Become a Host Family
Open your home. Welcome a student. Build a connection that lasts.
Every year, international and domestic students travel to Vancouver to begin a new chapter. By opening your home, you help them feel welcomed, supported, and confident as they adjust to a new city.
But hosting is more than giving a student a place to stay. It's an opportunity to learn about another culture, share your own traditions, and build meaningful relationships that often last well beyond the homestay.
Many of our host families tell us that hosting has broadened their perspective, enriched their family life, and created friendships they never expected. For students, it's a chance to feel at home. For host families, it can be just as rewarding.
A Diverse Community of Host Families
There is no "typical" host family.
Our hosts include families with children, couples, single parents, empty nesters, and single adults. They come from many different cultural backgrounds and life experiences, reflecting the diversity that makes Canada unique.
English does not need to be your first language. However, host families are asked to speak English in the students' presence, giving students opportunities to practice their language skills, build confidence, and feel included in everyday family conversations. Students also appreciate learning about Canada’s multicultural communities while sharing their own traditions and experiences.
Every homestay is unique, and every cultural exchange creates opportunities for learning, friendship, and personal growth—for both the student and the host family.
What it means to be a host family
Being a host family is about more than providing a room—it's about helping a student feel at home while they build a new life in Vancouver.
The most successful host families are welcoming, patient, and interested in learning about other cultures. They understand that adjusting to a new country takes time and are committed to helping students feel comfortable, included, and supported throughout their stay.
As a host family, you'll:
- Provide a safe, clean, and welcoming home environment.
- Offer a private, furnished bedroom and three nutritious meals each day.
- Include your student in everyday family life and activities whenever possible.
- Encourage conversations that help your student practise English and build confidence.
- Help your student become familiar with daily life in Canada, such as using public transit, understanding local customs, and discovering community activities.
- Communicate openly and respectfully, recognizing that cultural differences are part of the learning experience.
- Partner with the Langara Homestay team whenever questions or concerns arise.
You don't need to have travelled the world or have previous hosting experience. What matters most is your willingness to open your home, share your daily life, and help a student feel welcomed and supported.
How we select host families
Creating a safe, welcoming, and positive homestay experience begins with carefully selecting every host family. Our selection process helps ensure that students are matched with homes that meet our standards for safety, comfort, and support.
The selection process includes:
Application and Initial Screening
Complete an application package and participate in an initial screening to help us get to know you and your household.
Home Inspection
A Homestay Coordinator visits your home to ensure it provides a safe, comfortable environment, including a private bedroom and appropriate study space for your student.
Personal Interview
Meet with a Homestay Coordinator to discuss your interest in hosting, answer questions, and learn more about the program and expectations.
Criminal Record Checks
All adult members of the household are required to complete criminal record checks.
Ongoing Support and Quality Assurance
Hosting is a partnership. Throughout your time in the program, we stay in touch through regular check-ins and ongoing evaluations to support both you and your student and help maintain a positive homestay experience.
They truly care about me.
They ask when I have a cold or am not feeling well whether I need help or special care. I really enjoy the moments when I am with them.”
— Jialin Zhang
They made me feel welcome from the beginning.
Their atmosphere is so good. They are kind, friendly, thoughtful, warm-hearted, and always make me feel comfortable.”
— Meguru Ozawa
Why host families choose Langara
Connections That Last
Many of our host families have been part of the Langara Homestay community for more than a decade and built relationships with students that last long after their homestay ends.
These relationships reflect what makes homestay special: the friendships, cultural exchanges, and shared experiences that continue long after a student's stay ends.
Culture Shared, Perspectives Expanded
Hosting creates a unique opportunity for cultural exchange.
You can introduce a student to your traditions, everyday life, and your community while learning about their culture, language, and experiences. Welcoming a student brings new perspectives and enriching experiences into their own lives.
A Chance to Make a Difference
A host family can be one of the most important connections a student makes when arriving in Vancouver.
By providing a safe and supportive home, you help students adjust to a new country, build confidence, practise English, and succeed both academically and personally.
Trusted Experience, Dedicated Support
Langara Homestay is one of Canada's longest-running homestay programs, supported by an experienced team dedicated to creating positive experiences for both students and host families.
As a host family, you receive:
- Guidance and support from experienced Homestay Coordinators.
- Training and resources to help you feel prepared.
- Regular check-ins throughout your hosting experience.
- Support whenever questions or challenges arise.
Our coordinators connect with you approximately three times per semester to provide guidance, answer questions, and help ensure a positive experience for both you and your student.
Compensation for Your Support
Host families receive monthly compensation for providing accommodation and meals. This recognizes the time, care, and resources involved in creating a welcoming home environment for students.
Homestay office
Email: homestay [at] langara.ca (homestay[at]langara[dot]ca)
Telephone: 604.323.5696
Office: Langara Global. A Building, First Floor, Room A107
Hours of Operation: Monday to Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
An emergency number is available for urgent situations outside regular office hours.
