Homestay Requirements

Treat an international student living in your home:

In the way that you would treat your own teenager living in your home
In the way that you would want your own child to be treated if they were staying with a host family in a different country.

IMPORTANT Central Okanagan International Education Homestay Program follows the BC Ministry of Education and Child Care: K-12 International Student Homestay Guidelines

Additional expectations of homestays include:

Having at least one host parent complete an annual homestay workshop (~1 hour).
Annually submitting the homestay rules & expectations they will share with their international student(s).
Following all provincial and district expectations for host families.
Maintaining regular communication with program, including updates on homestay composition.

During the application process, the district requires:

Completion of the online application found HERE
Each adult member (19+ years) of a homestay family submit a criminal record check.
Successful completion of a home visit.

Homestay settings must:

Be a clean, well-organized living environment in a house, duplex, or townhouse with direct access to a private yard.
Have a private bedroom for each international student that includes a window, comfortable bed, dresser, desk, chair, lamp and internet access.
Have an easily accessible bathroom and laundry facilities for the international student.
Use English as the primary language in the home.
Host no more than two international students at one time.
Not provide accommodation for international students from other programs (i.e., K-12, college or university students).

Host parents must provide international students:

A safe, nurturing, supportive home environment.
The guidance and support reasonable to expect of adults who are assuming responsibility for the day-to-day care of a young person who is far from their family.
Support in seeking medical attention when necessary.
Kelowna International Airport pick-up upon arrival and drop-off for departure, including supporting with flight check-in, baggage drop-off, and entering security.
Three reasonable meals a day, as well as having nutritious snacks available.
Opportunities to participate in family activities.
When pre-arranged, a reasonable amount of transportation support for cultural, athletic, extra-curricular, and social activities. This can include pick-up at nearest city bus stop if route schedule is limited and/or distance from house is a factor.
Alternate Program approved adult (25+ years) supervision when away from homestay overnight. Program needs notification every time these arrangements are made.

Central Okanagan Public Schools provides homestays:

Annual Hosting Workshops.
A dedicated Program Manager for each secondary school who supports host families and international students.
An Emergency Phone Line available for homestays and students 24/7.
Compensation of $1100 per month per student (2025-2026).
Updates regarding student information and activities provided through email and available on the Program website.