INTERNATIONAL PROGRAM - HOMESTAY GUIDELINES
Phil & Jennie Gaglardi Academy

Rational

As part of Gaglardi Academy's call to mission, the Lord encourages us to ask Him for whole nations to come to know the saving grace of Jesus Christ (Psm 2:8). It is powerful when we go into all the world to make disciples (Matt 28:19), but it can be equally fruitful when the world comes to us.

Definitions

A homestay is a formal arrangement by an international student program, to house an international student with an approved family during the course of study. The is commonly referred to as a host family. A K-12 homestay student is a minor child from outside BC who pays a fee to stay with a host family in return for meals, a private room, family support, and various cultural experiences.

School Responsibilities

  • screen prospective host families. Christian families will take priority in the host-family selection process.
  • schedule host parent interviews.
  • schedule home inspections.
  • ensure necessary criminal record checks are valid.
  • Gather appropriate personal records for each student.
    • Legal first/last name
    • Gender
    • Age
    • Relevant medical information
    • Address and country of residence
    • emergency contacts and email addresses.
  • Ensure data collection complies with PIPA
  • Provide comprehensive training to host families if needed.
  • Place no more than two international students per family.
  • Inform host families of potential student placements using a standardized student profile format that includes dates of accommodation, special requirements, and relevant medical and behavioural background.
  • Share medical information or health concerns with the host family.
  • Offer translation and conflict resolution services if not provided for by the International Agent.
  • Ensure regular communication between student, host family, coordinator, and international agents.
  • Maintain published standards and procedures relating to homestay, including procedures for the dismissal of host families in warranted cases and procedures for transferring students to a different host family.
  • Avoid concurrently hosting both adult and minor international students.
  • Provide 24-hour emergency contact information for students and host families.
  • Maintain published fee information including
    • payment of fees to whom and when;
    • per diem and monthly homestay fees;
    • services included in fees;
    • additional fees for airport pick-up or drop-off;
    • refund policy.

Host Family Responsibilities

  • Provide a caring, nurturing and supportive home environment.
  • Be 25 years of age or older and be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada.
  • Agree to scheduled in-home inspections from time-to-time.
  • Have no more than two international students at a time living in the home.
  • Provide three nutritious meals and access to snacks per day.
  • Provide a clean and tidy home with a private, adequately furnished bedroom, with access to:
    • an area with a desk, chair and adequate lighting for homework;
    • a bathroom, linens and use of laundry facilities;
    • entry into the home like any other member of the family.
    • Access to the Internet to support educational goals and consistent communication with home.
  • Ensure the home is safe and complies with the BC Building Code, fire code etc. and home has adequate fire insurance.
  • Seek medical attention when necessary and report any significant medical or health issues to the school.
  • Inform the school if the student is in contravention of the code of conduct or is engaged in illegal activity.
  • Build strong relationships with your student and include them as one of the family members.

International Student Responsibilities

Students should

  • comply with all household rules.
  • Respect the home environment and seek to get-a-long with family members.
  • engage with the host family and seek out opportunities to be part of school life.
  • Communicate regularly with their parent/guardian and with their host family.
  • Communicate significant issues or concerns to the host family, guardian, school principal or teacher.
  • Be aware that there is a BC Children's Helpline which operates 24hours per day, seven days per week (1-800-663-9122) – under 19 years of age;
  • Kids Help 1-800-668-6868 – counselling and mental health support; Kelty Mental Health – (http://keltymentalhealth.ca/) - resources for mental health, substance abuse, medications, and healthy living.

Parent/Guardian Responsibilities

Parent/Guardian’s should:

  • Accurately complete the official and current Gaglardi International Student Application forms and disclose all the relevant information as required.
  • Be familiar and sign the School Code of Conduct.
  • Support the school and host family by encouraging the student to abide by the expectations.
  • Stay in regular contact with your child.
  • Report significant concerns to the International Agents or Homestay Coordinator.
  • Understand that the school may require a student to move homestays in cases where a host family has been arranged but can no longer continue or is deemed unsuitable.
  • Understand that there are these specific resources available in Canada to support your child: BC Children's Helpline which operates 24hours per day, seven days per week (1-800-663-9122) – under 19 years of age;
  • Kids Help 1-800-668-6868 – counselling and mental health support; Kelty Mental Health – (http://keltymentalhealth.ca/) - resources for mental health, substance abuse, medications, and healthy living.

Attachments that form part of these Guidelines

  • Host Family Application
  • Host Family Agreement

 

International Homestay Guidelines approved October 7, 2015
Updated using new best practices guidelines - March 2018