Homestay in Canada

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What is a homestay?

A homestay is the living arrangement most ESL students choose. This means that the student will live with a Canadian family. The student becomes a part of the family and has their own bedroom just like a member of the family. The homestay family provides meals each day.

Benefits of a homestay
One of the main benefits is that the student will be constantly practicing and using their English and therefore improving their English level in all areas. Conversation, pronunciation, listening skills and gaining a greater cultural understanding of Canadian families and lifestyle.

Homestay families are carefully chosen and screened by schools before the student arrives. The families also can get support from the school with cultural issues and guidance before the student arrives.

Canada Homestay - ESL Schools

The homestay house will usually be quite close to the school. Students like being able to walk to their English school and home after studying.

Cost: Approximately $600.00 – $700.00 Canadian Dollars each month. Students will also have to pay for any phone calls (long distance) separately.

Halifax has the cheapest rental costs among all of the ESL cities in Canada and it is also better if students share an apartment. For this to happen you have to know someone, or find a roommate.

Cost: Varies, depending on the type of apartment and location. You will have to pay rent at the beginning of each month and before you move in you will have to pay a security (damage) deposit. If the apartment is in the same condition and nothing is broken, you will get your damage deposit back when your lease expires.

Leases: If you sign a lease it will generally be for 1 year. A lease is a legal contract between the student and the landlord (Owner of the apartment). If you choose to leave the apartment early you may have to pay a penalty or forfeit your security deposit. Many students also like to rent on a month to month basis. This means that your “lease” is only for 1 month and you continue to pay for as many months as you stay.