Homestay: the best choice for new students
Students who choose homestay are expected to live with their homestay family until the end of the semester (approximately 4 months) or the end of their program of study if they are studying for less than a full semester. If students wish to move at the end of the semester, they must notify their family at least 30 days before. Currently, homestay is only available in Castlegar.
Homestay Includes
- A private room
- Three meals per day
- Laundry facilities
How to Apply
Complete the application form and return it to Selkirk College with three different pictures of yourself, a short letter of introduction for your host family, and the $100 processing fee at least one month before your anticipated arrival date.
Please fill out all parts of the application form carefully as this helps us to place you with a family that will suit you.
Contact
Costs
Initial Payments (made to Selkirk College)
- $100 homestay placement fee
- Castlegar: $3,400/semester(4 months) homestay fee
- Nelson: $3,600/Semester(4 months) homestay fee
If you need to stay with your family for additional days at the end of the semester you will be expected to pay a daily rate of $35 per day.
Please note: short term stays of less than a full semester may be possible and are charged the short term rate of $360 for 10 days and $35 - $50 per day depending on the length of stay. Please contact us to find out more about this option.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of food will I eat?
Part of the homestay experience is trying Canadian foods. You are expected to eat the same foods as the rest of the family, your host will not cook special meals for you. Be prepared to try many new tastes and maybe even develop a new favorite food.What will my room be like?
Every homestay is different, but all students will have a comfortable bed, a window that opens, a desk, chair and somewhere to store their clothes.
Will there be animals in the home?
Many homestay families have pets such as cats and dogs. Homestay's pets are friendly and treated as a member of the family.
I am a vegetarian, or do not eat certain meats. Will a host family be able to accommodate my special diet?
Please indicate on your application form which foods you do not eat in the section that asks if you need a special diet. If you do not indicate this on your application we cannot guarantee your homestay will be able to accommodate your dietary needs. We do have some host families who are also vegetarian and will be able to provide you with Canadian-style vegetarian meals that meet your dietary restrictions.
I am allergic to certain foods or animals, can this be accommodated?
Yes, please indicate on your application form what your allergies are so we can place you with a host family who is able to accommodate your needs.
Our Families
Selkirk College carefully selects homestay families who are kind, friendly, and enjoy meeting students from around the world. Your family will help you become comfortable in your new community. At Selkirk College, students' learning extends beyond the classroom.
Many homestay families have been hosting international students for more than a dozen years. Deep and lasting connections often develop and some host parents have even been invited to their former students’ weddings.
“Our host families play a huge role by helping students settle in. If they can go home to good meals and a nice family that truly cares about them—this is what students need,” explains Philomena Archambault, International Student Coordinator from 1987 to 2013. “They are in a country where they don’t know anybody. Our homestay families strive to do their best for them and the students really appreciate it.”
If you are interested in joining our homestay program and hosting International students, please contact the International Student Services Coordinator to find out about the application procedure and submit a completed host family application form and criminal record check.
Host Family application form for Castlegar
Host Family application form for Nelson
Our Students
We will match you with your homestay family based on the information you give us about yourself and the kind of experience you hope to have.