Prospective Homestay students

Information for students in English Language Centre programs

Welcome to the University of Victoria's award-winning Homestay Program! Our staff are dedicated professionals who work hard to ensure that international students and Canadian host families enjoy cultural exchanges.

What is Homestay?

UVic Homestay provides an opportunity for you to live with a local family while enrolled in classes at the University of Victoria. Homestay families will welcome you into their home and provide you with a safe, comfortable and friendly place to live within easy travelling distance of the university. You will eat meals with your host family, participate in their weekend activities and become part of their daily lives.

The benefits of Homestay

• gives students who speak English as an additional language an opportunity to use their English language skills in an informal setting
• provides you with an automatic base of support in Canada
• places you with a family that will provide all your meals and snacks
• ensures that you will live within a 60-minute commute to UVic, on convenient bus routes
• provides you with affordable accommodations in a city where housing can be hard to find

Why participate in Homestay?

• Homestay students improve their English skills quicker than students who live alone
• you will have a “home away from home” in Victoria, and the chance to participate in daily Canadian life
• your host family will help you learn about Victoria
• your host family will provide all your food and cook dinner for you every night
• your host family will provide a safe, respectful and supportive living environment

Is Homestay available for my program?

Homestay is available for all programs from September until June as well as the University Pathways Program and the Summer Academic Intensive Program (ELAI).

See the Fees and dates page for the list of programs and accommodation options.

What can I expect from my host family?

Your host family will:

• pick you up when you arrive in Victoria and drop you off at your departure location when you leave Victoria
• speak English at all times
• encourage you to practice English conversation skills at home
• provide you with a safe, comfortable and friendly home
• provide you with a private, furnished bedroom (maximum three students per home)
• provide you with food for all meals and snacks
• provide you with Wi-Fi/Internet access in the home
• help you adjust to living in a new city or culture
• encourage you to join in their family activities
• introduce you to Victoria and the local neighbourhood
• live within a 60-minute bus ride of the University of Victoria

How much does Homestay cost?

• Monthly English programs: The 2017 homestay fee is $850 CAD per program; the 2018 homestay fee will be $950 CAD.
• The 2017 homestay fee for programs longer than a full month is $850 CAD per month and $28 CAD per night for extra nights or partial months.  The 2018 homestay fee will be $950 per month and $32 CAD per night for extra nights or partial months.
• Please see the Detailed Fee Payment Schedules for specific fee information.

How do I register for Homestay?

Complete and sign the Homestay 2017 Application, and then submit it with your $250 CAD application fee.

After we receive your application, we will match you with a Canadian host family. You will receive a detailed Homestay Information Package by email three weeks before your program begins, and your host family will pick you up when you arrive in Victoria.

Please review the UVic Homestay Student Guidelines for your program to ensure that Homestay is the best accommodation choice for you.

Questions? Please contact us or visit our Frequently Asked Questions page.