Q1. Can I get any access to a computer in the homestay house?
A1. Most Canadians do have computers at home, but will not allow students to use their computers mainly because:
1) Students occupy the computer for too long so other family members can’t use it or it may cost the family extra money depending on the type of internet service they have.
2) Students download non-English programs that interfere with the homestay computer system.
3) Students visit inappropriate, non-educational websites which may result in the homestay family’s email being filled with many unwanted emails from these sites.
In many cases, you can surf the internet or use computers to do homework at your school. If not, you can go visit the nearest PC café, there are many of these in downtown Vancouver. However, for any other purpose like e-mail, chatting, or shopping online, remember that the internet will take your precious time away. For your own sake, try not to spend too much time using the computer it will take away from the time you could use to practice your English.

Q2. Why should my showering time be limited?
A2. A Canadian detached house has one hot water tank, which is used for washing, dishwashing, showering and everything. If you use too much hot water while showering, the amount of hot water becomes insufficient for other usage.

Q3. Can I have a private bathroom?
A3. It is common that students share a bathroom with other students staying in a house, or with the homestay family. In some cases, you might be able to have a private bathroom with an additional fee of CAD $100.

Q4. Why can’t I have a TV in my room?
A4. We recommend that you spend as mush time as possible with your homestay family or friends with different nationalities, practicing your English. TV itself is not a big help for learning English because you are listening passively. Watching TV with your homestay family is better than watching by yourself as you have the opportunity to talk to them about the program. Going out with your English-speaking friends or and experiencing new outdoor activities will benefit you more.
Some homestay families may have more than one TV but this is usually for their own convenience since a private TV can be a good solution to keep a student inside the room and not to bother the family.

Q5. I found that homestay house rules are very strict. Do I have to follow them all?
A5. Every homestay house has its own rules. Some of them may not seem agreeable to you, but they are the rules that the homestay family think necessary for the security and comfort of the family and yourself. Just as you might do with your own family, feel free to discuss the rules and let the homestay parents know your concerns. If you cannot come to some kind of compromise, please
consult your homestay coordinator or agency.

Q6. When I decide to move to a new apartment or a new homestay house, or go to the airport to return to my country, who will help me?
A6. When you return to your country, often the homestay family gives students a free ride to the airport, but this is not mandatory. When you move to a new apartment or another homestay house, do not expect the family will carry your luggage and drive you to your new home. In these cases, you may ask the homestay family to do you a favor, but realize that they are not obligated to do so. In case you are moving to a new homestay house, the new family can pick you up from your old home but this is not obligatory either. You can always call a taxicab to drive you to your new home.

Q7. I can't study at all because of the noisy children at home!
A7. If you find that the homestay children are making it difficult for you to study, you could ask your homestay family if it would be possible to have a “quiet time” for an hour or two in the evening while you are studying. You could also do your studying after class time at your school or at a public library. Don’t forget that playing and having fun with the children can also be a great way for you to practice your English in a very relaxed setting. However, if you wish to stay with a family without any child, please inform us in advance.

Q8. Will I have only two meals a day during the weekend? I will be starving!
A8. In Canada, it is common for people to wake up later than usual on weekends and to have "brunch" (one big meal between breakfast and lunch) in the late morning or early afternoon. Canadians generally gather at the table and enjoy dinner together, but they have breakfast and lunch very casually and individually for convenience. In some families, homestay mothers prepare lunch for students during the week, but may not do so on the weekend because students will not be going to school and can easily help themselves to some lunch if they are hungry. If you feel you need to have three meals especially on the weekend, you can always let your homestay family know that you would prefer having two smaller meals to one large one and perhaps you could arrange to have leftovers or make yourself a sandwich for lunch.

Q9. When I join family outings, how can I bear the expense?
A9. When you go out with the family that takes more than 30 minutes in the car, it is desirable that you offer some money to pay for some of the gasoline. When fees or expenses are given individually, as in theatres or restaurants, you should pay for yourself. “Dutch Treat”, or sharing the cost of the meal or event, is common in most western countries.

Q10. My homestay mother says, "Help yourself with anything in the refrigerator." But I always open it to find nothing in it except bread, fruits, juice, milk, or vegetables.
A10. What your homestay mother means is that if you are hungry in between meals you are welcome to have a snack. Canadians commonly munch on carrot sticks, fruits, or crackers with cheese in between meals. Don’t expect to find a whole meal waiting for you in the refrigerator at all times!
If you feel the need to eat something hot, perhaps you can prepare some instant noodles or warm up some canned food.

Q11. I like everything here but the food. What should I do?
A11. Part of the experience is learning to adapt to different surroundings. Don’t expect everything to be exactly the same as it is at home. Be willing to try new foods and realize that you may not like everything the first time. If you miss certain foods from home, try to eat out once or twice a week. Vancouver is famous for having many international restaurants, where you can eat a variety of your country's dishes. Eating out can be a good way to make new friends in Canada.

Q12. My homestay family likes to hug me, which makes me feel very uncomfortable! What should I do?
A12. For people from Latin America or some European countries, it is normal to greet friends and family with hugs or kisses. Try to understand that this way of greeting others and showing their affection is an aspect of their culture. You can try to accept it and do as they do, or let them know that this is uncommon in your culture and that while you appreciate their friendly gesture, it makes you feel uncomfortable. If they are hugging you, they obviously like you and will respect your feelings about this if you are open enough to share the feelings.