Homestay Handbook 2023-24

Table of Contents

! Introduction & Welcome

! ISP Contacts

! 2022/23 School Year Calendar

! International Student Code of Conduct

! Activities for the School Year

! You as a Host Parent

! Role of the Custodian

! Medical Services

! Communication

! Attendance

! Report Cards

! Behaviour

! Consequences for Not Following the Rules

! Home Insurance for Host Families

! Family Members in Your Home

! Problem Solving & Homestay Moves

! Culture Shock

! Student Participation Agreement

! High Risk Activities

! Student Arrival & Departure

! Pre-Arrival, Arrival, & Departure Checklists

! Local Travel

! Day Trips

! Students Traveling out of District

! Out of District Travel Form

! Homestay Travel with their Student

! Student Trips without Homestay Supervision

! Student Travel Home

! Storage of Luggage and Personal Items

! Respite

! Homestay Guidelines for Students

! Drugs and Alcohol

! Check In, Curfews, and Sleep Overs

! Discussion Points with your Student

! International Student Safety

! What a Host Family Provides Their Student

! What Students are Expected to Pay For

! Student Handbook Excerpt

Introduction & Welcome

On behalf of all the staff at the Cowichan Valley International Student Program office, I would like to extend a warm welcome to both new and returning Homestay Families.

Our program has a rich history and has developed into a program that caters to over 20 different nationalities. We are a beautiful destination for students from all corners of the world and depending on the student, their visit can either be short term or until graduation.

As a program, our goal is to provide your student with a range of academic, cultural and social activities or opportunities. Throughout the year you will receive notification of these offerings through email. These activities will provide memories and build friendships that will last a lifetime. Please help us to encourage students to participate in these activities.

We hope you will have a successful and enjoyable experience as an international host family. We wish to support you in your efforts and celebrate the success of these students.

Alison Keple District Principal Cowichan Valley International Student Program

International Student Program Contacts

The following are your contacts for the International Student Program.

Program Office:

Tracy Bazinet isp@sd79.bc.ca

Front Desk Secretary:

1.250.746.0744 Amanda Wilner

Hours of Business 7:30-3:30 pm ispfrontdesk@sd79.bc.ca

Homestay Manager: Homestay Coordinator:

Brenda Langlois blanglois@sd79.bc.ca Cheryl Fotos cfotos@sd79.bc.ca

1.250.510.1436

1.250.510.0379

District Principal:

Alison Keple akeple@sd79.bc.ca

1.250.715.5713

District Vice Principal:

Kevin O’Donnell kodonnell@sd79.bc.ca

1.250.701.7522

School Contacts:

Heather Boudreau, ELL Teacher CSS: hboudreau@sd79.bc.ca

Karen Rainey, ELL Teacher FKSS: krainey@sd79.bc.ca

Emergency Dispatch Line: This is our after hours & weekend phone contact. For all emergencies (medical, RCMP, etc.) you must contact this number. They will then help you to solve your issue, or direct you to the appropriate person. Please be prepared to give them specifics and your contact information.

Emergency Dispatch Line:

1.250.701.1845

2023/24 School Year Calendar

International Student Code of Conduct

All international students in the Cowichan Valley must adhere to the following Code of Conduct:

ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE

1. Students will obtain satisfactory results in their courses to continue in the program.

2. Students will take a full program. If students wish to change their program (e.g drop a course) they must receive approval form the ELL teacher, administrator, and the school counselor.

3. Students will follow the rules & code of conduct of the school as outlined in the school handbook

4. Students have the responsibility to share their report cards and school letters with their parents.

5. The Cowichan Valley International Program will provide written reports to the parents of students who are experiencing difficulties in our school system.

ATTENDANCE

1. Students must attend all classes on days that school is in session.

2. Students who are absent from school for a valid reason (e.g. illness) must notify the school.

3. The student is responsible to make up any missing work or assignments.

4. Students who cannot maintain regular attendance at school will be withdrawn from the program.

CONTACTS

1. Students must provide the ISP office with a current email address and phone number. They are expected to check this daily and notify the office of any changes.

2. Students must provide the ISP office with current parent addresses, emails and phone numbers.

HOMESTAY

1. Students will follow and respect the homestay family rules and property. This includes showing consideration and courtesy, respecting the rules for bedtime, visiting friends or socializing, and advising host parents of locations and contacts outside of school time.

2. Students will negotiate the use of telephone, computer and Internet facilities with the host family. They will abide by the decision in relation to this usage.

3. Students will be treated as a respected member of the family and will be expected to be an active member of the household.

CANADIAN LAW

1. Students will obey Canadian laws and regulations at all times.

2. Students will obey the terms and conditions described in their study permits as issued by Citizenship and Immigration Canada.

DISTRICT POLICY

1. Students are not permitted to purchase or consume alcohol or narcotics.

2. Students are not permitted to learn to drive, drive, rent or own cars while registered in the program.

Activities for the School Year

The Cowichan Valley International Student Program will be offering activities throughout the school year. Students and host families will receive updates and forms via email.

Tentative activities for this year include:

! Wednesday Sept. 5: Program Orientation

! Saturday Sept. 23: Vancouver day trip

! Saturday Oct. 14: Tofino surfing

! Wed. Oct. 25: Galey Farms Hallowe’en Haunted House

! Sat. Nov. 4: Vancouver day trip

! Thurs. Dec. 7: Christmas in Victoria

! Sat. Dec. 16: Christmas baking

! Wed. Jan. 17 – Sat. 19: Whistler skiing

! Wed. Jan. 24: Mt. Washington snow activities

! Thurs. Feb. 8: Victoria shopping

! Wed. Feb. 14: Mt. Washington skiing

! Fri. March 1: Mt. Washington skiing

! Mon. Mar. 18 – Thurs. 21: Rocky Mountains

! Sat. April 6: Vancouver day trip

! Sat. Apr. 27: Vancouver day trip

! Sat. May 11: Tofino surfing

! Sat. May 25: Wildplay

! Sat. June 8: Horne Lake caves

! Fri. June 14: Camp Imadene (included for all students, no additional fee!)

Fees for the activities will depend on the number of students registered, and will be determined closer to the date of the activity or event. Some activities may require a “high risk waiver” form signed by the natural parents. We will provide this to natural parents to sign and return to our office.

We are always looking for good ideas! If you have any ideas or suggestions for activities, events, or field trips, please send Ms. Keple or Mr. O’Donnell an email with details!

You as a Host Parent

Our Homestay Program is the most important part of the international student experience. Our students and our homestay families have developed relationships that last a lifetime. Host parents provide the same care you would give to members of your family, and are daily caregivers who provide social, emotional, and support for the student’s well being.

As a host parent, you will not necessarily be part of the discipline strategy for a student. All decisions on discipline consider several factors and comply with current district practices.

Role of the Custodian

All international students in the Cowichan Valley are assigned to the Custodianship of the District Principal. This meets the requirements of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and the policies of our school district.

The custodian is the person who makes decisions concerning the student’s welfare, and the student is expected to be guided by the directions given by the custodian. The custodian is also responsible to report changes or issues to parents in their home country, to agents abroad, and to district senior staff.

It should be understood that homestay parents are the daily caregivers for the well being of the students, including accompanying to medical appointments, and other facets of a ‘regular home life’. However, ultimately all medical, academic, and legal decisions fall to the responsibility of the District Principal as the custodian.

Medical Services

Serious medical emergencies must be reported to the ISP administration. As custodian, the decision to proceed with treatment will require custodial consent. It is our job to inform agents and parents of serious conditions.

Students are covered through guard.me Medical Insurance. See www.guard.me for details of this plan.

All students will be issued a guard.me card for their wallet.

The ISP office staff will help with any questions. We have made arrangements with the following clinics to accept ISP students and direct bill to the plan:

• Valleyview Treatment Centre, Cobble Hill: 250-743-9395

• Duncan Family Practice, 2763 Beverly St, #201, Duncan: 250-597-3390

Students are encouraged to use Shoppers Drug Mart to fill prescriptions as they bill guard.me directly.

Students can also use mobileDOCTOR (by guard.me) to speak with a Canadian-licensed general practitioner online in minutes 24/7 from their phone, tablet, or computer This is fully covered for their first three months in Canada, and once they are on MSP they have free access from 10-4 on weekdays. To set up a mobileDOCTOR account: Go to www.guard.me/mobiledoctor and enter their date of birth and guard.me policy number.

Medical Services Plan

After 90 days, students here for more than 5 months will be transferred onto the BC Medical Services Plan. Dental work, prescriptions, cosmetic work, eyewear and ambulance services are not covered under this plan, but students have the guard.me “top-up” (extended medical)

Full year students will be issued a BC Care Card for their wallet.

• Students should carry their BC Care Card and their guard.me card in their wallet at all times and ALWAYS present it on arrival at any clinic/hospital BEFORE accessing any services.

• Students should not pay a bill at a doctor or clinic; please get a paper copy of the bill and bring it to our office so we can help submit it to guard.me

Communication

We will send all messages, information, field trip forms and other forms, and newsletters via email.

We will also send emails to our international students, so it is important for them to have an email address that they check daily so they don’t miss any opportunities.

International students are required to have a local cell phone number so you can always get in touch with them – as not all places have wifi.

Attendance Expectations for Students

All students in the International Program are obligated to attend school every day, on time, and prepared to work.

As host parent, please notify the school if your student is absent or if you are having difficulties with their behavior around absenteeism. If a student is absent without host family or ISP approval there can be serious consequences.

A student may:

• Lose academic credits

• Be suspended from school

• After repeated warnings, be expelled from the district

Report Cards

Our high schools will produce two report cards a semester. Students will receive this halfway through the semester and at the end of the semester. We send their report cards to their agencies at the end of each semester.

Behaviour of Students

All international students must abide by the rules provided in our program’s Code of Conduct.

Each school also has its own Code of Conduct published in their school handbook. It is the student’s responsibility to read this and be familiar with their school rules.

Consequences for Students Not Following The Rules

A student will be given a warning if they are misbehaving (at school or at home), frequently absent from school, or if they are failing a course.

The natural parents and/or agent will receive notification informing them of the behaviour.

Finally, a student may be asked to leave the program if they do not show signs of improvement.

There are no refunds for students expelled from the program.

Home Insurance for Host Families

International students living in homestays are considered “paying roomers or borders” for the purposes of home insurance. Your insurance policy can be affected by having a “paying roomer or border” in your home. It is the responsibility of the person who carries a home insurance policy to inform their insurance agent that they have a “paying roomer or border” in their home. Failing to do so could be considered a breach of contract and render the insurance policy null and void.

It is in your best interest to have a written acknowledgment from your insurance company that you have a fee-paying international student in your home.

You should also have a minimum of $2,000,000 liability on your car insurance.

Family Members in your Home

When host families join our program, you let us know who is living in your home (and therefore who our students will be sharing your home with). You must provide criminal record checks for family members who are ages 18 and above. If there is a change in family members who are living in your home, please notify our Homestay team right away and provide updated criminal record checks when necessary.

Host families are reminded that they cannot host children from other agencies, international programs or private schools while they are hosting students from the Cowichan Valley School District International Student Program.

Hosting an international student precludes host families from participating in short-term rentals such as Airbnb.

Problem Solving and Homestay Moves

If a situation concerns you or your family, you should discuss it with your student as soon as possible. Do not allow your grievances to build up. Open and honest communication with your student can often lead to a resolution.

If you find yourself and your student in a situation that together you have not been able to resolve, contact our Homestay team who will mediate between you and the student. If the difficulty cannot be resolved, it might be in the best interest of both the host family and the student to move the student to a new homestay. The program Principal, Vice Principal, and the Homestay team will make the final decision about student homestay moves.

Like any other relationship, sometimes homestays just don’t work out. There could be unrealistic expectations on the part of the student, conflict, or simply just incompatibility. While this can seem very hurtful at the time, it is important not to be personally offended. When a homestay change is required, and in the event that your student should leave your home prior to the completion of the calendar month, you will be asked to refund the balance of the homestay fee paid for that month.

New students are placed with the best host families we have. There are no perfect students and no perfect host families. Students and host families should accept each other’s differences and try to have a good homestay relationship.

All host families and students have some problems. That is normal. Students and host families need to work together to solve problems.

Culture Shock

Culture shock is experienced when people are suddenly immersed in a culture different from their own. Our “culture” is largely unwritten patterns of behaviour that we are used to and would not recognize as unusual to someone else: language, climate, community, customs, food, homes, family, behaviour, ways of showing emotion, etc.

As your international student did not grow up in our Canadian culture, they will need some guidance around safety, manners, and relationship building here in Canada. Their basic assumptions about life and familiar ways of behaviour are changed here.

Students are also experiencing:

• Jet lag: our international students have travelled through many time zones to get to the island. Not only that, travel is tiring in general! Jet lag can last for up to two weeks, and can include sleeping problems, drowsiness at the wrong time of day, loss of appetite, general fatigue, and disorientation.

• Homesickness: many of our international students have left their family, friends, and pets for the first time, and they are far away. Culture shock can also compound feelings of homesickness.

• Loneliness: many of our students can feel lonely in their new situation. They may feel like outsiders at school, in the community, and even in your home. Limited English may also contribute to their feelings of isolation

• Teenage mood swings: our international students are teenagers after all, and are still dealing with the physical and emotional changes all teenagers go through!

All of the above may be seen in the following ways: quiet, unresponsive, withdrawn behaviour, isolation from the family (spending long periods alone in their bedroom), crying spells, lack of appetite, despondent, depression, anger, anxiety, moodiness, lethargy, stressrelated headaches or stomach upset.

If you suspect that your student is suffering from any of the above conditions, talk about it. Explain that it is perfectly normal, that it will get better in time, and that you would like to help.

Plan some outings or activities together – that is a great way to help them feel like a part of your family!

Student Participation Agreement

When students are accepted into the Cowichan Valley School District International Student Program, they and their parents agree to follow all terms and conditions set out in the Student Participation Agreement. It is provided below for your reference.

A. LAWS, RULES AND REGULATIONS

1. I agree to abide by the laws of Canada, and, where applicable, the laws of British Columbia, while a resident.

2. I will always respect cultural differences and understand that Canada is a multi-cultural country. I understand that discrimination based on nationality, gender, and political or religious affiliation is illegal in Canada.

3. I agree not to purchase, use, or have in my possession, which includes my Host Family premises, school locker, any drugs not prescribed for me by a doctor. This includes all hallucinogenic substances, but does not include non-prescription remedies for minor illnesses such as colds.

4. I agree not to purchase, use, or have in my possession, which includes my Host Family premises, school locker, any alcoholic beverages.

5. I agree not to purchase, use, or have in my possession, which includes my Host Family premises, school locker, any weapons including firearms, air guns, knives, or martial arts implements.

6. I agree to respect the property of others and understand that any theft is a breach of the law.

7. I agree not to engage in fighting, bullying, racial taunting or similar activity.

8. I agree that I will not own, rent or drive a motor vehicle.

B. ATTENDANCE AND SCHOOL WORK

1. I agree to attend school on a daily basis. I understand that it is my responsibility to bring a note from the Host Family parent(s) explaining any absence from school.

2. I understand that it is my responsibility to make up any missed assignments due to absence from class.

3. I agree to be prepared for all classes, and complete all homework or class assignments.

4. I agree to make a consistent and determined effort in my course work, to attempt to maintain passing grades, and to maintain good work habits in all subjects.

5. I must not withdraw from courses with consent of school officials, and may not substitute online courses for the equivalent in-class course.

6. I agree to obey all school rules as outlined in my school’s student handbook.

7. I must comply with the School District internet appropriate use and privately owned electronic devices appropriate use policies.

C. HOST FAMILY CONDUCT AND BEHAVIOUR OUTSIDE THE HOME AND SCHOOL

1. I will cooperate with my Host Family and respect their rules and guidelines.

2. I agree not to move from my assigned Host Family and that any move to another Host Family is arranged through the Homestay office

3. In the event of a problem or disagreement with my Host Family, I agree to promptly notify the Home Stay office who will attempt to resolve any concern. I understand that I must be open to resolution before a move will be considered.

4. If I want to travel outside the Cowichan Valley in Canada, I will complete the Travel Request form with my Host Parents, and submit to the program principal for approval 10 days prior to departure. I understand that cross border travel is not allowed except in special situations.

5. I agree not to visit such places as adult theatres, pornographic websites and /or purchase and consume alcohol or narcotics.

6. I have read and understand the International Student Program Code of Conduct.

High Risk Activities

The International Student Program must ensure that students are safe at all times while they are living and attending school in the Cowichan Valley. We ask that you monitor and support the sports and leisure activities your student would like to get involved in while they are here. If they would like to sign up for a community sport, please ensure that the District Principal signs the waiver for participation.

Some activities may have high-risk waivers that must be signed by the student’s natural parents.

Activities not sanctioned by our district include bungee jumping, paintball, surfing, and flying in a non-commercial airplane. If you are wondering whether an activity you have planned is high risk, send an email to the District Principal or Vice Principal with advance notice so we can assess the risk.

Student Arrivals and Departures

Our office will make every effort to provide you with your student’s arrival information as soon as it becomes available. A few days before arrival we suggest exchanging cell phone numbers with your student.

On the day of arrival, you are expected to meet your student at the airport to welcome them. As this is your first meeting, it can be helpful to write your student’s name with a marker on a large piece of paper and hold it up for them to see when you meet. A few days before your student arrives, remind them to look for your sign.

Students may be nervous when they first meet you. A small gift such as a card, pin, flag, or flowers will go a long way in breaking the ice. In addition, your student will probably be tired and affected by jet lag, so it is wise to get them out of the airport and settled at home as quickly and smoothly as possible.

Your student’s connecting flight from Vancouver may be delayed for many different reasons. Please ensure that you have set aside enough time to allow you to wait at the airport for your student.

At the end of your student’s stay, you are expected to drop off your student at the airport and remain with your student until they have completed check in and are at the security gate

Pre-Arrival, Arrival, & Departure Checklists

Student Pre-Arrival Checklist

Student’s bedroom must include a bed, bedding, dresser, closet/wardrobe, night stand, lamp, desk, chair, window that opens, and hangers. It is helpful to supply a laundry basket

Student bedroom clear of homestay belongings

Student bedroom cleaned (dusted, vacuumed, bedding laundered etc.)

Prepare family emergency escape plans (e.g. fire, flood, earthquake, etc.)

Provide a house key or entry code for student

Prepare a simple list of house rules

Prepare an emergency number list (e.g. 911, family phone numbers, etc.)

Become familiar with the Homestay Handbook

Confirm you have house insurance that covers having a fee-paying international student in your home

Car insurance with minimum $2 million liability

Student Arrival Checklist

Introduce your student to your family and pets

Encourage student to phone or message their natural parents to confirm their safe arrival

Tour entire home, show how things work (e.g. toilets, showers, faucets, fridges, garbage, recycling, appliances, etc.)

Go over emergency escape plans

Take a photo of your student’s medical information (your student will receive this at their orientation), passport, and study permit. Keep in your phone and in an accessible location.

Provide your student with a list of emergency contact numbers

Provide your student with a house key or entry code

Review your rules and household expectations, talk about household chores, etc.

Show your student their route to/from school, how to get to the school bus stop, the public transit stop, and local amenities

Student Departure Checklist

Assist with any packing needs, and make sure that school textbooks are returned

Take your student to the airport, and wait with them until they have completed check in and are at the security gate

Ensure your student’s bedroom has been cleaned to your satisfaction

Storing belongings: make sure you have let us know if you are storing any belongings in your home during July & August, or help your student transport their belongings to our office for storage

Local Travel

** We strongly suggest that international students not accept rides from drivers who are under the age of 21. While it is legal for them to do so, we believe older adult drivers can provide a higher level of safety in their travels. **

Students are not permitted to get their driver’s license while in our program.

We do not allow our students to own or rent vehicles while in our program. Even good drivers become disoriented on international roads, and owning a car is often a considerable distraction from school studies. The safety of our students is our first priority, and vehicle ownership introduces a level of risk and distraction we are not able to support.

Community Transit System

There are routes, schedules, fares, and a trip planner available online. Please help your student to access the website at:

https://www.bctransit.com/cowichan-valley/home

Day Trips

Students may travel to Victoria for the day, if you trust that your student has the skills to navigate their trip there and back safely.

Students may not make day trips alone or with friends to Vancouver, unless they are with you or on a program-approved trip to that city.

Students Travelling Out of District

Safety is always a concern for parents, agents, host families, and International Student Program staff. We are aware of the fact that students are not adults, and we take our responsibility for their care seriously. When our students are in school or in their homestays we feel confident that they are safe. When they leave our district to go to other cities or to stay with other people we need to be cautious.

It has always been our practice that if a student wishes to leave our district for overnight or longer we need to know where they are going and they must be under the care of a responsible adult. For that reason we do not allow our students to go with a group of friends and stay together in a hotel in Vancouver, for example, unless there is an adult there who will be present and responsible for them.

We require the following process any time that a student leaves our district overnight:

1. The student and the host family must complete the Out-of-District Student Travel form, and submit it 10 business days prior to travel.

2. The completed form must be delivered to Ms. Keple or Mr. O’Donnell.

3. Failure to follow this process by a student who leaves the district overnight will result in disciplinary action.

The Out of District Student Travel Form on the next page may be duplicated/photocopied. Additional forms are also available from all ISP staff.

DATES FOR TRAVEL 2023/24

Arrival: September 1-3, 2023

Winter Break: December 25, 2023 – January 5, 2024

Spring Break: March 11 – 22, 2024

Departure: June 24 – 30, 2024

Arrival 2024/25: August 31 - September 1, 2024

Out of District Student Travel Form

Homestay Travel with their Student

If you plan on taking your student out of district but still in BC on the weekend or during a school holiday like Spring Break, please send the District Principal or Vice Principal an email to let us know of the plan. If you think it might be ‘high risk’, let us know with (at least a week) advance notice of what you are doing with your student, so we can assess the risk in order to allow them to participate.

If you plan on taking another student from our program along with your homestay student on a day or overnight trip, please give us a call to discuss your plan. We ask that you not take more than one student in addition to your own on overnight trips. This becomes a liability issue for our program.

We ask that if you schedule trips with your student that you do so during weekends and school holidays. We often hear from teachers and school administrators who are concerned when our students miss school days in order to go on holiday. We want to support student learning at school and do not want to see international students miss school days. This often creates the perception that academic endeavor is not valued.

Home stay family travel with your student in BC does not require your student to fill out the ‘Out of District Student Travel form’.

For those host families who plan holidays with their students outside of BC on the weekend or during a school holiday like Spring Break, we caution you, as this is a legal and custodial challenge for us. Please consult the District Principal. Due to a variety of legal, custodial issues, and visa requirements each case must be looked at individually. This takes time for our legal and senior management team to confirm whether our student can go. We suggest you never buy a plane ticket for your student without prior consultation. Further we suggest you have the student pay or pay you before the ticket is purchased. We will not participate in fixing a financial issue regarding outside travel.

Student Trips Without Homestay Supervision

Sometimes a group of students will decide to go somewhere together for the weekend. This is against program rules. You should never give permission for your student to go away overnight without adult supervision. In fact, we strongly urge you to double-check overnight arrangements when your student says they are staying at a friend’s house. When our students are in school or in their homestay we feel confident that they are safe. When they leave our district to go to other cities or to stay with other people we cannot be sure.

If a student wishes to leave our district for overnight or longer we need to know where they are going and they must be under the care of a responsible adult. For that reason we do not allow our students to go with a group of friends and stay together in a hotel in Vancouver, for example, unless there is an adult there who will be responsible for them. Students are always expected to follow the rules of their host parents and the program. Failure to do so becomes a discipline issue and could lead to eventual dismissal from the program. Please refer to the “Out of District Travel Forms” that students are required to submit to the district principal 10 business days prior to their travels.

Some of our older students have on occasion been given permission by their birth parents to travel with friends or relatives to the United States or other destinations. You are asked to inform the District Principal immediately if you hear of plans like this.

Student Travel Home

International students may be able travel home during school holidays. Students must complete an “Out of District Travel Form” before they book their flight tickets. There is also a spot where you should sign as you will need to drop off/pick up students at the airport they are flying out of (Victoria or Nanaimo). Please take careful note of these flight details.

Your monthly homestay payment will not be reduced during holidays if students travel home.

Storage of Luggage and Personal Items

Each year we have students that are planning to return to their current homestay or move to a new homestay after the summer holidays. Often their amount of belongings prohibits the family from using their space during the summer. As a result, we are offering storage to students during the summer time. For a $200 fee, students will have up to 3 items (luggage or boxed) placed in a storage unit provided by our office. All items must be marked, and we will have a designated drop off time and date organized at the end of the year.

While we are providing this service, we will not be responsible for the damage or loss of any of these articles. As a host parent, please support us in organizing your student to utilize this service.

Respite

If you have to go away without your student:

The International Program must ensure that students are safe at all times. Regardless of the age of your international student, students must never be left alone overnight. There are issues of safety and liability that could be a real concern if anything were to happen to your student while you are away from your home overnight.

If you plan to be away please make alternate plans for your student. Two options are:

• Arrange for another adult (25+ years old) to stay in your home and supervise your student while you are away.

• Arrange for the student to stay in someone else’s home (either a family friend or another host family).

Please inform our Homestay Team of the details about your respite plan as quickly as possible, in case any change in bussing is needed.

Homestay Guidelines for Students

The school district supports the right of host parents to determine appropriate rules and procedures for their international students. It is suggested that all rules be developed in consultation with the student, and that they be appropriate for their age. It is wise to establish an understanding of house rules and regulations with your student as soon as possible.

Discuss your rules early and often, making sure that the student understands them. Deal with a few rules at a time. Reach mutual agreement about as many rules as possible. Discuss with the student what kinds of rules they had at home and what kinds of rules other international students have.

Be fair and firm.

Establish reasonable consequences for breaking rules.

Explain the reasons for your rules. Enforce your rules, and do not let the student get away with breaking them. These are typical teenagers and as such they are likely to test your authority.

Drugs and Alcohol

ALL international students in this program are prohibited from using drugs and alcohol, regardless of their age.

All international students, before beginning this program, signed a Student Participation Agreement that explicitly states that they are prohibited from using drugs and alcohol. Students are expected to follow this rule while they are in our program, or risk expulsion. Some international students in this program are 19 years of age or older. They too are not permitted to consume alcohol or drugs. This is a high school program and as such we have rules that are appropriate for high school students.

Do not allow your student to attend parties where students will be unsupervised.

Check Ins, Curfews, and Sleep Overs

Students should be at home for dinner on weeknights and Sundays. Evenings after supper are considered to be study and family time. If you give students permission to be out on school nights (to participate in school activities, teams, etc.) they should be home at an appropriate time in order to get enough sleep to be able to function at school. The guidelines are that all students should be home by 9:00 p.m. during the week.

When students go out on weekend nights they should have an appropriate curfew.

Weekend curfew guidelines are as follows:

Grade 8: 9:00 p.m.

Grade 9: 10:00 p.m.

Grade 10: 10:00 p.m.

Grade 11: 11:00 p.m.

Grade 12: 12:00 a.m.

Host parents are expected to know where students are at all times.

Sleepover arrangements must be made in advance and host parents are expected to check on all such arrangements with the responsible adult where the student will be staying.

Host parents have the right to say no to inappropriate requests and to set reasonable limits around sleepovers and time spent away from the family home.

Discussion Points With Your Student

• Students are not allowed to smoke, vape, or use chewing tobacco

• Students may be expected to have chores such as cleaning their room and helping with the dishes. They are not expected to cook meals, vacuum the home, or perform other household tasks.

• Students should never babysit their host’s children.

• Students should ask ahead of time if they need rides to special events, if they wish to have a friend overnight, etc.

• Students should not have visitors of the opposite sex without the host parent being present in the home.

• Students should never be left alone overnight. Adult supervision must be arranged if you are away.

• Students may not stay overnight at the homes of students of the opposite sex.

• Host parents should feel free to limit the number of overnights (i e one night only on weekends).

• Groups of unsupervised students should never be given permission to go away together for overnight trips.

• Students are not allowed to go on day trips to Vancouver without an adult.

• You may wish to make additional rules re: showers/bathing, table manners, other manners, use of household appliances, laundry, bringing friends home, use of computers, etc.

• Host parents should establish healthy routines and life balance around computer use. We recommend that on weekdays all electronic use ends at 10:00 pm. We want students well rested for each school day.

• Host parents have access to their student’s bedroom when appropriate. Host parents determine rules around no food in and clean-up of the bedroom.

International Student Safety

International student safety is of utmost importance. Please educate your student about safety measures they can take to protect themselves from these sorts of incidents. The following is a list of steps students can take to protect themselves. Please review this list with your student.

• Students will be safer if they are with a friend or in a group. Students should not go out alone.

• Students should not trust strangers.

• Students should not develop friendships with people they do not know. Students should be encouraged to develop friendships with other students at school, teenagers in sports groups, church groups, or other organized activities. They should not develop friendships with someone they meet on the street, in a public library, or in a coffee shop.

• Students should trust their feelings. If it feels bad or dangerous it probably is.

• It is okay to say “no”. Students should not always be friendly. If students meet someone, and they have a bad feeling, they should not be friendly.

• There are many places to go for help if a student needs help. They can go into any store or restaurant and ask for help. It is safer to be inside a public place where there are other people than to be on the street.

• The police can help international students if a student needs help. A student can phone 911 and the police will come and help them.

• It an incident occurs with your student please call the District Principal or Vice Principal immediately.

If you become aware of a situation involving bullying, any incident that should involve RCMP reporting, or any criminal activity - we request that you report to us immediately. It is not a host parent’s role to decide the seriousness of a situation that could result in legal ramifications.

What a Host Family Provides Their Student

As a host parent you are expected to provide essentially what you would normally provide for your own family:

• A private bedroom

• Three wholesome meals a day and snacks as required

• Prepare the evening meal and have dinner as a family with the international student

• A comfortable, quiet, adequately lit and heated study space

• Hot water and facilities for bathing

• Use of internet (wi-fi)

• Invite student to participate in all family activities and pay for the student to participate. The student may be asked to contribute financially in extraordinary circumstances such as expensive trips or activities such as skiing

• Laundry (you may expect a student to do their own laundry if you wish)

• Toiletries (shampoo, toothpaste etc.) which you would normally provide for family members

• Emotional support if your student suffers from homesickness, difficulties at school, etc.

• Academic support (help with homework if possible, communication with teachers, attendance at parent-teacher-student interviews, etc.)

• Include your student in family outings, trips to restaurants, special occasions, recreational activities

• Access to the common living areas of the house that a family member would normally have access to

Early in the host experience, have conversations with your student about expectations: both yours and the student’s. Reach a mutual agreement about the amount of interaction between your student and your family, and the kinds of activities which you will participate in together. Bring it up regularly for further discussion as the situation changes.

You may not charge additional fees to a student without prior consent from the ISP administration.

What International Students are Expected to Pay For

• Clothes

• School supplies

• If the student prefers brands of shampoo, soap, toothpaste etc. other than the ones you have at home they should pay for their own.

• All long distance phone calls. Many students will ask for help to purchase a cell phone and this will eliminate the need to track long distant phone bills. You should never sign a cell phone contract for your student. We recommend a ‘pay as you go’ plan.

• Medicines and medications of all kinds

• Any dental work

• Haircuts or other personal services

• Personal entertainment and expenses. If your family is going out for dinner or a movie you should pay for the student. If the student chooses to eat in a restaurant or go to a movie with friends, and your family is staying home or meals are provided at home, the student should pay for their own.

• Costs associated with participation in school-sponsored activities such as graduation ceremonies, school dances, extra-curricular sports, trips, etc.

• Stamps, stationary, books, magazines, posters, etc.

• Costs related to renewal of study permits and airplane tickets home

Included in the tuition and other fees which the students pay to the school district are the following:

• All subject-specific course fees

• Some trips, orientation activities, and transportation costs for international programrelated activities

• Medical insurance fees

Talk to your student to clarify what you will pay for and what your student will pay for. Discuss the list early on so that both you and your student have the same understanding.

Student Handbook Excerpt

The following sections are an excerpt from our Student Handbook for your reference.

General Host Family Rules

Your Bedroom

Your bedroom will include a window and smoke detector nearby, bed & bedding, a place to study, a closet, and adequate heat, light & ventilation. Please ask your host to show you how to use the bed and blankets, and where to find extra blankets if needed. Your homestay family will discuss with you what you can put on bedroom walls and how to attach items.

As a courtesy, and to conserve energy, please turn off the light before leaving your room. Your host may also ask you to turn down the heat in the room when you are gone for the day, if it is operated on a thermostat.

Your host parents will have access to your room when it is reasonably appropriate. It is not unreasonable to them to ask you to keep your door open when you are studying or when you are at school. There should be no food brought into your bedroom. You must keep your bedroom clean. What that looks like will be determined by your host family. Remember you are not renting a hotel room, but you are joining a Canadian family.

Bathrooms

Please try to leave the bathroom clean and dry after you use it. Your host will explain when to use the bathroom and for how long. Most students will share their bathroom with one or more family members or other students. If there are several members of your household, please be considerate with the use of hot water, which might run out before everyone has showered!

Cell Phone

Many students find it easier to purchase a “pay as you go” cell phone. Ask your host parent to help you purchase a ‘pay as you go’ cell phone plan. All students must have a phone plan that allows host families to know where their students are at all times. (Wi-fi is not available everywhere and at all times.) PhoneBox offers competitive rates.

Internet

Every family will have their own rules regarding the use of the Internet. You must ask them for their guidelines regarding connecting, hours of use and browsing.

Use of Technology

We encourage you to use technology for schoolwork. However, the ISP guideline is that computer use must end at 10:00 p.m. We understand that the computer is the easiest way to contact family and friends; however, the use of the technology should not affect your interaction with your host family and completion of school work

Meals

Everybody likes different food. Part of the fun of homestay is learning what Canadian families like to eat, and teaching your host family what you like to eat. Now is your chance to prepare a traditional meal from your home country for your host family. This will be a treat for you and them!

Your host family will always provide your meals - but this doesn’t mean that your meals will be served to you. Sometimes your hosts will not be at home for every meal - and sometimes they will have different customs from you for certain meals.

What You Can Expect in a Typical Homestay Regarding Meals

Breakfast

Each host family has its own unique morning schedule, so it is important to decide on a routine that will work best for everyone. Weekdays, breakfast is generally a quick, light meal. On weekends, families may prepare breakfast together. Some families eat a hot breakfast; others prefer to have something cold, such as cereal or toast, and juice. Your family might leave it up to you to decide what to eat in the morning please ask them to show you where the food is kept and how to prepare your own breakfast if this is the case.

Lunch

Lunch is eaten midday and usually consists of a light main course (soup, a salad, or a sandwich), a drink (water, milk, or juice), and a dessert of fruit or cookies. Your family will provide you with a bagged lunch to take to school. Sometimes you may be able to take some dinner from the night before that you can heat up at school if there is a microwave. Do not be offended if it is your responsibility to pack your own lunch - this is common with many families in Canada.

Dinner

Your host family will try to have a sit-down dinner which is usually the largest meal of the day and may consist of a main course, with or without a salad as often as their weekly schedule allows. It is the most important meal of the day. It is very important that you communicate with your family when you will be home for dinner (dinners are usually eaten between 5:00 and 7:00 pm). This family dinner hour is often the best time for families to talk about their day and for you to bond with your host family.

Life Outside the Canadian Home

Canadian families spend a few evenings each week engaged in leisure activities and relaxation. We encourage you to spend some time with them. However, it’s perfectly all right to spend an evening out with your own friends from school on Friday or Saturday.

Night Life

When you do go out, you must tell your homestay family where you will be going, how you can be reached (include all relevant phone numbers), when you will be home (remember your curfew!), who you will be with, and how you are getting home. You must have all of this planned in advance or your host family may not approve you going out This information is important for your safety and your host’s peace of mind. Please do not assume your homestay family knows where you are, or remembers plans you have discussed in advance. Always review your plans with your homestay family on the evening you’re going out. Always let your host know when you will be coming home and always call if you’re going to be late. They will worry if you’re not home on time. When you do get home, please enter the home quietly!