International students may choose to participate in homestay with a local family while enrolled in a Vancouver public school.

• students experience Canadian culture, customs, expectations
• orientation information session
• custodianship available, if requested
• support and supervision by homestay co-ordinator
• airport pickup possible upon request

Host families provide:

• welcoming, friendly environment
• caring host parents
• private bedroom
• study area with window
• three meals a day

The Vancouver School Board does not offer homestay placement nor custodianship services.  If secondary students need homestay and/or custodianship services from homestay providers, please ensure that their homestay arrangements comply with the BC Ministry of Education Homestay Guidelines.  A list of Vancouver area homestay providers is available upon request from the International Education office. 

How to apply for homestay

1. Complete the application process for the VSB international program and pay tuition and medical insurance fees.
2. Apply to a homestay provider.  Complete the homestay application form as soon as possible, as host family accommodation is limited.
3. A host family placement will be made, according to school location and other preferences as closely as possible.
4. Students will receive a profile of their host family, with contact information, from the homestay provider.
5. Send the VSB Custodianship Agreement and the Student Information Form to the International Education office at: intered@vsb.bc.ca.