STUDENTS UNDER 18 YEARS OLD

Students under 18 years old must stay in Homestay. This is a Canadian law. Students under 18 years old do not have the option to live independently and rent an apartment on their own or to share rent with a roommate(s). All students under 18 years old must have a custodian who is over 25 years old. The student can choose to live with a cousin, aunt, uncle, a relative, or a family friend that lives in Moose Jaw. However almost all students at ALRA have no relatives or friends in Moose Jaw.

All Homestay parents act as Custodians.

STUDENTS OVER 18 YEARS OLD

Students over 18 years old can choose:
     1) Rent their own apartment either independently or with a roommate(s).
     2) Live in Homestay

HOMESTAY

START WITH A HOMESTAY

Starting with a homestay program is a great option for our student. It offers a "real-life" experience that is second-to-none, and you will find that it could be one of the most rewarding parts of any international experience. Homestay programs allow students to jump right into their studies without the worries of finding housing, furniture or signing a lease all from overseas. In fact, if you are over 18 and start your experience in a homestay environment, your host will typically help you with many of your future decisions, including different long-term accommodation options.

WHAT EXACTLY IS A HOMESTAY?

ALRA Homestay Program arranges for our students to live with local hosts/ families during their studies. Living situations in homestay programs range from basic room-rental arrangements to complete host/family immersion. In a homestay program, you will typically have your own room, but join the family for meals and take part in their normal daily routine. Host families can be families that have younger or teenage children themselves, but homestays can actually be offered by anyone. Host families often choose to offer homestays because it’s a great way for them and/or their own children to meet with international students and be exposed to different cultures.

HOW DO I FIND A HOMESTAY?

ALRA will set you up with a homestay family directly. When applying to the ALRA Homestay Program you will be asked to fill out a questionnaire before you are connected with a host family. With this questionnaire, it’s best to be completely honest. If you’re allergic to cats or afraid of dogs, you don’t want to end up in a home with a lot of pets!

ALRA HOMESTAY PROGRAM

Every homestay host with ALRA is required to complete a comprehensive certification program including: in-home interviews, training and assessments, criminal background checks, home inspections, and routine communications with the ALRA Homestay coordinator.  Students who homestay with ALRA Homestay Program can count on being provided a private bedroom, internet access, and an agreed-upon meal plan. In addition to the care and support of your host family, international students are also assigned a local homestay coordinator, who can provide backup support through a 24/7 emergency phone number.

WHY HOMESTAYS?

There are many reasons that homestays are a great solution for international students, including:

ORIENTATION

When first arriving in Canada things can be confusing and difficult, however, your Homestay host is able to assist with local guidance like transport, shopping, banking as well as introducing and assisting with networks, mentoring, local culture, etc. Also, beginning your adventure with a homestay program allows students to jump right into their studies without the worries of finding housing, furniture and signing leases all from overseas. And ALRA is always willing and ready to assist our students!

PRICE

As you will be staying in someone’s home, homestays tend to be an affordable option. The families offering their house as a homestay are typically not doing it for financial gain so they can be excellent economical accommodation options. Homestays are often the most economical accommodation option because cost of room and board generally includes meals, laundry facilities, and occasionally some light cleaning services. You will also save money because you won’t have to worry about furnishing an apartment. You may also be provided with a guaranteed number of meals a day, which will save you money in groceries, and allow you to splurge a little on fun excursions and souvenirs during your stay (not to mention try local dishes and foods!).

CULTURE

Staying with a local family will really submerge you into that culture and life. Homestay programs provide students with a more authentic cultural experience. In most cases you will spend evenings and free time with your host family, having meals and social time with them, and experiencing daily life in your host country. Living with host families will provide you with more opportunities to experience local cuisine, as well as local events and places that most tourists and other visitors to the country will be unaware of. Additionally, host families can serve as tour guides and give you tips on how to get by in your new environment.

LANGUAGE

One of the best ways to learn a new language is to be fully immersed in the language, and there is no better way of immersing yourself than with a homestay! If you are living in a dormitory or hostel, you will almost inevitably fall amongst people who speak your native language. In a homestay program, you will be required to converse in the native language of your host country, allowing you to improve your language skills. Your host family will most likely be thrilled to help you practice your skills. Engaging in daily conversation in your new language can be more helpful in building conversational skills than any class, and having strong language skills will make living in a foreign country far easier; you will be better able to explore the country and meet new people.

FRIENDS

Although most college students and young adults in homestay programs have been away from home before, finding yourself in an entirely new country, far from your friends and family can be a lonely and daunting experience. Homestay programs are a great way to make new friends, as in most cases, homestay families have children themselves, often around the same age as the students they are hosting. Homestay families also provide a good support system for international students who are far from home, and friendships are often formed between hosts and students that last a lifetime.

SAFETY

In a homestay program, your host family is there to look out for you, much like your family at home. They will be there to make sure you get home safe every day, as well as to provide emotional support at home. If you are the type of person who likes to have someone to talk about your day with when you get home, a homestay may be the right option for you.

IS HOMESTAY RIGHT FOR YOU?

When it comes time to decide where to live during your studies, if you answer “yes” to any of these questions then a homestay is an option you’ll want to consider.

• Do I want to live with other international students?
• Is being fully immersed in the language and customs of my new home important to me?
• Am I comfortable living in someone’s home?
• Would I enjoy having a host to help me around the area?

Everyone has different needs and expectations of their study abroad experience. The decision to stay in a homestay depends on the type of experience you want to have in the US and can certainly add to your experience and adventures

CHOOSING INDEPENDENT HOUSING

ALRA students over 18 years old are free to find and rent their own room, apartment, or house. Many first-time students choose Homestay to begin and after one semester choose to live independently. Some students try to find accommodation while living in their home country using the Internet but this can prove to be frustrating and disappointing. ALRA recommends that students wishing to live independently begin their search once they arrive in Moose Jaw.

To rent in Canada students generally need to pay:

1. The first month’s rent
2. A damage deposit (equal to one month’s rent)
3. A security deposit (equal to one month’s rent)
4. As well, students may also need to pay depending on the type of rental: Utility starting fees (Water, telephone, heating)

Most rentals in Canada are unfurnished. Students will need to buy their own furniture such as a bed, linens, sofa, and kitchenware. Almost all rentals have a refrigerator, electric stove, washer and dryer for your clothes. Sometimes the washer and dryer are coin operated. All rentals have hot water. Some rentals may have a microwave oven but most do not.

Students should be prepared to stay in a hotel from 1-5 days as they search for an apartment. It is good to budget $100 CAD/night for a hotel. ALRA may assist the student to find a rental unit depending on staff availability and we can offer advice on any rental contract but they student does need to search for their rental unit on their own. The ALRA Director of Student Services or another staff member can assist the student by showing the students websites, newspapers, and other local searching services.

ALRA also recommends students arrive 1weeks before their classes start to begin the search for a rental. It is very difficult to attend class and search for a rental unit at the same time. Also, ALRA Strongly recommends for students who start classes in September to arrive earlier if possible or contact the school about your rental options before you arrive. There are other schools in Moose Jaw and it is a very busy time of the year as the options for rental units decrease rapidly.