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Homestay - Information

Homestay is...

a Cultural Exchange program at the University of Manitoba coordinated by the English Language Centre
an opportunity for a visiting student to live in a Canadian home while studying at our university
a rich cultural and language experience

The Homestay program is intended to help International students learn about Canadian culture, and allows Canadian families to learn about International students and their culture.

WHO MAY APPLY?
  • Any U of M International student registered in an academic program, an English Language Centre Student or a student in the International College of Manitoba (ICM)
  • Visiting Scholars, Professors, Researchers, Trainees, etc.

HOW TO APPLY
  • Please complete & return the application form
  • You will need to include a $150.00 application fee ($200.00 for ICM students), and $2,700.00 for the first 4 months ($650.00 per month for the host family and $25.00 per month administration fee) for a total of $2,850.00 Canadian ($2,900.00 for ICM students)
  • The application fee payment is non-refundable. The 4 month fee is non-refundable after the student has been assigned a homestay
  • Fees are subject to change without notice

METHODS OF PAYMENT
  • Currency is Canadian Dollars
  • Payments can be made by Bank transfer, credit card, interac, or in cash (in person only)
    • Please add an additional $30.00 when sending funds via bank transfer.
  • The following information MUST be included for bank transfers:
    • Bank Transfer Information:
      Toronto Dominion Bank
      T.D. Centre Branch
      201 Portage Ave.,
      Winnipeg, MB R3C 2T2 CANADA
    • Account Number: 0703-0308157
    • Bank Number: 004
    • Branch Transit Number: 63307
    • Swift Code: TDOMCATTTOR
    • Please inform our bank that the Beneficiary is
      The University of Manitoba
      English Language Centre
      520 University Centre
      University of Manitoba

ABOUT THE HOMESTAY FAMILIES
  • All families are carefully selected and interviewed before joining our program
  • The families chosen live close to The University of Manitoba
  • They have a keen interest in other cultures and have good English language skills

MEETING YOUR HOMESTAY FAMILY
  • Students should plan to arrive on or after the designated move in date for the term. Please see application for move in date for the current term.
  • The Homestay family will meet you at your initial point of arrival and orient you to Winnipeg, to the neighbourhood, and to local services such as banks, post offices, etc., as well as inform you of appropriate bus routes to and from the University and downtown

HOMESTAY HOMES & HOUSEHOLDS
  • Students have full use of the household, such as telephone, television, living room and kitchen
    • Students must use a calling card for long distance calls
    • Students are expected to do their own laundry and cleaning
    • Students are not expected to supervise children
    • Students may be asked to participate in normal household routines and practice considerate use of household space
  • Families will include their student in day to day activities of the family as well as cultural activities of interest to the student and family
  • Students will have their own room, bed, bedding, dresser, desk and bath towels
  • The family will provide you with a healthy breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily
    • Breakfast and lunch materials are provided so that you can prepare these meals for yourself
    • Dinner is prepared and cooked by the family

PERIOD OF ADJUSTMENT
  • It usually takes about 4 months for a student to adjust to living in Canada
    • We ask the family and the student to make a 4 month commitment to the placement
    • Students must give one month's notice before leaving their placement

FEES & APPLICATION
  • The HOMESTAY family receives $650.00 per month from the student
  • As part of the application process, the student pays:
    • the first 4 month's Homestay fees
    • plus $150.00 application fee ($200.00 for ICM students)
    • plus $100.00 administration fee
    • a total of $2,850.00 CAD ($2,900.00 for ICM students)
  • The application fee is to be paid to ELC upon application
  • After the first 4 months, you are to pay the Homestay fee directly to the family each month
  • Students should receive a receipt for all financial transactions
  • Four month homestay fees and the administration fee are due August 1st for the September term, December 1st for the January term and April 1st for the May term. Students with late applications and or late payments will not be guaranteed a placement

UNIVERSITY SUPPORT & EXPECTATIONS
  • The Homestay Coordinator is available to provide on-going support and assistance
  • Please contact the Homestay Coordinator in the case of incompatibility between a student and family. If necessary, the student will be relocated to another Homestay
  • Students who do not comply with the Homestay guidelines may be asked to leave the Homestay program and, in this case, are not entitled to any refund of Homestay fees paid
  • Students and Homestay families are encouraged to keep open channels of communication and to inform the Homestay Coordinator of any problem

EARLY APPLICATION IS ENCOURAGED

Ann Friesen
Homestay Coordinator
Phone: 204-474-6809

Homestay Assistant
Phone: 204-474-8701



© 2012 UNIVERSITY OF MANITOBA
English Language Centre
520 University Centre
University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB  R3T 2N2 Canada
Tel 204.474.9251  Fax 204.275.8098  Email elc@umanitoba.ca