ELC Homestay Student Manual

Homestay Student ManualThank you for choosing to live with a Canadian homestay host while youstudy at the University of Victoria. Inside this manual, you will find helpfultips and information about your responsibilities as an international studentliving in homestay. We are excited to welcome you to Canada!uvic.ca/elc/homestay

Welcome to UVic HomestayLiving with a Canadian homestay host can an open mind, you will be able to appreciate all the differencesbe a wonderful cultural experience. While in you will encounter.homestay, you will have the opportunity topractice your English skills, experience Just as each of you are different, so are your hosts! You willCanadian life and meet new people. have a different experience from your friends, so please do not compare your host with others. Appreciate your hosts for whoThe first few weeks of living in a new country, with a new family, they are and make every effort to enjoy your time with yourmay seem difficult. There will be lots of adjustments and new new Canadian family.information. Some things may be similar, but some will bedifferent: from how you greet others, to weather conditions. We Expectationsknow that where you live will have a big impact on your overallexperience. We hope you keep an open mind during your It is important that the students and the host have commonstay in Victoria. The more effort you put into your homestay expectations regarding everyday living arrangements. In orderexperience, the more reward you will gain. to make this a good experience for everyone, please keep the following in mind:Appreciate the differences • Make an effort to participate in host activitiesLiving with your new host may take some getting used to. Youare strangers living in a family environment, while sharing a • Show consideration and tolerance to host family membershome, meals and time together. You will soon get to know eachother well and feel much more at ease. • Respect household rulesGood relationships are based on mutual respect, being polite, If you have any questions or concerns, please talk to your hostand communicating openly. Your homestay experience will as soon as possible.largely depend on your own attitude. It is important that youare flexible and keep an open mind with your family. By having Student responsibilities While you will not have chores to do in the home, you are expected to help out like any member of the family. This includes helping set or clear the table around mealtimes, taking2

your dishes to the kitchen, taking out the garbage or recycling, Each host manages their home differently. It is important thatcleaning up after yourself, and keeping your bedroom clean you be considerate of their requests.and tidy. All hosts will have a set of house guidelines or rulesthat you will be expected to follow; however, these rules should Your privacynot contradict the UVic Homestay Guidelines for Students (pages12-13). You are not expected to babysit, do heavy cleaning or Your room is your private space, so your host will normallygarden work, or cook meals, unless you have offered to do so. not enter your room without asking you first. Your host is responsible for the security, safety and comfort of the home, soAs an adult international student living in a Canadian home, your host may need to enter your room if:you are required to: • the heat or lights are left on• prepare your own breakfast, lunch and snacks • the window is left open • wet clothing / towels are left on the furniture or floor• keep your bedroom clean and tidy • the room smells like smoke • your host needs to clean or repair something• clean up after yourself in the bathroom, kitchen or other • your host is concerned about the safety or condition shared spaces of their home• bring your dirty dishes to the kitchen after you are finished • there is an emergency in your room eating or drinking • wash your clothes and bed linens in the laundry machines Stay connected with UVic Homestay • recycle items in the appropriate bins/location /UVicHomestayFamilies• contact your host if you will be late for dinner or if your evening plans change• keep your emergency contact card with you at all times• always be respectful and polite with all members of your new Canadian family 3

Helpful Tips for a If you are having difficulty expressing yourself:Successful HomestayExperience • Write it down before you say itDo you spend your free time in • Use your dictionaryyour room? • Use gestures to help explain what you meanDo you want to interact more with your host, but don’t knowhow? Here are some suggestions: • Talk to one family member at a time — it can be difficult to talk with many people at once• Offer to set the table for dinner• Offer to help prepare dinner — if you don’t know how to Don’t be afraid to make mistakes and to ask your host to repeat themselves if you didn’t understand. Tell your host cook, ask your host to help you learn if you have any questions or concerns:• Offer to teach your host how to make a typical meal from • I’m sorry, I don’t understand. Can you please explain? your home country• Ask your host for help with your homework Remember that your host wants to support you and help you• Ask your host to go for a walk improve your speaking and listening skills while you are here• Ask your host if they would like to play a game or do a puzzle in Victoria.• Show your host photos of your family or home country• Suggest watching a TV show / movie together Problem solving• Ask your host to teach you how to bake some Canadian treats• Offer to teach your host a few words in your native language Getting used to living with a new family will take some time. It is common for there to be misunderstandings as the culturesConversation tips and lifestyles can be very different. The language barrier can also play a significant role. If a problem should arise, it is yourAre you nervous about starting a conversation with your responsibility to speak to your host to try to solve the issue.host? Here are some tips to assist you in getting to know yourhost better. • If you have a problem, please make sure that you talk to your host in a positive manner so that you can solve the problemAsk open-ended questions instead of yes/no questions: together.• What do you like best about living in Victoria? • Please refer to the Communicating With Your Host Family• What do you do at work? information chart (pages 8-9) for some helpful sentences that• Which countries have you visited? you can use. Speak openly with your host about any concerns• What are your hobbies or interests? or difficulties you are having in their home.• What do you know about my country and culture?• Can you tell me about some differences between Canadian If you have any of the following questions or are unsure about your homestay experience, please email us at culture and my culture? [email protected] or come talk to a Homestay Coordinator:• Can you suggest some fun activities to do while I am staying • What should I say to my host about a particular problem? in Victoria? • What is common Canadian behaviour (or common customs)Interview your host about a topic that you are learning in a Canadian home? For example:about in class: »» Should you take off your hat at the dinner table?• What do you think about __________? Yes, it is considered impolite in Canada to wear a hat at dinner.• What’s your opinion regarding __________?• Can you tell me something about __________? »» Do you have to clean up after preparing a snack? Yes, all family members and guests should clean up any mess or dishes that they have used in the kitchen. • What is my role in my host’s home? For example: »» If your host invites you to dinner at a restaurant, do you pay? No, you should not pay because your host is responsible for providing you with dinner each night. »» Should you help clean up the dishes after dinner each night? Yes, each member of a Canadian family helps to set the table before dinner and clean off the table after dinner.4

bringing international students andCanadian families together for over 30 years 5

Eating etiquette Remember to always say “please” when you are asking for something and “thank you” after you have received it. It isEating habits can be very different from country to country. customary in Canada to thank the cook for the tasty food thatPlease follow these guidelines to help you adjust to Canadian you have just finished eating:eating styles and to feel more comfortable in your home: “Thank you very much for dinner. It was delicious!”• Try to eat quietly. Making loud noises while eating (slurping, burping, etc.) is considered rude in Canadian culture. Lunch bag ideas• Do not eat with your mouth open. Many Canadian families Hosts may provide you with foods that you are unfamiliar enjoy conversation during meals, but it is impolite to talk with or that you have never tasted before. Please keep an while you have food in your mouth. open mind and try to enjoy the food provided. Most Canadian lunches include a sandwich, a snack, some fruit and a drink.• Leave enough food for the rest of the family and try not to Here are some ideas to help you pack your lunches. waste food. Serve yourself a small portion and then, after everyone has been served, go back for more if you are still Sandwiches: Usually 2 slices of bread, or 1 pita, bagel, croissant, hungry. soft tortilla shell or bun with meat, vegetables or cheese inside.• Use a knife and fork for most meals. If you are not sure how to Typical sandwiches are: eat something, watch to see how your host eats it. • Sandwich meat, mustard, mayonnaise and lettuce• Do not eat in your room, unless your host gives you permission. If you are allowed to take a small snack into your • Cucumber and cream-cheese room, please make sure that you do not leave the dirty dishes in your room. Take the dishes back to the kitchen, wash them, • Peanut butter with jam or honey and return them to their proper place. • BLT: bacon, lettuce, tomato and mayonnaiseHere are some useful phrases to use during meal times: • Tuna fish • May I please have another serving? • Egg Salad• Could you please pass the _______? • Banana, peanut butter and honey• I’m sorry, I took too much food. Could I please wrap it up for leftovers? • Mixed vegetables (tomato, avocado, cucumber), cheese and alfalfa sprouts6

Leftovers: It is also common in Canada to take “leftovers” for Bathroom 101lunch. Families will sometimes make extra portions of thedinner meal so that family members can take this food for Bathrooms and bathroom etiquette in Canada may be verylunch the next day. These extra portions are called “leftovers”. different from those in your home country. Here are a few helpful hints to make your adjustment to your Canadian homeMicrowaves are available on campus for you to heat up your a little easier.lunch. They are located in the Continuing Studies Building, theStudent Union Building (SUB), Finnerty Café (Lower Bookstore) Showers:and the University Centre Cafeteria (Mystic Market). • Keep your shower time to 10 minutes as hot water is limitedTypical leftovers are: in Canadian homes• Pasta • Make sure the shower curtain is inside the bathtub before starting the shower• Burritos • Turn on the fan or open the window so that the moisture can• Pizza escape from the bathroom during your shower• Meat or fish with rice or potatoes • If water drips onto the floor from the shower, ask your host for a towel so that you can wipe it up• Stir-fried rice with vegetables • Talk with your host family to set up a shower scheduleSnacks: Small food items for you to eat in between meals, if youare hungry. You can also eat your snacks at lunchtime with your • Do not shower between 10 pm and 7 am as this may disturbmain lunch items. other people in the homeTypical lunch snacks are: Toilet:• Cheese and crackers • Always flush the toilet after you use it• Yogurt • Use small amounts of toilet paper• Instant soups and noodles (just add hot water) • Regular toilet paper should be put in the toilet — please do not put this in the garbage can• Fruit such as apples, oranges and bananas • Never flush large objects such as feminine hygiene products• Trail mix (mixture of peanuts, raisins and chocolate chips) (tampons or pads) down the toilet — wrap them in toilet paper and place them in the bathroom garbage can• Raw vegetables such as carrot and celery sticks Please keep the bathroom clean and tidy. If you have a• Rice cakes, muffins, cookies or granola bars private bathroom, you are responsible for cleaning the bathroom yourself. If the toilet becomes blocked, tell your• Tortilla chips and salsa host immediately so it can be fixed before there is flooding or damage to the home. They will be happy you told them!Helpful sentences: Your host will want to know what foodsyou like and dislike eating when they are buying groceries Scented productsfor your meals. Here are some direct, but polite, examples ofsentences you can use when talking to your host about lunch Fragrance sensitivities and allergies are becoming common infood options: Canada. When exposed to scents such as perfumes, deodorants or other strong smells, people with fragrance allergies can• Thank you for buying the food for my lunches. I would like to have mild to severe reactions such as migraines, skin allergies, eat ________ for lunch. Could you please buy some ______ headaches or asthma. For some individuals, scented products next time you are shopping? can cause severe physical reactions that may require medical intervention. If your host has indicated there is a scent• I am not used to Canadian food and _________ hurts my sensitivity or allergy in the home, you are expected to avoid stomach. Could I please try ________ instead? using fragrances. Scent-free shampoos, deodorants and soaps can be easily purchased from grocery stores or pharmacies.• May I please join you on your next trip to the grocery store? The University of Victoria requests that scented products be avoided on campus.• I really enjoyed dinner tonight. Could I please take some leftovers in my lunch tomorrow?Please refer to the Communicating With Your Host Familyinformation chart (pages 8-9) for more examples of ways to askyour host for different types of food. 7

Communicating with It is natural that you will experience some difficultieYOUR HOST FAMILY Remember that it is important that you talk to yo are having, so you can work together to resolve theEXAMPLE PROBLEMS 1. Start with a positive statement from happening in the future. Canadians are veryStudent wants more interaction Thank you for welcoming me to your home. PROBLEM SOwith host family. 2. Tell your host about your problem or difficul I really enjoy living with you and your family, but I really want to improve my English while I am here, s like more opportunity to practice my English with yo I would like to get to know you and your family betteStudent is having difficulty I am having a great time living with your family, but I am having difficulty communicating with _____.communicating with host Thank you for doing the grocery shopping for the family, butfamily. I feel shy/frustrated about my English level.Student wants host to buy I am having difficulty understanding your English.additional food or different I would like to take _____ in my lunches.foods for them. I miss food from my home country. Thank you very much for the _____, but I would like to try many different foods while I am he I prefer _____.Student finds some foods hurt You are a very good cook, buttheir stomach. I really enjoyed our dinner tonight. I am not used to Canadian food and _____ hurts myStudent would prefer to takehot food for lunch. I prefer to take hot food for my lunch.Student is having difficulty with I really enjoy the time that we spend together talking over Sometimes I find it difficult to get home from schooldinner schedule. enough for dinner. dinner, but Sometimes I get hungry late at night because we eat earlier in Canada than we do in my home country.Student does not want to play I really enjoy playing with you, but Sometimes I get hungry before dinner because I havwith children. Thank you for asking me to play with you, but days at school.Student is cold in their I really like my room/the home, but I am tired right now.bedroom or home. I need to study. I want to relax right now. I come from a warmer climate and I find my room/th at night when I am trying to study or sleep. Student finds room too dark. Thank you for preparing my room so nicely, but I do not have enough light in my room to study. Student is having difficulty with I really enjoy living with your family, but the shower schedule. I am having difficulty with the shower schedule in th because it is too busy and there is no hot water.8

es while living with your Canadian family. Your host will want you to tell them your problem or concern so that, together, you canour host family about any problems you find a solution which makes both of you feel more comfortable in the home. The charte situation and prevent similar problems below has some examples of common concerns that students experience while livingy honest. They are direct, but very polite. with host families, and steps to show you how to express them in a direct but polite way.OLVING STEPSlty 3. Suggest solution(s) or ask your host for ideas/solutions 4. Working towards a solution: Possible host responsesso I wouldou each day. Could we schedule some time to talk together each night? Host: Sure, let’s sit down and talk together each night after we puter. the children to bed. How about 9pm? Could I come with you when you walk the dog each evening so thatere. we can talk together? Host: Sure, our family has scheduled commitments on Monday stomach. Could we sit down each week and schedule some activities to do and Wednesday nights, but you are welcome to come with us. The together? other nights we can plan some things that you would like to dol early with our family.t dinner Can you help me to feel comfortable talking with him/her? Host: Sure, _____ is shy, so it can be difficult to get to know him/ve very busy her at first, but we will help you to feel more comfortable. Could you please speak more slowly? Could you please write it down for me? Host: Sure, but we will not be grocery shopping again until the Could you please buy some _____ for my lunches and snacks? weekend. Are you able to wait? Host: Sure, but _____ is expensive in Canada. I could buy one for May I please go grocery shopping with you? I do not know the names you each week and then you can choose other foods that are more of the foods that I would like to request. common in Canada to have for the rest of the week. Host: Thank you for telling us, we will buy some _____ for you, I would really like to try _____. or maybe you would like to come grocery shopping with us and May I please try_____. select some items that you like. Host: Sure, thank you for telling us. Next time you prepare this meal, could I please have something different? Host: Sure, but there is only a small amount left. Next time, please Could I please take the leftovers for my lunch tomorrow? tell us before dinner or the night before and we will prepare more food for dinner. Could you please delay your dinnertime by 1 hour so that I can eat Host: The children need to eat early so that they can go to bed with you each evening? early. We would be happy to delay our dinner by 30 minutes. Could you please buy some _____ that I can have as a snack before Host: Yes, we can buy you some _____, but please clean up your dinner? dishes when you have finished eating. Could we please eat earlier or could you buy some _____ so that I can Host: Sure, we can eat earlier 3 days per week, but the other days have a snack before dinner? we work late, so we will buy some snacks for you to eat before dinner. Perhaps, we could play later/tomorrow? I will come and get you when I am ready to play.he home cold Do you have an extra blanket or space heater that I can use? Host: Sure, we will get you another blanket and if you still feel cold,he morning please tell us. Could you please show me how to use the space heater/thermostat in my room? Host: Sure, you can use the space heater/thermostat, but please make sure that you turn it off when you go to bed or are not in the Could I please have a brighter light for reading in my room? room. Could I please shower in the evening? Host: Sure, but we will not be able to go shopping to buy one for you until the weekend. Host: Sure, but please shower before 9:30pm as the shower noise can wake up the children. 9

Homestay Fee Payments • $950 CAD per program for Monthly English • $950 CAD per month for programs longer than one full month • $32 CAD per night for extra nights or partial monthsWhat is included in the fee? If a short-term student requests to extend their stay outside of their homestay placement dates, they are responsible for• A private room paying their host $32 CAD per night for each additional night.• Bedroom furniture (bed, place to study, chair, light, closet/ An example of a payment schedule for a student who wardrobe/dresser) extended their stay by one night:• Three meals per day and snacks• Basic internet connection for study purposes • April 9 – May 6, inclusive $982 CAD ($950 + $32) What is not included in the fee? (Student departs May 7)• Personal items (toiletries, clothes, books) If a student is registered in consecutive short-term programs, or• Long distance telephone calls a long-term program (such as an ELPI program that runs for 12• Medical insurance weeks), then the student pays the host according to the Long-• Insurance for personal items Term Program Fee schedule below. • Use of cell phone• Transportation (giving car rides to and from the university) Long-term program fees• Use of a personal computer or laptop• Custodianship or co-signer The homestay fee is $950 CAD per month for programs longer than one full month, and $32Short-term program fees CAD per night for extra nights or partial months.The homestay fee is $950 CAD per month for The student pays this fee directly to the host, unless UVicshort-term programs, even if the dates listed Homestay has made alternate arrangements for the specificin the Placement Contract are less than one student.calendar month. The student pays homestay fees on the day of arrival and thenThe student pays this fee directly to the host, unless UVic on the corresponding day of each following month for theHomestay has made alternate arrangements for the specific duration of their stay.student. An example of a payment schedule for a student whoseThe student pays homestay fees on the day of arrival. homestay placement dates are Sept. 9 (arrival) to Dec. 8 (departure):An example of a payment schedule for a student whosehomestay placement dates are April 9 (arrival) to May 6 • Sept. 9 – Oct. 8, inclusive $950 CAD(departure): • Oct. 9 – Nov. 8, inclusive $950 CAD• April 9 – May 5, inclusive $950 CAD • Nov. 9 – Dec. 7, inclusive $928 CAD (29 nights at $32 per night)10

Sharing and celebrating culture every day! 11

UVic Homestay 4 Students are not allowed to bring friends/guests into theGuidelines for Students home without the permission of the Host. Students should not invite persons of the opposite sex into their room.UVic Homestay is designed to provide anopportunity for cultural exchanges between 5 Hosts may keep liquor in the home for their personal use.international students studying at the University Students should not help themselves to the Host’s alcohol. If aof Victoria and Victoria hosts. The program is Student wishes to purchase alcohol during their stay, they mustdesigned to enhance the English language discuss this with the Host. You must be 19 years old to legallyacquisition of students and to promote friendship. purchase alcohol in British Columbia.Policies 6 Students are required to have valid personal medical insurance. Students are required to provide a copy of theirIt is the policy of UVic Homestay that: medical insurance policy to their Host.• all Students are 18 years of age or older Your host home and room• Students and Hosts agree in writing to abide by the UVic 7 Students will be given a house key for use during their stay. Homestay Guidelines for the duration of each scheduled This key is to be returned to the Host at time of departure. contract 8 Students will have a private bedroom furnished with a bed, a• a maximum of three Students be placed in a home — each dresser, a closet, a desk, a desk chair, a lamp, bed linens and towels. Student must have a private bedroom 9 Students are required to keep their bedroom and• all Students in the home must be of the same gender bathroom clean. Cleaning supplies and instructions will be provided by the Host.• two Students of any one nationality are living in the Host home at any one time, except during peak times, where a 10 Students are expected to launder their clothing and linens maximum of three Students of the same nationality may be weekly. Hosts will provide laundry soap and instructions on placed within the Host home using the laundry machines. Students are permitted to do laundry up to 2 times per week.• Students are responsible for finding their own accommodation outside of the UVic Homestay dates 11 Students are expected to turn off the lights and heat in prescribed for their particular program their bedrooms when they are not at home.The University reserves the right to make additions, deletions, 12 Students are required to shower between 7 am and 10 pm.or changes to these Guidelines as required. Showers should be limited to 10 minutes in consideration of the need to conserve water and energy. Students should discuss aArrivals and departures suitable shower schedule with their Hosts. 1 Students are responsible for informing their Host of all 13 Students are not permitted to smoke inside their Host’sof their travel details and sending them directly to their Host home at any time.at least 2 weeks before the start date of their program. Thisinformation must include all flight numbers and connecting 14 Hosts provide internet access to the Students in their home.flights. Students are required to contact their Host directly withany flight changes. 15 Hosts are not permitted to ask Students to supervise children, do household chores or take on any other 2 Students and their luggage will be picked up upon arrival responsibilities in the home.and dropped off upon departure by their Host, at any of thefollowing: the Victoria International Airport, the Victoria Bus 16 Students are expected to tidy up after themselves.Terminal, the University of Victoria, Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal, ahotel, or another residence in the Victoria area. 17 Students are expected to conduct themselves respectfully with their Hosts and at their Host’s home at all times.Safety Food 3 Hosts will not impose curfews. Students are expected toinform their Hosts where they will be and approximately what 18 Students will have access to food in the Host home totime they plan to return home. If plans change, Students are prepare their own breakfasts, lunches and snacks each day.requested to inform their Hosts. 19 Hosts will provide dinner for Students. Students and Hosts12 are expected to eat dinner together. Students are required to call their Hosts by 4 pm if they will not be home for dinner.

20 Students are asked to do their food preparation between 7 am Two week noticeand 10 pm so as not to disturb other members of the home.Students are expected to tidy up after themselves. Students can 27 If Students and/or Hosts decide to terminate the Hostingdiscuss a suitable food preparation schedule with their Hosts. relationship after a Student has been living in the home for at least 2 weeks during the scheduled term, a Two Week NoticeStudent-host communication Form must be completed by Host and Student. The form must be submitted to the UVic Homestay office. Students are21 After receiving their Host contact information, Students are required to pay Hosts for not less than 2 weeks from the day therequired to send a personal email of introduction to their Hosts Two Week Notice Form is signed. A Two Week Notice Form candescribing themselves and their hobbies. be obtained by contacting the UVic Homestay office.22 Students are expected to participate in some of their Host’s Otherfamily activities. This will enable Students to practice their Englishskills and gain a greater understanding of Canadian culture. 28 In the event that a Student causes damage to the Host’s property, or causes bodily injury to a member of the Host’s23 Students are asked to speak directly to their Host if they family or persons in or about the Host’s home, the Studenthave a homestay problem. If a resolution to the problem is responsible for paying for all damages, repair and/orcannot be found, Students are encouraged to talk to the UVic replacement costs. The Student agrees to indemnify theHomestay staff about the situation. The UVic Homestay office University of Victoria for any losses, claims, damages, actions,can be reached through Reception, on the 2nd floor of the causes of action, costs and expenses (“Claims”) that theContinuing Studies Building (CST). University of Victoria may sustain, incur, suffer or be put to at any time, including any claim of bodily injury (including death)Student orientation or damage to property which are based upon, arise out of or occur, directly or indirectly, by reason of, any act or omission by24 Students are required to attend a UVic Homestay Student the Student in connection with this Homestay Agreement.Orientation during the first week of their program. Studentswho are unable to attend the orientation must contact the UVic 29 If members of the Host’s family or persons in the Host’sHomestay office. home cause damage to Student property or cause bodily injury to the Student, the Student agrees that their recourse is againstFee payment the Host or other persons in or about the Host’s home, and hereby agrees to waive and release the University of Victoria25 Unless otherwise specified, Students are required to pay from any and all claims for such damages.the first month’s homestay fee directly to their Hosts on the firstday of arrival, and on the corresponding day of each following 30 UVic Homestay reserves the right to relocate a Studentmonth for the duration of their stay with the Host. Students are without notice. If UVic Homestay removes a Student fromrequired to pay their Hosts in cash. a Host’s home without notice, the Host may be required to reimburse the Student an amount of the current month’s feesVacation policy proportionate to the portion of the month remaining.26 Students who are away for 5 or more consecutive nights 31 Any breach of UVic Homestay Policies for Students maypay a reduced rate. Students will give a completed Vacation result in the immediate removal of the Student from theNotice Form to their Host at least one week prior to travel. If Host home, and the possible withdrawal of the Student fromStudents are away from the home for: participation in UVic Homestay.• 1–4 consecutive nights: Hosts and Students are not required to submit a Vacation Notice Form as the home placement fee will not be reduced.• 5 or more consecutive nights: Students can keep their belongings in their rooms and Hosts will not use their rooms for any other purpose while they are away. During vacations of 5 or more consecutive nights, the homestay fee will be reduced to half the regular per night rate. 13

Sample Forms Vacation Notice FormTwo Week Notice Form Students who are away for 5 or more consecutive nights pay a reduced rate.If Students and/or Hosts decide to terminate the Hostingrelationship after a Student has been living in the home for at Student can obtain a Vacation Notice Form from the UVicleast 2 weeks during the scheduled term, a Two Week Notice Homestay office and will need to provide this form to their HostForm must be completed by Host and Student. at least one week prior to travel.The form can be obtained from the UVic Homestay office, andonce completed, must be submitted to the UVic Homestay office. UVic Homestay UVic Homestay TWO WEEK NOTICE FORM VACATION NOTICE FORM The completion of a Two Week Notice Form is required in the event that either student or host intends to end the student- Students that are away for 5 or more consecutive nights pay a reduced rate. Student will complete the host relationship earlier than the contracted dates. Move out date into a new homestay placement is subject to availability within the Homestay Program. information below and provide to their Host at least one week prior to travel. If the Student is away from the home for: S A M P L E• 1 to 4 consecutive nights—Vacation Notice Form is not required as the homestay fee will not be Procedures for Two Week Notice: reduced. 1. Notice may only be given once a student has been living in the home for at least two weeks, so that the student completes one full month/payment period. Student Name:• 5 or more consecutive nights—Student’s belongings should remain in their room and the host familyProgram Name: Host Family Name:will not use student’s room for any other purpose while student is away. The homestay fee is reduced Student Name:2. Student and host complete and sign this form at least two weeks before the day the student moves out of theFirst NameLast NameDestination (city):to $14.00 per night (half the regular per night rate) for each night that the student is away.from VictoriaReturn Date:to Victoria Host Family Name:host’s home. Departure Date: Student must discuss vacation plans with their host and complete the Vacation Notice Form a minimum of 1 3. Host and/or student submit this form to the UVic Homestay Office within three days of completing the form week prior to their travel departure date. together. The UVic Homestay office is located on the second floor, Continuing Studies Building.First NameLast Name I confirm that the above information is accurate. Student Signature: 4. Student is responsible for paying the host for at least two weeks from the day this form is completed and Date: signed. S A M P L E5. Host is required to provide full homestay services to the student until the agreed upon move out date. ïïïïïïïïïïïïïïï *Date Student will Move from the home: Month Day Year *Date must be at least two weeks from the date on which the form is completed & signed *Final move out date is subject to availability with the Homestay Program I am aware of my student’s travel plans and I agree to reduce the home placement fee for the nights that my student is away in accordance with the vacation fee policy noted above and the UVic Homestay Guidelines. Student Signature ________________________________ Date Signed: ________________________ Host Parent Signature: Date: Student Email: ______________________________ Host Family Signature _____________________________ Date Signed: ________________________ Form complete? Students: please meet with a Homestay Coordinator to return this form14

Support ServicesQuestions or concerns aboutUVic Homestay?Please remember that our HomestayCoordinators are always happy to talk withyou. Everything you discuss with our staff isconfidential.Call: 250-472-4268Email: [email protected] hours: Monday to Friday, 10 am to 3 pmUVic HomestayEnglish Language Centre2nd Floor Reception, Continuing Studies BuildingUniversity of Victoria3800 Finnerty Road (Ring Road)Victoria BC, Canada24-Hour UVic Safe Walk: 250-721-7599If you are on campus in the evening, please ensure youknow about the UVic Safe Walk Program. Campus Securitywill escort you from any building on campus to the busstop or your car.ELC on social media /EnglishLanguageCentre /UVicHomestayFamilies /ELC_UVic /elc_uvic /EnglishLanguageUVicIn Spanish /VenyViveVictoria @VenyViveVictoriIn Mandarin /uvicpathway 15

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