student exchange canada High School in Canada: Proudly represented by English in Canada: An International Teachers' Initiative

High School in Canada: 5 or 10 Months

Canadian Host Families

Rockway is not a residential school. However, some students require a host family because they come to us from overseas. Rockway selects Canadian host families and matches students and families:

I. Rockway expects host families to:

1. Provide a secure and comfortable home environment for students by modeling high spiritual, moral and ethical standards understanding the basic philosophy and ground rules of the school.

2. Meet Rockway's approval through a visit with the Student Host Convener and references if required.

3. Offer 3 meals per day (including a lunch for school). Food is very important to international students and where possible, adjustments should occasionally be made.

4. Live within reasonable proximity of the school and/or a bus stop. If transportation is required, the host family will help to make arrangements. Any costs will be covered by the student.

5. Have student accommodation that provides an area for study and an opportunity for privacy. Ideally, one furnished bedroom (including a bed, dresser, desk) should be provided per student.

6. Have a desire and/or experience in relating to teens.

7. Create a positive cross-cultural experience for international students.8. Accommodate the extra curricular activities by having a somewhat flexible schedule.9. Consider the student a member of the family by acting as surrogate parents, especially for younger students, and integrating international students into a Canadian home.

Rockway expects that the host family will commit to keeping the student until the end of the school year in June. If the student wants to stay over the summer, this will need to be negotiated separately.

II. Host families expect students to:

1. Be good ambassadors and make an effort to create a positive cross-cultural experience.

2. Know and respect the house rules set by the host family (these will vary somewhat according to each family).

3. Inform hosts in advance about plans - e.g. absences, inviting friends, return times.

4. Phone calls should be kept to a maximum of 10 minutes, allowing for occasional long distance calls from home. Phone bills need to be paid to Host Families on time.

5. Do some household chores as other family members are expected to do and keep rooms reasonably tidy.

6. Integrate into the household as much as possible and adjust to eating Canadian food.

III. Points for discussion:

Fees: If the boarding fees are not paid by Rockway, the student should promptly pay the mutually agreed upon boarding rate.

Moving: It is assumed that students live with the host family for the agreed time period of the school year. If students need to leave early, one month's notice is recommended.

Getting Along: Each Host Family will have special house rules which should be discussed with the student. These should include: bed time, household chores, use of laundry facilities, decorating the student's bedroom etc. Students are NOT allowed to smoke in the Host Family’s home. Host Families should monitor (but not strictly enforce) the following: school attendance, homework and study hours, number of nights out and places to go or not to go. Hosts Families meeting these expectations can expect the affirmation and support of the school administration if difficulties arise.

IV. Communication

1. The school's International Student Advisor will help with student concerns.
2. Rockway hosts approximately 2 meetings with Host Families per year.
3. Report Cards will be mailed to the student’s parents.
4. Host Families will receive UPDATE monthly which notes school activities and schedules.
5 . Host Families will be contacted by the school if a student is absent.Rockway's service include matches host families and students and make sure students are well cared for.

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