Homestay: Life With A Canadian Family

At Sacred Heart School of Halifax our philosophy toward our Homestay Program is very simple – our families are asked to not just open their home to an international student, but to open their hearts as well.

Sacred Heart doesn’t offer a boarding program, but instead places international students directly into the homes of Canadian families here in Halifax. This much more personalized program means students are welcomed into a safe, caring, and supportive home environment and treated like part of a family. In this family atmosphere, they can practice their English, explore Halifax and Nova Scotia, and experience Canadian culture, all while attending Sacred Heart with a small group of international students and domestic students.

We ask host families to treat their international student like one of their own children and to provide them with love, care, and support. They must provide them with their own fully-furnished and well-equipped bedroom and study area, ensure they have nutritious meals and snacks, and encourage them to participate in their day-to-day family life.

Our Homestay Program is managed by our partner, International Student Guardianship Canada (ISGC). Founded in 2006, ISGC provides superior guardianship services to students from more than 40 countries in multiple languages including Chinese, Korean, German Ukrainian, Russian, Spanish, Japanese, and French.

Canadian Host Family Accommodation

• 24-hour adult supervision (including curfews and house rules)
• 24-hour Student Emergency number 3 Dedicated homestay team
• Meals and snacks
• English speaking environment
• Private room (bed, linens, towels, closet, desk) 3 Access to Phone, TV, and Internet
• Access and instruction on public transportation

Families who host a student are provided with a tax-free monthly stipend to cover all related expenses. If you are interested in becoming a host family, please email our Admissions Team. A thorough vetting process will take place to ensure a good match between host families and international students. You can also contact our Admissions Department to find out more information about our Homestay program.