Welcome to the
world of cultural
exchange!
If you're eager to open your home to international students, share your daily life, and explore diverse cultures, becoming a Homestay Family is perfect for you! Provide 2 or 3 meals daily, and offer a furnished private bedroom.
Why Host?
Embark on a journey of cultural discovery and reap the rewards:
The World at Your Doorstep: Hosting students is like traveling without leaving home. Dive into different cultures through shared beliefs, traditions, and food.
Rediscover Your Country: Explore your city anew with your student, sharing tips and sights. Rediscover the beauty of Canada through fresh eyes.
Help Students Achieve Dreams: Your warm welcome and support can make a lasting impact on their language skills, professional endeavors, and community contributions.
Put Your Spare Rooms to Good Use: Empty nesters, embrace the companionship of international students while earning estra income.
Join Our Community: MS Homestays is more than a placement agency; it’s a supportive community. You’re never alone; we’re here to support you promptly and professionally.
Unable to provide meals?
If you have a fully furnished independent space with one or several bedrooms, an equipped kitchen, and a bathroom, promote it through our HOMESTAY FAMILY APARTMENTS
Host Families’ Requirements
Host families, eager and friendly, guide students through city life—teaching public transport, commuting, local spots, and safety tips at the start of their stay.
Speak English or French as the main language at home.
Provide a safe, caring and positive environment, just as you would for any member of your family.
Offer a comfortable, bright, clean, and fully furnished private bedroom.
Offer nutritious meals or access to the kitchen
Start Your Hosting Journey in Four Simple Steps
1
Complete the application form
Begin your hosting journey by completing the application form, providing essential personal information to initiate the process efficiently.
2
Fill out your profile
Complete your profile with contact info, family details, hosting preferences, pictures, and criminal record checks. We use this to match students thoughtfully.
3
Visit to your home and in-person interviews
MS Homestays will contact you for an interview and a home visit. This ensures a thorough inspection and explanation of the placement process.
4
You are ready to host!
Once you have successfully completed the interview and received your criminal background check, you will become part of the MS Homestays community.
Explore partnership opportunities with MS Homestays!
Local businesses can offer special promotions to international students. Students can share experiences, and website owners can earn by referring people as affiliate partners. Join our program to promote services to students, attract new customers, and earn without fees.
MS Homestays employs a professional matching system for precise pairings. Before arrival, host families receive a detailed student profile, encouraging early communication for a successful homestay.
We take your preferences into consideration during the matching process. While we aim to accommodate requests, flexibility is appreciated, as it increases the likelihood of successful matches.
The meal plan typically includes two or three daily meals, depending on the student’s preference. Breakfast and lunch are self-served, while dinner is a hot meal prepared by the host family. Lunch is a packed meal for the student to take to school.
Before placing any student with a host family, we share comprehensive student profiles, including crucial details like dietary restrictions or food allergies. Host families then decide if they are willing and available to accommodate the student’s specific needs.
We expect host families to enthusiastically engage with students, fostering a friendly and flexible atmosphere. Hosts play a vital role in orienting students to the city, providing guidance on public transportation, commuting to school, local shop locations, and essential personal safety tips.
Yes, guidelines are provided to ensure a positive experience for both students and host families. This includes respecting each other’s privacy and adhering to house rules.
Basic bedding and towels are provided by the host family. While it’s recommended for the student to bring their towel, it’s ultimately up to their preference.
The frequency of matches depends on the demand for host families and the compatibility of your household with the students’ preferences. We strive to keep host families actively engaged.
Our dedicated staff will assist in reconciliation, managing expectations, and addressing cultural differences. If issues persist, we’ll arrange a host family change. Urgent changes made immediately.
Informing MS Homestays in advance allows us to plan accordingly. Temporary hosting breaks are possible, and we’ll work together to ensure a smooth transition for the student during your absence.
Yes, if your living space allows, you can host multiple students simultaneously. It’s a great way to enhance the cultural exchange experience and build a diverse household.
Host families frequently enjoy local outings, cultural events, and shared meals with students, creating lasting memories. Everyday activities, like grocery shopping together, also strengthen bonds.
The homestay covers essential services such as electricity, water, and Wi-Fi. However, the student is responsible for personal items like laundry soap, toothpaste, shampoo, and similar necessities.
Once a student is placed, host families receive a detailed payment schedule outlining the amounts and payment dates. Payments are made upfront monthly via direct deposit or e-transfer. The initial payment, after the first 7 days, ensures a smooth start, with subsequent payments processed upfront.
MS Homestays takes responsibility for all payments and handles the entire payment process, collecting payments directly from the students. Regardless of any payment delays or issues on the student’s end, we ensure timely payments to the host family. This approach eliminates any potential misunderstandings or problems, as transactions are managed centrally to guarantee a smooth and worry-free experience for both hosts and students.
The compensation for host families varies based on factors such as the length of the student’s stay, meal plan, additional services provided, and the age of the students. For detailed information on payment structures, please contact us directly.
MS Homestays provides ongoing support to host families, including regular check-ins, resources on cultural exchange, and assistance in addressing any challenges that may arise during the hosting period.
In case of emergencies, the host family is expected to prioritize the student’s immediate well-being by calling 911 or taking them to the hospital. Simultaneously, please report the situation to us as soon as possible. If the issue permits, contact us directly to address the emergency. For emergencies, MS Homestays provides a dedicated 24/7 contact line for swift assistance.