THUNDER BAY – A program that brings youth from around the world to study at Thunder Bay high schools is looking for host families.
Steven Johnson, international student coordinator with the Lakehead District School Board, said the board is still seeking host families for September, in part due to some last-minute cancellations.
As part of a host family himself, he said he has no hesitation in recommending the experience to others.
“You get to learn about a new culture, you get to help the student adapt and transition to a new city,” he said. “The families often become the student’s second family – you’re building life-long connections… Many times, the students come back and visit the families, or families are going to their home countries and visiting them.”
The board launched its international student recruitment program in 2015.
Last year, it brought 45 students to Thunder Bay from countries including Germany, Spain, Switzerland, Slovenia, Japan, Vietnam, China, Chile, and Mexico.
The number of local host families is the major bottleneck for the program’s growth, Johnson said.
“We’re hoping to grow this program even larger,” he said. “Our biggest challenge is finding the host families, so we definitely need the help of our community to try this experience in hosting international students.”
Students can come for three to four months, a semester, or a full school year.
“What they’re coming for is kind of different for each of the students,” said Johnson. “Some students are looking for that cultural experience, while others are staying more long-term and trying to earn a Canadian high-school diploma, and then they continue on to post-secondary in Canada.”
He noted the students pay a tuition fee, which he called a significant financial commitment.
Serving as a host family involves providing a private bedroom, room and board, and including the student in activities.
“The responsibilities of the host family is to provide room and board, a private bedroom, support the student’s adjustment to a new culture, and just involving them in the family activities,” he said. “But the most important part is really just to make them feel at home and help support them.”
Prospective families undergo a house visit, interview process, and background checks. Families receive a monthly stipend of $775 per month, an amount that is tax-exempt.
In the past, host families have included parents of high school students, retirees, teachers, and others.
Johnson called the program a win-win, offering new opportunities for international students while enriching local students’ educational experience.
“One of the original goals of starting this international program was to try to bring as many new cultures into our schools [as possible], in the hopes that our students are encouraged to become global ambassadors and go study abroad themselves. They’re exposed to diverse perspectives that can help students become more open-minded and empathetic.”
Those interested in serving as a host family can find more information online or by emailing international@lakeheadschools.ca.