The Vernon School District is looking for families willing to introduce students from abroad to Canadian culture and their family life.
The district put a call out Monday, May 15, for families interested in hosting an international student for the upcoming school year.
“The Vernon School District welcomes students from all over the world to study in our schools,” the school district said. “Students come to experience Canadian culture and improve their English skills. We look for families who are warm and welcoming and willing to include an international student(s) as part of their family.”
Compensation has been increased for families to cover the rising costs of food, transportation and other expenses. The montly stipend is $1,000, up from $900 last year.
Homestay families come in many different configurations, including single parents, single individuals, couples with no children, young families with infants or toddlers, and families with teenagers.
When choosing host families, the school district looks for the following:
• Safe, comfortable homes
• Active families willing to share Canadian culture and their family life
• Ability to provide healthy well-balanced meals and snacks
• Willingness to provide emotional support in a caring environment
• Close proximity to the school bus or walking distance to schools
• Ability to provide transportation as needed
• A private bedroom with a window, door, closet, bed, dresser, and a desk
• Wireless access
Any families who are interested or know of anyone who might be interested are invited to contact the school district’s homestay coordinators as follows:
• Taylor Skultety, homestay coordinator for Vernon Secondary and Clarence Fulton Secondary, vernonhomestay1@sd22.bc.ca, 250-308-6893.
• Fatima Nunes, homestay coordinator for W. L. Seaton Secondary, Kalamalka Secondary and Charles Bloom Secondary, vernonhomestay2@sd22.bc.ca, 250-260-0106.
• Silmara Albi de Oliviera, homestay coordinator, vernonhomestay3@sd22.bc.ca, 250-309-3528.
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