Japanese students who will be studying in Orillia this summer are looking for a “true Canadian experience,” and that includes staying with local families.
Lakehead University is seeking host families for its homestay program.
The visiting students, from Gifu, Japan, will be studying English as a second language at Lakehead from Aug. 20 to 31.
“The students will have a full schedule learning English as a second language at Lakehead University's English Language Centre as well as a fun-packed schedule of cultural activities, including local history and art, Canadian and Indigenous culture as well as major tourist attractions including a day trip to Niagara Falls,” explained Jenny Veal, student life co-ordinator with Lakehead’s English Language Centre.
This is the first year Lakehead is offering the homestay program in Orillia. It has been been running at the Thunder Bay campus since 2012.
It's not only the students who benefit, Veal said.
“The hosts have an opportunity to learn and explore a new culture, be an ambassador of Canada and Orillia and make lifelong friendships with an international student,” she said.
And she would know.
“My family has hosted many students over the years and ... it has encouraged our family to explore cultures and participate in international programs that would have never been on our radar before becoming a host family,” Veal said.
Host families should be on a public transit route and possess or be able to obtain a criminal record check.
Lakehead will be recruiting host families until the beginning of July. An information session was held March 5. Two more will take place this month at the Orillia campus in Room 2005. The sessions will be held March 28 from 12 to 1 p.m. and 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. and March 29 from 12 to 1 p.m.
Anyone interested in attending, or who cannot attend but would like more information, can contact Katie Fraser, international engagement specialist, at [email protected].
Host families will receive financial compensation.
