Photo of a homestay student with their homestay host

UVic Homestay

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 is 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.

If you are already in our homestay program, visit our page for Current Homestay students. If you live in Victoria and are interested in hosting a student in your home, learn how you can Become a Homestay host.

Is Homestay available for my program?

ELC programs - limited availability for programs from September until June. Homestay placements are for the duration of the program dates, and have a set arrival and departure date. On-campus residence (dorms) is available during the summer.

Please note that students are placed in UVic Homestay on a first come first served basis as completed applications are received by our office. Homestay is limited and spaces may fill before the deadline. In cases where UVic Homestay cannot accommodate students, students will need to arrange their own homestay privately.

Other programs - Currently we are unable to accept applications from non-ELC students.

The benefits of Homestay:

  • your host family will provide a safe, respectful and supportive living environment
  • your host family will help you learn about Victoria
  • you will have a "home away from home" in Victoria, and the chance to participate in daily Canadian life and culture
  • Homestay students can practice their English with their host family or discuss other topics

What can I expect from my host family?

Your host family will:

  • follow the UVic Homestay Guidelines for Hosts
  • 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 60-85-minute bus ride of the University of Victoria

What are my responsibilities as a homestay student?

  • follow the UVic Homestay Guidelines for Students
  • arrange arrival in Victoria and communicate with your homestay host regarding your travel itinerary
  • pay your hosts on the first day of your arrival
  • prepare your own breakfast and lunch from food your hosts provide
  • keep your bedroom clean and tidy
  • clean up after yourself, especially in bathrooms, the kitchen, and common areas
  • bring your dirty dishes to the kitchen after you are finished eating or drinking
  • wash your own clothes, sheets, and towels
  • call your host family if you will be late for dinner or if your evening plans change
  • keep your emergency contact card with you at all times
  • be respectful and polite with all members of your host family
  • be aware and respectful of how your hosts manage their home.

How do I register for Homestay?

After we receive your application, we will match you with a Canadian host family. You will receive a detailed Homestay Information Package by email two 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.

Please note that students are placed in UVic Homestay on a first come first served basis as completed applications are received by our office. Homestay is limited and spaces may fill before the deadline. In cases where UVic Homestay cannot accommodate students, students will need to arrange their own homestay privately.

How much does Homestay cost?

  • Monthly English programs: The homestay fee is $1260 per program
  • The homestay fee for consecutive programs or programs longer than a full month is $1260 CAD per month and $42 CAD per night for extra nights or partial months. 
  • Please see the Detailed Fee Payment Schedules (non-ELC) for specific fee information.

Payment information:

  • The student pays homestay fees directly to the host.
  • The student is responsible for the full homestay fee based on the Homestay Placement contract dates.
  • The student pays Homestay fees on the day they arrive, and then (for long-term programs) on the corresponding day of each following month, for the duration of their Homestay Placement contract, based on their placement start date.
  • Please see the Detailed Fee Payment Schedules (non-ELC) for specific fee information.

 

 

Questions? Please contact us or visit our Frequently asked questions page. 
If you're an Agent, please view the Homestay information for agents page.