Families Needed to Host International Students
Black Gold’s International Student Program needs local families to host grade 9-12 students who will arrive beginning this September. Welcoming an international student into your home is more than just providing a place to stay—it’s an opportunity to experience the world from your kitchen table.
Show The Best of Life in Canada
“It was great for our son to bond with someone and embrace a different culture.” - The Stambolija family
Welcoming an international student into your home is more than just providing a place to stay—it’s an opportunity to experience the world from your kitchen table. Black Gold’s International Student Program needs local families to host grade 9-12 students who will arrive beginning this September. Students come from countries all around the globe, including Germany, Spain, Italy, France, and Japan and stay anywhere between two and ten months.
These students come to Canada not only to learn English and attend school, but also to immerse themselves in Canadian culture and daily life. As a host family, you play a vital role in helping them feel safe, supported, and part of the community from the moment they arrive.
International students bring diverse languages, traditions, and perspectives, enriching our classrooms and communities in countless ways. But their Canadian journey begins not at school—it starts in community homes. That’s where you come in.
As a host family, you’ll provide a safe, supportive environment where an international student can thrive. You’ll share meals, conversations, and daily life with someone eager to learn about Canadian culture—and just as eager to share their own.
No two hosting experiences are exactly the same, but they all offer the opportunity to build meaningful cross-cultural connections that can last a lifetime.
Support Every Step of the Way
“Our International Student assigned to us is very independent, organized, & hardworking. We enjoyed having him stay in our house.” - The Rodeo/Hutchinson Family
We understand that welcoming a student into your home is a big decision. That’s why Black Gold’s International Student Program offers full support throughout the process. Our dedicated staff are available to host families 24/7, to provide guidance, answer questions, and help ensure a smooth and rewarding experience for everyone involved.
Whether it’s your first time hosting or you’ve done it before, you don’t need any special background or training to become a host family. What matters most is that you are kind, open-minded, and willing to include a student in your daily life. We’ll take care of the rest, from matching students to families, to providing orientation and ongoing support.
Families receive a monthly payment to help offset expenses such as groceries, utilities, and other day-to-day living costs. It’s one more way the International Program works to make hosting accessible for a wide range of families across Black Gold.
Why Host?
“Do it. We've had 5 students join us from around the world, from Spain, Japan, Columbia and France. Each has been such an amazing individual. We've been lucky for each of our kids to get to know them and develop relationships around the globe. You get the chance to show them all the great parts of Canada and what makes this such a great country to live in AND you get to know about where they come from.” - The Gibbs Family
Families often tell us that hosting an international student is one of the most rewarding experiences they’ve ever had. Children in the home gain global awareness, parents build lifelong friendships, and the entire household benefits from a broadened worldview. It’s not just about providing a place to stay—it’s about creating a place to belong.
If you’re ready to bring the world to your doorstep, we’d love to hear from you. Hosting with the Black Gold School Division’s International Student Program is more than an opportunity—it’s a journey of connection, discovery, and growth.
To learn more, visit our website or contact Homestay Coordinator Yolanda Chang at [email protected].