Description of Accommodation

Staying with a local family is both exciting and rewarding. Host families provide the best insight into how Canadian families live their day-to-day lives. This interaction with a family will help you communicate better and faster, and allow you to pick up words and nuances used in daily situations. Students are encouraged to participate in family activities and outings.

There is no typical homestay in Toronto. Homes may be single standing homes, apartments or multifamily homes. Living in a homestay will give you a great view of all the different cultures and ethnicities that Toronto has to offer.

Choose between a single or twin room. Each room is furnished with a bed, desk, and a closet. It is important that rooms and living areas are kept neat and tidy. You will also have access to a shared bathroom. Private bathrooms are also an option, upon availability. Internet access is available in the homestay, but usage may be limited.

Meal Description

Breakfast and dinner are provided daily by the homestay host. Hosts will prepare dinner, but students may be responsible for preparing their own breakfasts.

Lunch is not included in the adult homestay programme. The host will provide room in the fridge and pantry to store any food that students may purchase.

Host families make an effort to adjust the type of food offered to the tastes of the students and take religious beliefs into consideration when preparing meals. Vegetarians or people with food allergies should specify their dietary restrictions upon booking so this information can be shared with families prior to arrival.

Breakfast varies from family to family. It is typical for Canadians to have a quick, on-the-go breakfast such as toast and a coffee. Hosts are encouraged to offer students whatever the family typically eats. Students will eat whatever the family eats and help set the table or clear up after dinner.

Dinner time is usually around 7:30 pm, but families will inform the student of the time when they eat. Not all families will sit down and have dinner together every night. It is important that the student informs the host family beforehand should they be late or not having dinner. If a student misses dinner, they cannot take it for lunch the next day, since lunch is not included in the homestay programme.