Staying in a Homestay will give you the opportunity to practice English [or French] as well as a chance to experience first-hand how another family
lives.

Language in the Homestay

In most destinations, English will be spoken at all times. However, Nacel Canada does offer French speaking Homestays in Québec City and Montréal at your request.

Expectations for participant conduct

• The participant must follow all household rules.
• The participant must carry the host family name, address and phone number with them at all times.
• The participant will receive a house key. The participant must respect the security of the house. The key must be returned upon departure.
• The participant will be given a clean, comfortable private room, equipped with a bed, desk, dresser, closet and good lighting.
• The participant is not expected to do housework but will be expected to take care of their own possessions and their room.
• The participant should spend time with the host family in regular activities and on holidays (Christmas, New Year's etc…) as this will help to improve their English while learning about a family from a different culture. Participants may choose not to join the family on outings, which may have an added cost.

Meals

Participants can expect healthy meals during their Homestay, typical meals can include:

1. Breakfast: A typical breakfast may range from cereal, toast and jam, juice or coffee on weekdays to bacon and eggs or pancakes on weekends. Some host families will make your breakfast for you and others will ask you to make it yourself.
2. Dinners: Are typically the major meal of the day, generally serving is meat, starch and vegetables, which can be any family speciality.

The participant should try to eat breakfast and dinner with the family. It is polite to offer to help with housework, preparation of the meals, cleaning the dishes after a meal and washing after eating a snack.

Type of meal and times varies from family to family (dinner time is usually around 18:00). The participant should call the family informing them if they will miss meals. The family will not be expected to prepare late meals for the participant.

Hygiene

• The participant will be shown which bathroom they should use. Bath/shower lengths may be restricted, please inquire with family.
• The participant should be aware of laundry arrangements (number of times per week, self-service or with family assistance). The participant should also be aware of household energy conservation practices.
• The participant is expected to keep their room tidy and clean.

Emergencies

Family will provide work numbers. The participant may also at any time contact local coordinator or Nacel at the emergency phone number provided upon arrival.