Open your home to the world by joining Niagara College’s Homestay program.
As a host, you will provide a welcoming and safe environment for international students, giving them the opportunity to experience Canadian culture firsthand while studying at Niagara College.
Each year, Niagara College welcomes students from around the world to its Welland and Niagara-on-the-Lake campuses. Hosting is a meaningful way to connect with someone from a different culture and share the Canadian way of life — without leaving your home.
Homestay families play an important role in helping students adjust to their new surroundings. By providing daily support and a comfortable home environment, you can make a lasting impact on a student’s experience.
As a host family, you will offer more than just a room — you will offer a sense of belonging.
You will help your student learn English, get to know the local community, and better understand Canadian customs and values.
To be eligible, your home must be:
- Located on a reliable public transit route and within 45 minutes of the Welland Campus or 1 hour of the Niagara-on-the-Lake Campus, or
- Within a 10-minute walk of either campus.
Must Provide
- Three meals per day
- Private bedroom
- Desk and dresser
- Unlimited internet
Apply Now to Become a Host Family
We are always looking for caring and engaged host families. When you apply, we will add you to our waitlist and notify you about upcoming Host Information Sessions.
Welcoming an international student into your home can be rewarding — but it also comes with new experiences and learning opportunities. Language and cultural differences may lead to occasional misunderstandings, but a positive attitude and open communication go a long way.
Here are a few helpful tips:
- Students often understand written English better than spoken English — try writing things down
- Use visuals or draw pictures to support your communication
- Ask the student if they understand, and encourage them to repeat what they hear to clarify
- Do not assume that a smile or laugh means they have understood you
- Be mindful of your tone of voice — it communicates a great deal
- Avoid sarcasm
- Avoid using anecdotes that rely on cultural references or idioms
Ideas for helping ESL students practice English:
- Read the newspaper together
- Encourage your student to keep a list of words or phrases they hear during the day and review them in the evening
- Allow your student to place orders for food, tickets, or other items over the phone. Try not to speak for them — instead, offer support and encouragement
- Label items in the home to help them learn the names
- Take them shopping to learn the names of items in a real-world setting
- Offer guidance on homework when needed, but do not complete it for them
Most issues can be resolved through open and respectful communication.
If any concerns arise, students or host families are encouraged to complete the following form that will be reviewed by NC’s Housing and Settlement Advisor.