your host
have signed the form, return it to the
Homestay office as soon as possible.
Your Homestay Term is the period
you are permitted to occupy your
Homestay being the period starting
on the designated Move-In Day and
ending on the earlier of 48 hours
following the completion of your
last examination of the semester or
the designated Move-Out Day.
To request an extension of your
Homestay Term, please make a
request to the Homestay Office
at homestay@viu.ca. Extensions
are granted at the approval of
VIU and available host family.
Additional fees may apply.
If you have problems with your
Homestay and would like to leave,
please contact the Homestay
Office to talk about the issues and
what options are available.
Termination of Homestay
The VIU Homestay Office reserves
the right to terminate a homestay
contract or agreement at any time if
there is an assessed risk to the health
or safety of a host family or student.
Students can refer to their letter of
agreement with the VIU Homestay
program for situations that can impact
their participation in the program.
If a student feels their health or
safety is at risk, please contact the
VIU Homestay Office immediately.
In situations where there is an
assessed risk to the student’s
health or safety, a move will be
processed immediately at no cost.

Moving Out Checklist

Fill out a Moving Notification Form (MNF) with Host and return form
to the Homestay office. The MNF is available from International
Education building 255 or online at https://international.viu.ca/
homestay/leaving-homestay/peerstay-program

Complete the Student Evaluation of Host form

https://international.viu.ca/homestay/form/student-e

Pay any owed or outstanding bills

(Homestay fees, cell phones, school fees, etc.)

Clean bedroom and dispose of or donate all items not being taken home

Clean bathroom

Return your Homestay house keys

Update mailing address with VIU, financial institutions,

and other companies that may send mail

HOMESTAY STUDENT HANDBOOK | 21

 Arrival Checklist

Contact your host family to introduce yourself.

Fill out two emergency cards with your host before leaving
their house. Place one in your wallet, and one in your bag. If
you get lost, show one to a bus driver or police officer. Please
bring the completed cards to the Homestay orientation.

Review house guidelines with your host family

and complete the homework form online together.
Print a copy to which to refer regularly.

Discuss bus information and bus routes to VIU.

Attend New Student Orientation.

Attend Homestay Orientation.

22 | WORLD VIU HOMESTAY

Cut out this emergency card and fill it out with
your host. Always carry it with you.

Name
Family Given
Host Family
Phone Number(s)
Street Address
Closest Intersection
Postal Code Main Bus Route
Medical Conditions / Allergies
First Language
Please keep this card with you at all times

HOMESTAY STUDENT HANDBOOK | 23

 OFFICE
900 Fifth Street, Building 255
Nanaimo, BC V9R 5S5
Telephone: 250-740-6159
Facsimile: 250-740-6471
Email: homestay@viu.ca

international.viu.ca/homestay

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT
If you are in trouble and need help,
please call:

POLICE, FIRE, AMBULANCE 911

Campus security – on Campus Local 6600
Campus security – off Campus 250-740-6600
Centre for International Education 250-740-6315
Homestay Office (bldg. 255 M-F 8am-4pm) 250-740-6159
Vancouver Island Crisis Line 1-888-494-3888