About Homestay International students at the York Region District School Board have many opportunities to immerse into Canadian society while they are studying in our schools. The York Region District School Board (YRDSB) is committed to providing students with caring, reliable and responsible homestay accommodations to support their academic success.
Incoming YRDSB students and their families must select appropriate living arrangements for the duration of the study period. For students interested in staying in a Homestay while in YRDSB, they must apply to either:
Canada Homestay Network and MLI Homestay both offer custodianship services to students in their homestay program. Please note: If a homestay organization is not an option, then students must reside with a parent, relative or family friend, over the age of 25.
There are many benefits to selecting a YRDSB Homestay partner organization. Some of the benefits are highlighted below. Additional information is available from Canada Homestay Network (CHN) and MLI Homestay.
- Host family members are security screened Students/parents receive host family electronic profiles, with photographs
- A maximum of two students are allowed per home
- Three meals per day, including snacks and refreshments, are provided Living environments are safe and secure
- Homestay is located within close proximity to schools
- Host families are English-speaking
- Students are monitored regularly in the home
Selection Process for Homestay Families
- Family members: All homestay families undergo a detailed interview in their homes designed to evaluate their suitability for hosting international students.
- Home environment: General living spaces, including bedroom, bathroom, and laundry facilities are inspected and photographed.
- Limited hosted students: A maximum of two students are allowed per home
- Police Vulnerable Sector Screening: All homestay family members, 18 years and older, undergo a police check by the York Region Police to ensure they have no criminal record of any type.
Monitoring
Regular monitoring of the student and host family ensures they are adapting well. A toll-free, 24 hour, emergency telephone number is provided to both the student and their hosting family.