For Host Families
Become a Homestay Host for International Students
Open your home to international students and let SOUTHROCK help with student matching, communication, and ongoing support. We welcome qualified local families and homeowners from diverse backgrounds across Canada.
Who Can Become a Homestay Host?
You do not need to be from a specific cultural background to become a host. We welcome qualified local families and homeowners from diverse backgrounds, including families with children, couples, single parents, empty nesters, retirees, and experienced hosts. The most important requirements are a safe home, a suitable private room, clear communication, and a willingness to support an international student's daily life in Canada.
- Local Canadian families
- English-speaking households
- Immigrant families
- Chinese-Canadian families
- Non-Chinese families
- Couples with or without children
- Single parents
- Empty nesters
- Retired homeowners
- Single adults where appropriate and compliant
Why become a host family
Meaningful cultural exchange
Local families and homeowners from diverse backgrounds welcome an international student into their home.
Structured placement
We confirm your home, availability, and preferences.
Ongoing student support
We coordinate so you're not handling everything alone.
Respect for your routine
Matches are proposed based on your availability.
Basic expectations
- Provide a clean, safe private bedroom
- Offer basic meals (specifics vary by host)
- Maintain everyday family communication and support
- Follow local Canadian laws and community standards
- Notify our team when issues arise
Specifics are discussed with each host. We do not place students where the fit isn't right.
How the process works
- 1
Submit basic info
Use the contact page to tell us about your home.
- 2
Phone or email follow-up
We confirm details and what kind of students you can host.
- 3
Wait for a match
We reach out when a suitable student is looking.
- 4
Confirm placement
Agree on rules, meals, and move-in details.
What we ask on the student/parent side
- Respect host routines and house rules
- Follow local Canadian laws
- Communicate issues to our team
- Share student needs honestly
What SOUTHROCK Helps With
- Student–host matching
- Family communication between hosts and student parents
- Basic onboarding guidance
- Clear homestay expectations and house rules
- School-area and commute matching
- Ongoing support for international student families
- Optional guardian / custodianship coordination where applicable
Homestay is more than renting a room. Hosts should be prepared to provide a safe, clean, and supportive home environment and communicate with SOUTHROCK when support is needed.
FAQ
Host family FAQ
Want to learn more?
Submit your household information below, or contact us.