Student & Host Testimonials

What students have to say...

About the homestay experience:

“I love my homestay family and I feel grateful to stay in a full-of-love family during these two years. They took me to go everywhere and taught me Canadian culture.  Also they respect my culture.  It is hard to think about leaving them after I graduate.” – Kate

"My homestay taught me about how to be how to be an adult." – Natalie

"My homestay family is amazing. They treated me like their own son and I accepted them like my own parents.  It will be an unforgettable memory in my life." – Top

About the Brooks School experience:

“I would like to say “enjoyable” for my experience in Brooks Secondary School because I enjoy all the time in this place and here is full of a tone of lovely memories.  Also, Brooks Secondary School is proof of my growing up.” - Kate

"People are very friendly.  Just don’t be too shy and try to talk to them a lot. This is the main reason to come here – learning English and communicating with people who have different cultural backgrounds. Moreover, teachers at Brooks are extremely nice, don’t be too afraid to ask any questions (just show your respect)." - Alex

“I found the relationship between teachers and students to be friendly.” - Miho

“I made friends who don’t speak my first language. This is valuable for my whole life.” - Arisa

“Brooks students are really kind and they are easy to get along with. Brooks doesn’t have many international students so you can have more chance to speak English." - Katie

“Thanks to every teacher for helping me so much.” - Yuki

“Brooks Secondary has amazing teachers! They always help students when you are stuck in your brain.  Besides, Western students have a really nice attitude with international students.” - Luna

About the Powell River experience:

• Kate says, “Even though Powell River is a small town … I LOVE IT MORE THAN I CAN IMAGINE!"
• Alex says, “Powell River is undoubtedly gorgeous, I am sure I will miss here very much after I leave.”
• Yuki said, “I was very pleasantly surprised with homestay when I came to Canada.  I feel very relaxed and happy in our life together.”
• Arisa said, “My English improved day by day, but my mind grew too.  I don’t think I would have grown if I stayed in my own country.”
• Joe said, “Powell River is a beautiful place, an original town, a quiet place for studying.”
• Alex said, “Amazing English environment, nice people.”
• Kenneth said, “Nice view, friendly people, fresh air, no pollution, few people, very local.”

What hosts have to say...

"Tom and I have been in the home stay program since it began in Powell River in 1988. We began to give our girls the experience of different cultures in our home.After our girls finished school and left home we continued to have students share our home as we realized how much we enjoyed their company. Watching our students adjust and learn English is very rewarding to us.Our home is situated very central. The students can walk to the mall, the recreation complex, 7-11, Tim Horton’s, Mac Donald’s or to the beach. We offer them rides when necessary or if they request one. Our goal is to give each student a good Canadian experience. We will support them like parents as they adjust to life and school in Powell River."

"Hi, my name is Monica. My husband Rick and I have been homestay parents for 10 years. It has been a very awesome experience. We’ve enjoyed it very much. Our own children are grown up and moved away. We missed having children and teenagers in our home. That is why we became involved in the homestay program. There have been international students who have lived with us for a short periods, and some who have been with us for 3 years. When the students first arrive in your home they are shy and very quiet, but it doesn’t take long before they become a big part of your family. We still have contact with most of our previous students by email, letter even a phone call. I love the experience I have and I hope that the students feel the same way in our home."

"This is the first year that our family has had an international student through the Powell River School District. We have 5 young children, 7, 5, 3, and 1 yr old twins. Having a student in our home has opened our eyes, and our hearts, to the importance of culture, friends, and family. We have had incredible opportunities as we have helped our student struggle with English. coaching, teaching, and supporting him have become daily activities, and we have developed a wonderful friendship. Our kids like to call our student their big brother. We currently live just outside of town but the convenient bus stop behind our house allows for easy access to all the amenities of town, and we have always been willing to help with transportation when bus schedules don’t work out right. This experience has changed the way we look at the world, and we are building friendships that will last a life time."

Interested in becoming a host? Click here to learn more!