Traditional Homestays        Definition   Locations   The Hosts   Matching   Fee Schedules   How to Arrange for Your Homestay Placement   Cancellations   After You Have Arrived   Application

Non-Traditional Homestays Definition   Locations   The Hosts   Matching   Fee Schedules   How to Arrange for Your Homestay Placement   Cancellations   After You Have Arrived   Application

Specialty Homestays Teacher-Host Programs   Mentor-Host Programs   Spa-Host Programs   Mission Statement   Capricorn Resources

Programas de Vacaciones/“Homestay”

Traditional Homestay Program

"A Home Away From Home"

CF Educational Services Ltd. operates as a homestay placement agency for:

•  International students of all ages
•  Visiting professionals

In Traditional Homestay, the host provides a fully furnished, clean, comfortable bedroom and 3 meals per day.

Traditional Homestay is ideal for young ESL students who need a custodian in order to live and study here.

It’s an excellent way for adult students to learn about Canadian culture and adjust to their new surroundings before they look for more independent accommodation. Living with a Canadian Family provides a sense of security and connection to the community. Having Canadian Friends with whom to share experiences, will help international students to improve their English language skills and adapt to our way of life here. As a homestay guest, you will receive a key to the home so that you may come and go as you wish. Minor aged students who are under the custodial care of the host, will be required to abide by curfews.

We currently have Traditional Homestay accommodation in Vancouver, North Vancouver, West Vancouver, Richmond, New Westminster, Burnaby, and other areas around the Lower Mainland of B.C.

Prospective hosts for Traditional Homestay are interviewed and their homes are inspected for suitability before referrals are made to them. Most of our hosts are professionals and business people. A few are retired "empty nesters" who have, as their primary motive, a desire to extend Canadian hospitality and learn about another country through their international guests.

We are concerned about the well-being and safety of the students who come to us for homestay accommodation. To minimize the chances of an unfortunate experience, we maintain high standards in our selection process. To provide traditional homestay services to young international students, the hosts must provide us with evidence that they are of good reputation and moral character. In addition to this, the hosts must speak English as their first language and have clean comfortable homes.

What You Can Expect From a Traditional Canadian Homestay Host

You will be treated as a member of the family. This means that you will automatically be included in all family fun activities. It is not necessary for you to join the family if you do not want to be included. However, the more time you choose to spend with your host family, the more opportunities you will have to practice your English language skills and become familiar with Canadian culture. Some activities away from the home may require an admission fee. You must pay your own expenses for these activities. It would be a good idea to ask the host how much the activity will cost before you decide to go with them.

*It is important for international visitors to know that most families in Canada do not have servants or maid service. Therefore, as a member of the family, you will be required to keep your own bedroom clean and tidy, and you will be expected to tidy up after yourself if you have used any of the common areas in the home. The host will allow you to borrow the vacuum cleaner and use any other household cleaning items you may need. You will be required to do your own laundry. The host will permit you to use the laundry facilities in their home and will provide laundry detergent at no additional cost. If you find that you are too busy to do your own cleaning, laundry, and miscellaneous errands, concierge companies are available to provide these kinds of services for you. They advertise in the Yellow Pages telephone directory. Housecleaners are listed in many local newspapers. These services are not included in your homestay fees so you will need to pay the additional fees yourself.

Many Canadian Families lead very busy lives. Members of the family may leave for work or school at different times, so you may be asked to make your own breakfast and prepare your own bag-lunch for school, from a selection of foods in the fridge. The evening meal is always a large hot meal, prepared by the host. It is a relaxed time for you to share the day's events with the host family. The host will want to prepare some of your favourite foods; so tell the host what you like to eat. Be sure to tell the Host if you have any food allergies!

Homestay guests are encouraged to use the "common" areas of the home. You may join in conversations with family members, and their guests to whom you are introduced. Canadian Families each have their own set of house rules and behavioural expectations. They will want you to respect these also. If you are unsure about our customs or the hosts' expectations, do not be afraid to ask your hosts.

If you want to terminate your homestay, you will need to provide the host and CF Educational Services with a minimum of 2 weeks notice in advance of your departure date. The minimum stay is 1 month, unless a shorter stay has been previously agreed upon.

The information you provide on the application form is matched with information about the host family. We are confident that your homestay experience will be an enjoyable one; but, contact us immediately if you have any concerns about your placement or if any problems arise during your stay. We want to help you, if we can. Talk to your hosts too. It is important for you to make your needs and expectations known to your homestay hosts. They will want you to feel comfortable.

Homestay host fees for adults 19 years and older (including wireless internet service):

• $25 per day for traditional homestay with a shared bathroom (2 meals per day).
• $28 per day for traditional homestay with a private bathroom (2 meals per day).
• $28 per day for traditional homestay with a shared bathroom (3 meals per day).
• $32 per day for traditional homestay with a private bathroom (3 meals per day).

Custodial fees will be charged for students who are under 19 years of age (full details provided upon request).
The student must bear the costs of such extra homestay provisions as a private telephone, a computer, and Internet hook-up.

•  Airport pick-up service is $100.
• Placement fee is $225.

Money Converter

Note: The placement fee ($225) is non-refundable.

All homestay fees (and any custodial fees for students under 19 years of age), placement fees, and airport pick-up services must be made to CF Educational Services at least 30 days in advance of the student’s arrival. ( A late placement fee of $15. may be charged for applications made less than 30 days in advance.). CF Educational Services will forward your payment to the homestay host to confirm your placement. After the first payment is made, the date "due" to the homestay host is the first day of the next calendar month for which homestay services will be provided. In other words, you will need to pay for a full month of homestay services in advance of the provision of those services.

Homestay hosts in Vancouver and surrounding areas are in greatest demand during the summer months (May – September). To avoid disappointment, book well in advance of your arrival date. 

Ask us about our short-term group rates for students under 19 years of age.

1. Complete the questionnaire/application form.
2. We will send you photos and a brief description of two or three available host families. Select one. Advise us by e-mail.
3. Payment in full is required to confirm your homestay placement. Your payment must include: the placement fee ($225), the airport pick-up fee if required ($100), and the first month of homestay fees.
   Pay now using Paypal
4. After payment in full has been received, we will confirm your placement by sending you the full name, address, and phone number of the homestay hosts you have chosen. We will give them your name, address, and phone number also.
5. Write to your host family. Send them a photo of yourself – especially if you need airport or train pick-up service.

Homestay fee refunds are as follows:

• 75% of the homestay fee is refundable with 3 weeks (21 days) notice or more
• 50% of the homestay fee is refundable with 2 - 3 weeks (14 - 20 days) notice
• 25% of the homestay fee is refundable with less than 2 weeks notice

It is our policy to maintain contact with you during your stay with the host family with whom we have placed you. We want you to know that your well-being is important to us; and, that we are always available should you need our help for any reason.
Minimum stay is 1 month, (unless the hosts understood your need for homestay was for a shorter period of time, when they accepted you). ½ month (14 days) notice of termination is expected, unless you experience an emergency situation beyond your control. Hosts may terminate the homestay immediately, without notice, if you have engaged in, or are engaging in any illegal activity; or if you are in any way putting the hosts or any other members of the household, at serious risk of harm.

Click here to fill out the CF Educational
Traditional Homestay Application Form!

Non-Traditional Homestay Program

Definition

In Non-Traditional Homestay, the host provides, fully furnished, clean, comfortable accommodation. No meals are provided or prepared by the host. Instead, the host offers a fully equipped kitchen where you can store and prepare your own meals.

Non-Traditional homestay is preferred by most long-term international adult students. It offers the individual more personal freedom and independence than traditional homestay. You will be able to: cook the foods you like to eat and eat your meals whenever you want to eat, come and go as you please, and entertain your friends when you want to (according to the tolerance of any others you may be sharing with) and interact with others your own age.

Accommodation will be:

A small private apartment – fully furnished, in the home of a host / host family

OR

A student house. This is a fully furnished house for the use of young adult students from various countries who are attending schools in the area. The home owner may live there full time or just part-time on an occasional basis.

OR

A roommate. Some single Canadian hosts like to share accommodation with an international student of the same age and gender as themselves. The home could be a house, an apartment or a condominium. You might need to purchase some bedroom furnishings or bedding.

We currently have Non-Traditional Homestay accommodation in Vancouver, North Vancouver, West Vancouver, Richmond, New Westminster, Burnaby, and other areas around the Lower Mainland of B.C.

*subject to availability.
These homestays tend to stay rented for long periods of time and are usually re-rented very quickly after the host receives notice of vacancy.

Prospective hosts for Non-Traditional Homestay are interviewed and their homes are inspected for suitability before referrals are made to them. Most of our hosts are professionals and business people. A few are retired "empty nesters" who have, as their primary motive, a desire to extend Canadian hospitality and learn about another country through their international guests.

We are concerned about the well-being and safety of the students who come to us for homestay accommodation. To minimize the chances of an unfortunate experience, we maintain high standards in our selection process. To provide Non-Traditional homestay services to young international students, the hosts must provide us with evidence that they are of good reputation and moral character. In addition to this, the hosts must speak English as their first language and have clean comfortable homes.

The information you provide on the application form is matched with information about the host family. We are confident that your homestay experience will be an enjoyable one; but, contact us immediately if you have any concerns about your placement or if any problems arise during your stay. We want to help you, if we can. Talk to your hosts too. It is important for you to make your needs and expectations known to your homestay hosts. They will want you to feel comfortable.

Non-Traditional Homestay fees start at about $18 per day for a single placement. The total cost depends on a number of factors, such as the size and quality of the suite, quality of furnishings provided, location of the home, and number of people sharing it. In most situations, the cost includes utilities. But you would be responsible for any extra furnishings or services such as a private phone and Internet access. In some situations, utility costs are shared equally with others who reside in the same home. You will need to pay a damage deposit equal to ½ of the monthly rent. The exact cost will be available once we have located the right placement for you. Minimum stay is 1 month and a 1 month notice of termination will be required.

• The Placement Fee is $225.
  
• Airport pick-up service is $100.

At least one month before your arrival date:

1. Complete the questionnaire / application form on this site & click the "Send" button.
2. We will send you a brief description of two host families based on information you have provided to us on the application form. Select one. Advise us by e-mail.
3. Payment in full is required to confirm your homestay placement. Your payment must include: the placement fee ($225), the airport pick-up service fee if required ($100), and the first 30 days of homestay fees.
   Pay now using Paypal
   
4. After payment in full has been received, we will confirm your placement by sending you the full name, address, and phone number of the homestay hosts you have chosen. We will give them your name, address, and phone number also.
5. Write to your host family. Send them a photo of yourself – especially if you need airport or train pick-up service.

Homestay fee refunds are as follows:

• 75% of the homestay fee is refundable with 3 weeks (21 days) notice or more
• 50% of the homestay fee is refundable with 2 - 3 weeks (14 - 20 days) notice
• 25% of the homestay fee is refundable with less than 2 weeks notice

It is our policy to maintain contact with you during your stay with the host family with whom we have placed you. We want you to know that your well-being is important to us; and, that we are always available should you need our help for any reason.
Minimum stay is one month. One month notice of termination of the homestay, is required for Non-Traditional homestay. The host may terminate your homestay immediately, without notice, if you are guilty of participating in any kind of illegal activity; or if your behaviour is putting the host or any members of the household at serious risk of harm.

Click here to fill out the CF Educational
Non-Traditional Homestay Application Form!

Tutoring

CF Educational Service Ltd. operates as a tutor referral service. BC certified teachers will come to your home to provide private or semi-private tutoring in ESL (English) or other academic subjects.

Specialty Homestay Programs

We offer 3 types of HOLIDAY Homestay Programs.
Our Teacher-Host, Mentor-Host and Spa-Host Programs are for adults, or adults with their children. Single or Groups are welcome. These package programs can be used as incentives, by employers who want to reward their employees.

Companies sponsor these programs for their employees because people are their most valuable resource. All Holiday Homestay packages are tailored to individual needs and interests. Recreation, and sightseeing can be added to all packages. Spa treatments can be included in both the Teacher-Host and Mentor-Host Programs. Spa services increase employee productivity and reduce absenteeism. Happy, healthy well-rested employees are more alert, make fewer mistakes and have fewer accidents on the job.

Mothers choose a Specialty homestay for themselves, while their children are enjoying their own ESL cultural experience in a school nearby.

These package programs include 3 meals per day.

Our Teacher-Host Program is for mature international visitors who want to experience Canadian culture and improve their English or French language skills, in a home environment.

Our Mentor-Host Program is for those who are fluent in English and don’t want any language instruction. This program is ideal for our neighbours in Canada, USA, in Australia and New Zealand, England and other English speaking countries.

Our Spa-Host Programs are recommended for those hard-working adult guests who want to return to their jobs totally refreshed and rejuvenated.

Specialty Homestays: Teacher-Host Programs

Teacher-Host Programs are designed to meet the language-holiday needs of individuals and small groups of successful international business men and women, professionals and university students. In addition to traditional homestay and formal language lessons, our teacher-hosts offer teacher-guided sight-seeing, fine arts, Canadian cooking and various sports activities.

Our international visitors can improve conversation skills in a natural setting and have fun too! Our teachers have a variety of personal interests that make them interesting people to know! We do our best to match our international guests with teachers who share the same or similar interests to facilitate rapport and informal conversation. Refer to Teacher-Host Programs for more information.

Complete the application with full details. Be sure to tell us what you would like your program to include. It will be designed just for you!

Click here to fill out the CF Educational
Teacher-Host Program Application Form!

Specialty Homestays: Mentor-Host Programs

Mentor-Host Programs were created to combine learning with holiday time. This program is for individuals and small groups of successful English-speaking business men and women, professionals and career-minded young adults. Our mentors endeavour to provide first class homestay accommodation and interesting insights into the business or profession of the client’s choice. CF Educational Services is a leader in the provision of mentoring programs. Refer to Mentor-Host Programs for more information.

Mentor-Hosts are our Canadian Business Friends. If you prefer to stay in hotel accommodation while you're visiting Vancouver – that's fine! Ask to meet one of our "business friends" for lunch or coffee. We will do our best to introduce you to someone in the same or very similar occupation, for an exchange of ideas and experiences. Just let us know if you've made a new friend…. because that's our mission!

Complete the application form with full details. Be sure to tell us what you would like your program to include. It will be designed just for you!

Click here to fill out the CF Educational
Mentor-Host Program Application Form!

Our Spa-Host Program is for anyone who wants to spend some leisure hours being pampered with spa services in a home environment. A registered massage and / or certified spa therapist will come to you, in your host’s home. A holistic coach is available to counsel those interested in learning about “wellness”.

Spa-Host Programs are recommended for those hard-working adult guests who want to return to their jobs totally refreshed and rejuvenated.

Refer to Spa-Host Programs for more information.

Complete the application form with full details. Be sure to tell us what you would like your program to include. It will be designed just for you!

Click here to fill out the CF Educational
Spa-Host Program Application Form!

We believe that it is more important today than ever before, to facilitate those who extend their hand in friendship, to each other. Canadian Families invite you into their homes to share common interests in work and play, to create positive alliances.

B.C. Canadian Companies

We wish to thank the following B.C. Canadian Companies for their generous contributions to our “Welcome Baskets”.

Purdy’s Chocolates www.purdys.com
The Bread Garden www.breadgarden.com
Whistler Water www.whistlerwater.com

Study in English or French in Canada!