Homestay Host Manual

SD62 HOMESTAY HOST MANUAL Sooke Schools 62 International Program SOOKE SCHOOL DISTRICT 62 200-814 Goldstream Ave

1 SD62 International Student Programs Homestay Manual Table of Contents Welcome to the Program.............................................................................................................................. 2 iCent App....................................................................................................................................................... 3 Student Insurance & Host Insurance ............................................................................................................ 4 Host Availability, Matching & Evaluations .................................................................................................... 5 Before your Student Arrives ......................................................................................................................... 6 Student Arrival .............................................................................................................................................. 7 School FAQs .................................................................................................................................................. 9 Checking-in with your Student.................................................................................................................... 11 Homestay Travel & Activity Reference Guide............................................................................................. 12 Consent Protocol......................................................................................................................................... 14 Travel Requests........................................................................................................................................... 16 Emergency Procedure & Contact Information ........................................................................................... 17 Mental Health Support Resources.............................................................................................................. 18 Keeping Your Student Safe ......................................................................................................................... 19 School Locations & Map ............................................................................................................................. 20 Culture Shock and the 5 Rs ......................................................................................................................... 21 Homestay Family Agreement...................................................................................................................... 24 Student Participation Agreement ............................................................................................................... 26

2 Welcome to the Program Welcome to the Sooke School International Student Homestay Program. The role of the homestay family is critical to the student’s academic success. In addition, the parental support and the opportunities for enriching cultural, athletic and community activities that homestay families provide can have a significant impact on the student’s experience. The homestay parent’s role requires curiosity, patience, good humour and understanding, not to mention a considerable amount of energy. A Rewarding Experience: An opportunity to form lasting connections, remaining in contact, and visit students in their home country. Solid and positive relationships between homestay families and their student often lead to a variety of shared and rewarding experiences. Many of our homestay families remain in contact with ‘their’ students years after the students have completed the program, with family members even visiting the students and their families in the years after the students return home. Adjusting to a New Family: Welcoming a new member into the family, even if for a period as brief as a few weeks, can sometimes lead to moments of misunderstanding and uncertainty. We are committed to assisting you if such moments occur. One of our professional staff is always on-call to assist, if necessary. ** We are committed to helping everyone involved to have a remarkable experience! ** Homestay Coordinators: General Inquiries: [email protected] Program Manager: Nancy Blundell [email protected] Belmont Secondary School – Christine Bollenbach [email protected] EMCS- Nancy Blundell [email protected] Royal Bay Secondary School – Kristine McCormick [email protected]

3 iCent App The iCent App is an easy and convenient tool for all Homestay families and international students. The iCent App has information about:  Student Resources: Banking, Cell Phone, BC Transit, Health & Wellness, Student Agreements, Program Website and Student Fees  Homestay: General Guidelines (including temporary placements, sleepovers, curfews, storage policy guidelines, cannabis use, transportation expectations and travel) , Honorarium information (dates and terms)  Staff List: Contact information, including email and phone number, for all International Programs Staff  Student Activities: Upcoming activities that students can register for  Cash Payment Online: Students use this to make payments for Program activities and school wear  Travel Request: This includes all the instructions and online forms required for when a student travels with or without their Homestay family.  GuardMe: This is on the student iCent App. Students can access their GuardMe account as well as an online Doctor and can make a claim.  School Information: School Bell Schedules To Download the App

4 Student Insurance & Host Insurance Student Insurance: All International Students participating in Sooke Schools International Program will have GuardMe Insurance. Students that are here for a 5-month (one semester) program will use GuardMe for the entirety of their stay. Students that are here for 5+ months (full school year or grad student) will also be placed on MSP, after 3 months. The program is responsible for arranging insurance and students will be notified by the program when their MSP insurance cards are ready for them to pick up at their school. GuardMe Insurance cards are emailed to each international student upon their arrival. It is recommended that they share this email with their Homestay so that Homestay families can assist in walk-in clinic visits or any unforeseen medical emergencies. GuardMe Information is also available on the iCent app. An example of a GuardMe card and iCent App information is below. If students require assistance with their GuardMe Insurance, we encourage them to reach out to their Homestay Coordinator. Host Insurance - Homestay families should talk to their home insurance provider to ensure that they have the proper home insurance coverage while hosting an international student. Homestay families are not expected to cover student’s belongings, etc. Student GuardMe Insurance also covers some accidental damage to homestay property. If damage to your home occurs, please contact your Homestay Coordinator so that they can assist in submitting the appropriate paperwork. GuardMe Insurance does not always cover the entire cost of the damage.

5 Host Availability, Matching & Evaluations Host Availability : Please submit your availability by contacting your homestay coordinator or emailing [email protected] Matching: The Homestay Program strives to match students and homestay families based on many factors and cannot always guarantee a placement. Placements can be as short as 1 week, for short term programs, and as long as multiple years for students that are in the graduation program, with a break each summer while the student returns home for vacation. Know that we take great care to make the best possible student/homestay matches. Keeping us up to date regarding your availability is an important factor in the process. This includes but is not limited to who is residing in your home, new pets and/or new family members, home renovations, number of student bedrooms and plans to be away throughout the school year. We make a sincere effort to match students with families who share similar interests and lifestyles, or who can provide some of the specific support that they may need. Your availability does not guarantee that a student will be placed with you. Once we match a homestay family with a student, we will send the homestay family a student profile which will include the student name, grade, school and their application details. Sometimes this will also include a photo album and letters from the student and their family. We will then ask the homestay family to agree or decline the student placement. If you decline the placement, please let us know why, so that we can better match you in the future. If you accept the student placement, please confirm with your Homestay Coordinator by email. After receiving your email, we will follow up with an email letting you know when you can reach out to connect/email/skype with your student prior to their arrival, or your student will send you an email. You will also receive flight information from your Homestay Coordinator as soon as the flight information has been received. Evaluations: Throughout the year we ask students about their experience; through online evaluations, as well as in-person check-ins, so that we can be aware of how their homestay experience is going. This includes the comfort level of their bedroom, conversation with homestay and activity involvement. We will connect with homestay families to support the experience with their student.

6 Before your Student Arrives Please ensure that the following is set up for the arrival of your student, this will encourage a positive first impression which can have a great impact on their experience in your home: Pre- Arrival Checklist  Criminal Record Check is up to date (everyone in the home that is 18 years of age or older living in the home). These needs to be renewed every 5 years  Bedroom is clean, vacuumed and dusted  Bed, pillow and linens are clean and, in the bedroom  Bathroom towel and face cloth are in the student bedroom  Extra blankets are placed in student bedroom  Desk, lamp and chair are in the student bedroom  Remove all personal items from the student bedroom so that you do not have to regularly enter the bedroom- also removing personal items allows the student to feel like their bedroom is truly their own space  Flight information- make sure you have received flight information so that you are ready to pick up the student from the airport  Wi-Fi is set up and working in the student bedroom  Property Insurance is up to date and your home/renters insurance provider is aware you are hosting an international student  School bus schedule and stop is known, and you are aware of BC Transit stops and routes to review with your student (help student download transit app)  House key or code is prepared for the student  Functional smoke alarm and CO2 detectors  Adequate heating available in student bedroom (small heater, thermostat, etc...)

7 Student Arrival It is your responsibility to pick up your student from the airport, BC Ferries/Swartz Bay terminal. Please confirm their flight details well in advance of their arrival day. Confirm details through your Homestay Coordinator AND your student. Confirm with your student that they will communicate with you if there are any delays or changes to their flight details. Once your student has arrived please let your Homestay Coordinator know of their safe arrival. After a good night sleep please orient your student to your family, home, neighbourhood and schedule/habits. Note: not everything needs to be discussed on their first day as it may be overwhelming. Student Orientation Checklist  Give the student a key/code for your home  Show your student how to use the facilities and appliances in your home (toilet, shower, tv, oven, etc.)  Let them know where the cleaning supplies are and how often they will need to clean their space. Set them up for success and encourage this from day 2 or 3 (day 1 may be overwhelming)  Give your student the Wi-Fi name and password and discuss Wi-Fi usage  Discuss your “normal” family activities – times and dates of scheduled activities as well as times that you can spend together  Sit down with your student weekly and discuss options for activities to do together and include them on the family calendar  For larger families it can be helpful to create a schedule with meal, shower, activity and other helpful dates, so that your student can be aware and included in your family routine  Help your student become oriented with the school bus (walk with them to the stop and where they will be dropped off at the end of the day) as well as BC Transit- this will help them become more independent. The BC transit app and google maps are great tools to use with your student.  Take your student to the grocery store. Food is key for a successful Homestay experience. Encourage your student to pick out a few items every week so that they feel comfortable with the food in your home. They could also pick out ingredients for the favourite recipe!  Take your student to a local bank so they can set up an account for easy access to funds and to ensure safety for larger sums of money  Advise students not to keep valuables randomly throughout their room. Advise them to keep them locked in a safe place such as their luggage or a locked drawer  Your student will have GuardMe Insurance for their first 3 months and then will get their MSP card after being in Victoria for 3 months. This GuardMe coverage starts with their arrival and extends until they return to their home country  Talk to your student about curfew time

8 Sample Family Schedule – Make sure to include your student in your plans and on your calendar. Ask your student DAILY to take part in family activities- walking, shopping, playing games etc. They may or may not want to join, but it’s always nice to be asked. Invite your student to circle or highlight the activities on your calendar that they would like to take part in, or add an activity they are interested in.

9 School FAQs What do I do if my student is going to be absent from school? Please email the school attendance line. The only way for a student to be excused from class is for the homestay to contact the school. Our program staff can’t excuse the students as we don’t live with them and don’t know if they’re ill. How do I view my student’s report card on the My Ed BC Parent Portal? Homestay families do not have access to the parent portal as they are not the legal guardians. If you are wondering about your student’s academic progress, please contact your Homestay Coordinator. If your student does not know how to access their own Student Portal please direct them to their International Support Teacher who can help get them set up with a password, etc. Should I go to Parent-Teacher interviews? Homestay families are not expected to attend parent-teacher interviews. We have staff at the school and district level who monitor the students’ academic progress and support communications between teachers and students. If you do attend, please keep in mind teachers are not able to share a student’s academic details with homestay parents. How can I arrange carpooling to my student’s sports and other activities? If your student is on a sports team or involved in another school activity that requires a lot of driving, please contact your Homestay Coordinator. They may be able to connect you with other Homestay families whose students are on the same team so that you can arrange carpooling. What supplies does my student need for the first day of school? They will need at least one binder, lined paper that goes in the binders, some dividers, a USB memory stick, pens and pencils. Locks for the lockers are provided at the school at no cost to the international students. Please take the student shopping for these supplies and the student will pay for them. How do I help my student get the classes they want? Please direct your student to their International Support Teacher. The process for International students to choose their classes is different than for Canadian students and so much of the information about course selection/change procedures that comes out in the school newsletters can be disregarded. What do I do if I’m concerned about my student’s English ability or academic progress? Please share your concerns with your Homestay Coordinator. Homestay Coordinators work as part of a team with the International Support Teachers, the Health & Wellness Coordinator and the school counsellors and so any academic concerns that you bring forward will be passed on. Any arrangement for tutoring, or other supports that may impact the student at home will be shared with you.

10 How do I talk to my student about their grades? Sometimes teachers send home auto-generated progress reports – either weekly or monthly and occasionally they email homestay parents directly with their concerns. Depending on your level of comfort, your relationship with your student, and other factors, you may choose to discuss the communication with your student or not. There is no need to respond to the teacher, because they are supposed to be directing all concerns to the International Support Teacher and there is also no need to pass the information on to the natural parents, as we communicate the student’s progress through our office. Our main priority is that you and your student maintain a positive relationship and live together peacefully, and sometimes that doesn’t allow for much discussion of their academic progress. That’s ok! Just pass along any concerns to your Homestay Coordinator and the student will receive support at school.

11 Checking-in with your Student This could be the first time your student has been away from their family/home and country. Although you may have hosted many students this may be their first experience living with someone new. Please make sure to check in with your student regularly so that they get used to your support and presence in their Canadian life. Your student may experience a range of emotions during their time in Canada. It is very common for students to have highs and lows. If your student is emotional let them know that you are around and available to chat- don’t disengage and assume that they are better left on their own. It is important to engage with your student regularly so that you’re aware of when they may need some extra support. The International Program will also check in with a student, as well as Homestay family, if it becomes evident that a student may need some additional support. Make time to check in with your student(s) at breakfast (if possible), dinner and before bed:  “What are your plans for the day?” (awareness engagement and energy level)  “How are you finding BC Transit? Do you know how to get to where you are going today?” (awareness of student safety and adaptability to local environment)  “Do your friends plan on joining you this evening at the gym/movie/dinner?” (awareness of friends and relationships being built)  “Did you try anything new at school today? Or meet any new people?” (awareness of school enjoyment/activity)  “Are there any activities you really want to try while you’re in Victoria?” (awareness of hopes for their time in Victoria)  “What are your favourite games/movies/activities to play with your family?” (awareness of interests and family norms)  “Are you feeling warm enough at night? There are extra blankets in the closet” (awareness of comfortability re: temperature)  How are you finding the food? Do you normally eat spicy food? What are you favourite meals at home? Is there anything you really want to try that you’ve never had before? (awareness of food dislikes and likes)

12 Homestay Travel & Activity Reference Guide 1.Student Sleepover (typically 1 night)- student initiates and homestay remain in Victoria and able to respond to an emergency.  Student gives homestay parent contact information for where they will have sleepover,  Homestay parent contacts other Homestay family/parent to confirm student is invited and an adult will remain/be in the home and coordinate and confirm details, 2. Student Temporary placement – Homestay parent(s) are not in Victoria/will be traveling outside of Victoria and not able to respond to an emergency  Homestay parent contacts Homestay Coordinator who will coordinate/arrange a temporary placement and confirms details. If you already have a homestay family in mind that is great, please let Homestay Coordinator know and the Homestay Coordinator will connect with them to confirm.  Homestay family asking for temporary placement has transferred responsibility of student to another homestay. This requires transfer of honorarium as well. 3. Family Holiday without Student- Please let us know with as much advanced notice as possible (ideally 1 month +) so that we can find a temporary placement for your student. See #2 for procedure. 4. Homestay and student travelling together (camping, trips to Vancouver etc.…) - Going for a night or more, outside of Victoria with student(s).  Please email Homestay Coordinator (ideally 2 weeks or more prior), so that the program is aware of where the student is in case of emergency.  Depending on activity (if any) we may need to have your student to ask natural parents to sign a waiver (i.e. skiing, surfing, any “medium risk” activity) 5. Daily Activities with Homestay family outside of Victoria- For daily activities or day trips please send a quick email to your Homestay Coordinator to inform them of your plans and that you will be outside the Greater Victoria area. 6. International Family Holiday with Student  Please let us know as soon as you are planning your trip.  Student(s) will need to complete a Travel and Release form with permission given by their Natural Parents to travel with you on your family holiday.  Flight details, location and how you can be contacted (cell phone or hotel phone number etc.) are required.

13 7. Travel Request by Student without their Homestay (day trips or overnight outside Victoria)  Travel Request form found on iCent app or here 7A – With other homestay, Canadian family, or to visit a friend outside of Victoria  Student discusses with Homestay family  Student must complete Travel Request form (at least 2 weeks in advance of travel)  Student must have Natural Parents complete Travel and Release form  International Program reviews and will email permission granted or permission denied (to student and homestay family)  Basic rule is that there must be an adult 25+ years able/willing to take responsibility 7B – Returning Home for Winter/Spring Break  Student discusses with homestay  Student must complete Travel Request form (at least 1 month in advance)  Student have Natural Parents send confirmation, as per instructions on the Travel Request form  Student must submit all flight information  International Program reviews and sends permission confirmed email to students and homestay family  Flights must be “direct”. No overnight in Vancouver is permitted on departure or return. 8. Waiver forms/medium risk activities & School Forms – See Consent Protocol on next page

14 Consent Protocol TYPE EXAMPLES WHO CAN SIGN? STUDENT MUST NOTIFY Low Risk School Nature Walks AUTO-CONSENT IN MY ED Homestay family if outside of Activities/Field Trips Beach Clean-up school hours Museum HOMESTAY Low Risk School Teams Pumpkin Patch ISP PROGRAM STAFF Homestay family ISP TEACHERS Low Risk Community Basketball HOMESTAY Homestay family Activities Ultimate ISP PROGRAM STAFF *Travel request must be submitted School Team Volleyball ISP TEACHERS Once approved notify Competitions Outside Soccer Homestay family Victoria/over night Beach Clean-up HOMESTAY Homestay family Bottle Drives ISP PROGRAM STAFF ISP TEACHERS All After travel request approved: Moderate risk school Camping trips activities/trips Football HOMESTAY (During and/or Outside Rugby ISP PROGRAM STAFF School Hours) Cheerleading ISP TEACHERS NATURAL PARENTS (Nancy to send) Moderate risk Kayaking NATURAL PARENTS Homestay family community activities Wild play (Nancy to send) (including if done with Community sports homestay) Indoor rock climbing NATURAL PARENTS Homestay Coordinator (Homestay Activities with homestays Whale watching family to email) (not requiring waiver) Cheerleading (student to email parents and Swimming Boating ask them to send email to Fishing homestay that they agree for Kayaking student to participate) Skiing/Snowboarding Water skiing  Note – Any water sport (boating, waterskiing, fishing, kayaking, paddle board) – students MUST wear an approved life jacket.

15 HIGH RISK ACTIVITES Car racing MOST LIKELY NOT PERMITTED Parachuting – please direct student to Skydiving speak with their homestay Hang gliding coordinator Bungee jumping Caving Mountaineering Rock climbing (outdoors) Scuba diving Operating aircraft or any motorized transport Off-road racing

16 Travel Requests If your student plans to travel with you, without you, with another homestay family, or with their natural parents while in our program, they are required to submit a travel request at least 2 weeks in advance of their travel dates. The travel request forms are on iCent app. Step 1: Talk to your Homestay Parents about your plans. Step 2: Talk to your Natural Parents about your plans AND email them one of the provided forms in ICent Step 3: Complete the online form, which is below the parent permission forms on the iCent app. Below are pictures from the iCent app and an example of one of the parent permissions forms.

17 Emergency Procedure & Contact Information What constitutes an emergency? Situations that require an immediate response, including (but not limited to): serious injury requiring hospitalization or emergency medical treatment, student is missing, student has been involved in an incident with the police, serious mental health concern (ie suicide ideation), etc. Please refer to the attached document that outlines additional emergency situations, that you can print and refer to as needed. **Please note that this number should only be used for calls (not text messages) ** The Emergency Phone number is 250-208-0163

18 Mental Health Support Resources

19 Keeping Your Student Safe As you can imagine, when an international student arrives in Victoria, they bring hopes and dreams of exploring and experiencing all that our beautiful island has to offer. While they are getting to know our island it’s important that they are also taking precautions so that they are staying safe. As a Homestay family you play an important role in this. Some of the ways that you can help are by:  Introduce your student to neighbours, friends and family so they know who they can ask for help  Have your student input your phone number & address in their cell phone (paper copy for in wallet in case phone battery dies)  Go over the bus routes, your local bus stop, as well as main bus stop locations, and show them how to download the BC transit app  Encourage your student to always join a friend or group of friends when going out  Advise your student not to carry large amounts of cash- bring them to a bank and have them open an account  Create a routine with your student where they always tell you where they are going and when they plan to be home – make sure to check in when you’re not sure where they are or where they will be  Have a backup plan in place for your student for when they miss a bus or get lost (where to go and who to call, ex: stay and wait for the next bus but text me to let me know)  Encourage your student to let their bus driver know if they are lost or need help  Discourage your student from getting into a vehicle with a stranger  In the event of an emergency make sure your student knows to call 911 The first few weeks are especially important in keeping in communication with your student as they are out exploring with friends in a place that is brand new and exciting.

20 School Locations & Map A: Edward Milne Community School  https://emcs.web.sd62.bc.ca B: Journey Middle School  https://journey.web/sd62.bc.ca C: Belmont Secondary School  https://belmont.web.sd62.bc.ca D: Spencer Middle School  http://spencer.web.sd62.bc.ca E: Centre Mountain Lellum School  http://centremountainlellum.web.sd62.bc.ca F: Dunsmuir Middle School  https://dunsmuir.web.sd62.bc.ca G: Royal Bay Secondary School  https://royalbay.web.sd62.bc.ca

21 Culture Shock and the 5 Rs International Students can have a wide range of responses to their homestay experience. It’s important to note that most students will experience some form of culture shock, some more than others. When a student first arrives, it is typical that they will experience the “honeymoon” period. They’ve been excited to be a part of your family and for their experience in Victoria for many months and now it has started. They may be elated by their new surroundings and eager for new experiences. After the ‘honeymoon” period comes the “Initial Culture Shock”. International students will all experience this in their own way, including difficulty with food, heat, family lifestyle challenges, missing routines/friends/family, etc. During this time, it’s important to listen to your student and provide support. After the initial culture shock your student may settle into their new routine and make adjustments to help support their Canadian lifestyle. This could include being open to trying new foods, adjusting bedtimes and limiting late night calls home, and accepting invitations to try new experiences. After the adjustment period, other challenges may come up, and the culture shock and adjustment period may continue to cycle. Over time students will become more aware of the process and they will be more comfortable in their Canadian life. If extra support would be helpful, please reach out to your Homestay coordinator. Below is an example of what some students may feel during this time: https://chameleon-coaching.com/en/why-we-experience-culture-shock/

22 The 5 Rs Routines, Reactions, Roles, Relationships & Reflections 1) Routines (when we move across cultures many of our routines are disrupted; we eat different food at different times of day, navigate a new environment and may be without a regular schedule as we get settled- auto pilot isn’t on because everything is different.)  Effects: Not feeling normal, low school grades, constant stress, being more tired or stressed, without an obvious cause  Strategies: Create new routines as quickly as possible. Realisze that things may take longer as you spend more time creating your new routines. Build in from the beginning mini- routines, habits and hobbies to help you to relax 2) Reactions (We do things we are accustomed to doing in our own culture, but we get a very different reaction than we expect in our new culture)  Effects: Lost, confused, unsure, unclear, perplexed, disoriented, bewildered  Strategies: Identify people who can help you make sense of others’ reactions and help you determine your best reaction to different situations. Set realistic expectations for the time and energy it will take to build your new cultural skills. Remind yourself what you are good at. 3) Roles (We often experience change in our roles and responsibilities when we move across cultures. We may take on the same role but in a different culture, or we may take on a new or expanded role. We may lose what’s important to us. Potential for a change of role in the household, school and with friends. Roles might include: Daughter, friend, student, homestay family member, foreigner)  Effects: Excitement, anticipation and enthusiasm mixed with anxiety, apprehension and sense of responsibility. Pressure, defensiveness and rejection of being defined in a certain way. Sadness, mourning, loss of identity  Strategies: Ask questions to gain clarity on your new role and responsibilities. Set and manage expectations about how you will perform new roles. Strategize how to live out the same roles in a different location. Reflect on what you gained from lost roles, and where and how you might experience that type of feeling 4) Relationships (When we move to another culture, we discover how to live out our relationships in a new environment and are often challenged not to the let stresses around us enter into these relationships. Our relationships with those we transition with may grow stronger, deeper and more profound as a result of going through the change, but they also take work. At the same time, we find other relationships around us changing - we may drift apart from certain

23 friendships back home, be surprised at the newfound sense of closeness and kinship we experience with others despite the distance, and be challenged to recreate relationships in our new environment so we have a sense of community and support.)  Effects: Excitement, enrichment, satisfaction as new relationship are built, though energy intensive. Worry, guilt, pangs of loss, frustration or tension as relationships change. Loss of support system, especially at first as we seek to recreate our support network. A sense of satisfaction as we realign relationships and deepen the connections.  Strategies: Determine the relationships that are most important for you to maintain back home and devise a plan (eg, Sunday Skye calls) to stay in touch. Be proactive in building new relationships, seeking connections via networks, events and support systems. Use technology to stay connected 5) Reflections: (As we experience culture change, we may start to notice that we ourselves change in some subtle and not so subtle ways: we may realize we actually really enjoy certain aspects of the lifestyle abroad that we didn't know we would; or, we realize just how important certain values are to us that we might not have articulated before. We may pick-up certain habits, gestures, and ways of being that are now natural to us, but also may surprise and disarm family and friends back home who start to wonder what else has changed about us. We are growing, evolving, and developing - trying to become more aware of who we are culturally and individually speaking - which brings many benefits, but often also some confusion and uncertainty.)  Effects: Find ourselves going back and forth between being critical and accepting of the new culture. Surprise ourselves as we learn things about ourselves that we did not know – some of which we may not understand. Explore and grapple with deep, identity-based questions: Who am I? What’s most important to me? Where do I feel at home?  Strategies: Acknowledge that these changes are a natural part of the transition process. Keep a reflection journal to stay in touch with your feelings. Share and seek support from other people from your country who may have faced similar situations when they arrived to Canada Burardo, Kate, & Deardroff, Karla. Building Cultural Competence. Stylish Publishing, 2012

24 Homestay Family Agreement As the necessary conditions for being permitted to serve as a homestay parent through the School District #62 International Student Program, I agree to the following: I will:  act as a judicious, caring parent, acting in the best interests of my homestay student in matters that are of concern to their safety and well-being.  submit a Criminal Record Check report to the program. If either I or any other member of my resident family is involved in an experience that might affect a criminal record report, I will immediately inform the Homestay Coordinator.  honour the monthly homestay fee set by the International Program office or other agent placing student in School District 62 International Student Program.  respect my homestay student’s privacy and will discuss issues of concern only with the Homestay Coordinator.  contact the Homestay Coordinator should significant problems with students arise. I will provide:  an English home environment.  a nutritious breakfast, lunch, a family dinner, and snacks each day.  a bedroom for the student that will include a window, bed, closet, dresser, desk, chair and lamp.  a key to my home and with the information needed to contact with me whenever I am needed. I will also inform my student about safety procedures in my home.  high speed internet access and computer for student to use (within reason for homework, email contact with home).  transportation as needed to support students’ extra-curricular activities. I will support:  my homestay student’s academic learning by regularly monitoring homework, school attendance and academic progress and by attending parent teacher interviews. I will inform the Homestay Coordinator of any concerns.  my homestay student’s involvement in school and community activities and will assist them with transportation to scheduled school, community and social events. I will not:  grant my homestay student permission to drive any motorized vehicle.  travel with my homestay student outside of the Capital Regional area without the approval of the Coordinator.  ask homestay students to provide babysitting services.

25 Further: In addition, I will:  contact my Home insurance provider to inform them that I am hosting an international student and carry liability insurance that acknowledges the presence of a visiting student resident in my home  respect Canadian law regarding alcohol, cannabis and drug use.  I will inform the Homestay Coordinator of any change in family structure, any significant change in the mental, emotional or physical health of a family member and of any change in the legal status of any resident member of the family.  I will not host others from another school or program except with the prior agreement of the Homestay Coordinator.  I understand the Sooke International Program expectations with regards to cannabis use by homestay adults.  I understand that Sooke International Homestay Program can never guarantee a student, nor the length of placement in a homestay.  I understand that Sooke International Homestay Program cannot be held responsible for damage caused by a student. • I acknowledge the authority of the Homestay Coordinator and Program Administrators to determine the duration of a student’s placement in my home. Should a student be moved from my home, I agree to reimburse the program for the balance of the honorarium if an advance has been given. __________ I understand that as a homestay parent, I am in a position of trust and/or authority and will act appropriately and responsibly towards an international student. __________ I agree that my contact information (name, address, phone number and/or email address) may be distributed to other homestay families.

26 Student Participation Agreement As a student in the Sooke School District’s International Student Program, I agree to meet the expectations outlined below: General 1) I will obey all the laws of Canada. 2) I will not purchase or consume alcohol. 3) I will not purchase or consume cannabis or cannabis products. 4) I will not use, possess, or distribute drugs unless they are prescribed by a doctor, and I will not misuse prescription drugs. 5) I will not smoke or vape on the grounds of any school or on my host family’s property. 6) I will not drive nor attempt to purchase any motorized vehicle. 7) I will not own or be in the possession of any weapons or items that may resemble a weapon. 8) I will respect all regulations from federal, provincial, or local health authorities that pertain to controlling the spread of COVID-19, and any direction from the International Student Program related to enforcing such regulations. Homestay 9) I will treat my homestay family members with respect and consideration. 10) I will act as a member of the family, which includes (but is not limited to): a. voluntarily helping with reasonable household chores b. respecting reasonable rules and expectations established by my homestay c. respecting curfew times d. respecting appropriate times for computer and internet usage. 11) I will keep my homestay informed of my whereabouts at all times. 12) I will respect my homestay family’s privacy. 13) I will obtain a Canadian Cell Phone number or a data plan for my International phone number. School 14) I will obey school rules and will attend school regularly. 15) I will complete homework assignments and maintain a satisfactory level of academic achievement. 16) I will follow the School District Code of Conduct, which includes the expectation that students do not engage in any in-person or digital communication or behaviour that is considered to be: a. Bullying, harassing, intimidating, retaliating, discriminating, or violent b. Interfering with the learning and working of others c. Unsafe or illegal Travel

27 17) I will obtain permission from the International Program Office for travel outside of Victoria. I will contact the International Program Office as soon as possible to discuss any significant problems during my stay here. I understand that if I fail to respect this agreement, as outlined above, I may be immediately dismissed from the program. Students who are dismissed are not eligible for refund of fees. Print Name: _______________________ Student Signature: _______________________ Date: __________________