Catholic Board accepting ‘homestay families’ for international students

Some of the requirements for prospective families include providing three meals a day, a private bedroom, and a place to study along with a criminal background check.

Before the pandemic the MHCBE had anticipated between 30 and 40 international students to join the fold, which has obviously been put on hold.

Thankfully, Simmons said there is still plenty of interest in the program.

“Luckily, we have had no kids cancel out of the program,” said Simmons. “Most of them have deferred, which is a good testimony to how we’re dealing with the pandemic in Canada. Globally, everybody is very, very happy with what we’ve been doing in Canada. So, now we’re just waiting for the borders to open and I think once that opens the flood waters will start to come into our school district.”

Stays for international students with the MHCBE can range between three and 12 months depending on the programming they’re taking.

Simmons added finding a home for these prospective students can make all the difference in helping to ease the stress of schooling in a new country,

“To have a loving family that’s going to nurture their existence, make them part of their home, take them around to see some of the sights in Alberta and just treat them like one of their own, that’s really one of the challenging things,” said Simmons.

While the district is hopeful that some international students will be able to start in October, they are hopeful more students will be able to start by January.

Those interested in becoming a ‘homestay family’ are encouraged to contact Simmons at wanda.simmons@mhcbe.ab.ca or by phone at 403-502-6081.

by Scott Roblin

Catholic Board accepting ‘homestay families’ for international students

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