The Calgary Board of Education works with Canada Homestay Network (CHN) to place students with excellent host families in the City of Calgary. The process for admitting host families into the homestay program is a rigorous one.

All families:

  • Have had a thorough interview to determine suitability;
  • Have had a homestay inspection;
  • Have had references checked;
  • Passed a police record check;
  • Are enthusiastic to receive international students

Once the student is placed in the home, supervision and support are provided by CHN’s Relationship Managers throughout the program.

International students and their parents have access to the Relationship Managers 24 hours a day in the event of a problem or emergency.

For students requesting homestay placement, visit Canada Homestay Network’s website.

Hosting Information

The Calgary Board of Education works with Canada Homestay Network (CHN) to place students with excellent host families in the City of Calgary.  We are seeking enthusiastic, outgoing families who are interested in welcoming international students into their family life. We would like to talk to you if:

  • You have an extra bedroom;
  • You have a clean police record (everyone over 16 in the house);
  • You have time for a new member of your “family” (eg., are home for dinner and have free weekends);
  • English is the primary language spoken in your home.

There are a  wide variety of hosting situations available year round. You can choose from short term and/or long term placements and/or adult or high school aged students.

If you are interested, please contact Canada Homestay Network to apply.

Private Homestay Arrangements

If you are not using the services of Canada Homestay Network and are arranging homestay privately for your child, you accept all risks and responsibilities for these arrangements. 

Whether you are making the arrangements directly or working through a placement agency, we strongly suggest you ask yourself the following questions before agreeing to have your child live in that home: 

  • How are you determining the suitability of the home for your child? Have you communicated with the host(s)? Have you seen photos of the home? Do you have a local friend or family member that could go to the home, meet the family, and have a tour including the student’s bedroom?
  • If working through a company, what is their process for adding host families to their list of available homes? Have they inspected the home? Have they thoroughly interviewed all members of the home?
  • Do all members of the home who are over 18 years of age have a valid police check and vulnerable sector check through the Calgary Police Service?
  • Is the home clean and safe? Will your child have their own bedroom with study area and closet?
  • Do you know who else will be living in the home at the time your child will be studying in Calgary? Do they host other international students? Do they have experience hosting international students? 
  • Do they have pets? If so, do you know the details?
  • Has the family agreed to offer three nutritious meals per day plus all snacks?
  • Do you understand that every address in Calgary has a designated school and your child must attend the school designated for the home address you are arranging?
  • Do you understand that if your child moves outside of the school’s boundaries during the school year, he/she can finish the school year at that school and then will be required to move to the designated school for the start of the next school year?
  •  If working with a placement company, will they support you to find another home if the arrangements do not work out for whatever reason?
  • If you entered into a direct placement arrangement, what is your alternate plan if your child needs to move? 
  • Does the host family understand the expectations for hosting a minor child? Whether they are taking custodianship of your child or you have another custodian, there are strict guidelines in place for all host families. Details as follows:

 Hosts Shall 

  • Be 25 years of age or older.
  • Be Canadian Citizens or Permanent Residents.
  • Be a full-time resident in the city of Calgary.
  • Ensure that the school and Global Learning have current custodian's contact information on record (i.e., address, phone number, e-mail, cell number, English speaking contact).
  • Be easily accessible at all times.
  • Be in contact with parents in times of emergency.
  • Understand that you are acting as the student’s parent(s) and have discussed expectations with the biological parents regarding homework, behavior, free time, curfews and anything else to do with the smooth operation within your home.
  • *Sign papers and permission forms from the school.
  • *Attend disciplinary meetings called by the school administration (suspensions) if required.
  • *Attend parent-teacher conferences regarding the student’s progress, concerns, and educational planning for the student.
  • Provide support and encouragement for the student by attending performances, displays, etc.
  • *Provide the school with a notice in writing if the custodian will be absent from the city, detailing length of absence and the alternate custodian arrangements that have been made (including full contact information).
  • *Be willing to be a liaison between the school and the parent.
  • *Attend Orientation Meetings (high school), which will help clarify the role of the custodian, the expectations of the school, and the Alberta school program.
  • *Assist in setting up initial appointments for assessment and registration at the school (elementary and junior high) and attend those appointments with the student.
  • Take an active role in supporting the student.
  • Be accountable for making alternate arrangements (in discussion with the biological parents) in the case where the current custodian is no longer able to continue with custodianship for any reason. The CBE is not responsible for arranging alternate care of the student.
  • *May not be applicable if host parent is not the custodian (should be discussed with custodian to determine roles and responsibilities)

Additional Questions

Am I required to live in Calgary while my child studies?

If your child is in elementary school (aged 12 and under), he/she must have a parent living in Calgary for the entire duration of his/her studies or live with someone who has been verified to be an immediate family member. Please contact us for further details. Please note: if you are living in Calgary with your child while he/she studies, your child is not required to have a custodian.

Can Global Learning arrange homestay accommodations for my child?

Global Learning is partnered with Canada Homestay Network who arranges for homestay accommodations if your child is between 15-18 years of age. For details and application information visit the Canada Homestay Network website.