Expectations for Students
We believe your choice of accommodation is important to your success in Canada. Students who choose Homestay or Roomstay must complete an application form and must commit to a full term in Homestay. Before arrival at CultureWorks, the following amounts must be paid: one-month tuition deposit ($1,555.00 CAD), payment of the Homestay/Roomstay placement fee ($225.00 CAD), full payment of 12 weeks of Homestay fees (approximately $2,610.00 CAD) or full payment of 12 weeks of Roomstay fees (approximately $1,620.00 CAD) and your complete arrival information.
Should you decide to move out before the term is over, you will not receive a refund. At the end of the term, you can stay with your current Homestay family for another term, ask to be moved to a different Homestay family or you can decide to move out on your own. If you choose to stay in your Homestay or move to a different Homestay, you again must commit to and pre-pay CultureWorks for one full term of Homestay prior to the end of each term.
- Homestay/Roomstay placements are dealt with on a first-come first-serve basis, so it is suggested that you apply for Homestay/Roomstay at the same time that you apply for the CultureWorks program.
- Our Homestay families are chosen based on a written application and a lengthy interview process. We select people who are excited about welcoming you as a member of their family.
- Some of our Homestay/Roomstay families are close to the school and some are not. We believe the quality of the family is more important than the distance to the school. CultureWorks will not change your Homestay because of the distance from the school.
- You can choose Homestay or Roomstay. Homestay costs $29.00 per day and will include all meals. Roomstay costs $18.00 per day and no food is provided.
- In Homestay, it is expected that you will assist the family in preparing your breakfast and lunch. In both Homestay and Roomstay, you may also be expected to assist the family with daily chores, especially keeping your own bedroom and designated bathroom area clean.
- Keeping domestic pets is an important part of many Canadian families' lives. They enjoy the company and companionship of dogs, cats or rabbits. At CultureWorks we respect the fact that our students are not familiar with many animals, and may discover hidden allergies or fear of the host's pet. Although CultureWorks is sensitive to the student's request for 'no pets', and we will try to place you in those Homestays; we may not have a Homestay/Roomstay accommodation available where there are no pets.
- Many people in Canada do not smoke. Homestay hosts will sometimes allow their students to smoke outside, either in their back gardens or on their apartment balconies. It is very important that you advise us if you smoke. If you are a smoker, the Homestay Coordinator will try to place you in a Homestay where smoking is not a medical issue for the host, and where you will be allowed to smoke outside the home.
