Students who choose the homestay program will have the opportunity to experience an additional dimension to language learning; that is, they will acquire valuable knowledge about everyday aspects of life, leisure, and culture in a modern Canadian city. They will also be able to make practical use of their growing language skills, by reinforcing fluency and broadening vocabulary. They may also accompany the family on outings, have a chance to meet local people and see many places they might not have ventured to otherwise. Homestay also provides an important source of support and continuity for the student.

Although the benefits of having a "second" family are numerous, there are also many differences between cultures and ways of living. It is in your own interest to consider the following seriously:

Are you prepared to adapt to a very different way of life and to very different ways of communicating?
Are you sufficiently tolerant and respectful of other lifestyles, foods, household rules, etc., to be able to function successfully?
Just remember that it will initially take a few days to become fully adapted to any new living arrangement and that, in any case, you are not being asked to change your habits permanently. A cooperative attitude is absolutely essential in order to make any arrangement work. If total satisfaction is not achieved through simple adjustments, there is always a solution. Your Omnicom coordinator is the person to contact for any of your concerns in this respect, and he or she will intervene on your behalf.

What your homestay family will provide

The homestay family will be receiving you into their household like a member of the family. You will be provided with a private room that is comfortably equipped with a bed, desk, chest of drawers, closet, and proper lighting. Up to two students may share a room if they are on a short-term program. A key will be given to you in order to allow you access to the home within established hours (which means you must pay attention when locking up and never lose the key!)

Your family will provide two or three proper meals per day. In Canada, a typical weekday breakfast may include toast, coffee/tea and cereal. On holidays, a more elaborate breakfast (eggs, bacon, pancakes, etc.) may be offered. Dinner is typically held about 6 pm and the menu may vary from various kinds of meat and fish with vegetables, potatoes, to pastas and whatever the particular family enjoys. Snacks between meals may be offered.

The homestay family will most likely invite you to join them on various daily outings or excursions. You should take advantage of these opportunities to see the city and get to know your homestay family better.

Some families will do the laundry for you, while others may simply show you the facilities so you can do it at your own convenience.