School District #8 (Kootenay Lake) International Program Homestay

Handbook

https://docs.google.com/document/d/e/2PACX-1vQNqhFOLAEal69iB15DzZoWRaPFisUr mv-6ioQt9MA6cYycUs6NUX1WB_v7gXH8nWFhlbyy9sXyGmL_/pub

Table of Contents

INTERNATIONAL PROGRAM STAFF CONTACT INFORMATION 2 SCHOOL CONTACT INFORMATION 2 HOST FAMILY GENERAL INFORMATION 3 WHY INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS COME TO BC 3 REASONS CANADIANS PROVIDE HOMESTAY 3 HOST FAMILY RESPONSIBILITIES - PROVISIONS 3,4 WHAT DO STUDENTS PAY FOR? 4 EXPENSES INTERNATIONAL PROGRAM COVERS 5 CHALLENGES TO ANTICIPATE 5 HOUSE RULES 5,6 FOOD 6,7 ILLNESS & EMERGENCY 7,8 PREPARING FOR ARRIVAL 8,9 THE FIRST FEW DAYS 9 WHEN TO CONTACT INTERNATIONAL PROGRAM STAFF 10 RESPITE (ARRANGING FOR SOMEONE ELSE TO WATCH STUDENT OVERNIGHT) 10 EMERGENCY - CONTACT US 1​0 TRAVEL OUT OF THE DISTRICT 1​0 INFORM THE PROGRAM WHEN... 1​0 STUDENT A​CTIVITIES 1​0,11 SUPPORTING ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNING 1​1 ORIENTATION, FOLLOW UP AND FEEDBACK 1​1,12 REMUNERATION Q’S 12 CHANGING HOST FAMILY 12 TRANSPORTATION INCL. SCHOOL BUS 12, 13 SCHOOL EXPECTATIONS 13 STUDENT EMPLOYMENT 13, 14 STUDENT DRIVING 14 STUDENT EXPENSES 14,15 HOMESTAY EXPENSES 14,15 HOMESTAY CLAIMS - RECEIPTS 14, 15 HOMESTAY PAYMENTS 15 STUDENT ACCESS TO CANADIAN MONEY 15 DEVELOPING INTERCULTURAL SKILL SET 15 HOMEWARD BOUND ​(PRIOR TO DEPARTURE WHEN RETURNING HOME) 15,16 APPENDIX - FORMS 17 +

1 Homestay Handbook Please print this page and post on your fridge:

International Program Staff Contact Information

NAME POSITION PHONE E-MAIL Jann Schmidt Administrator 250-551-4702 [email protected] Michele Le Program 250-505-7015 [email protected] Lievre Coordinator Kathi Knapik Homestay Teacher 250-505-6848 [email protected] Manager Tanis Bourchier LVR Program [email protected] Assistant

Website: ​http://international.sd8.bc.ca

Homestay Social Media:​ Twitter ​Kathi Homestay Kootenay Lake​ ​& Facebook ​ ​Kathi Kootenay Lake

Homestay Contractor Information

NAME CELL E-MAIL Ingrid Savard - Nelson 250-354-8865 [email protected] Adrianna Wright - 250-469-4449 [email protected] Creston Kathi Knapik - (short 250-505-6848 [email protected] term) Nelson

School Information (fill in according to student placement) ​ NAME & POSITION PHONE E-MAIL Admin Counsellor Other

School Bus ​(family must register online; fill in according to student placement)

Time of Day Bus # and Name pickup/dropoff locations morning after school

2 Homestay Handbook Host Family General Information

This handbook addresses the broad range of topics relevant to new homestay parents. Reach out to experienced homestay parents and IP staff, too.

Information from the Homestay Visit and Orientation and the “Host Family Agreement” apply. (ie. student safety and well being is of paramount importance. Keep vehicle maintained, vehicle insurance, house insurance, change batteries in smoke detectors, etc. ).

1. Why do international students come to British Columbia? ● a desire to be global citizens, making meaningful and purposeful connections with Canadians, to learn about Canadian culture ● for an extensive English language learning experience, to become more fluent, leading to greater opportunities in their future ● sometimes, to graduate in a BC high school and receive a BC Dogwood Certificate ● sometimes, to pursue university in North America. ● to pursue more artistic and holistic learning opportunities ● to be taught by teachers who engage students in student-centered, innovative, and creative learning experiences Talk to your student about his/her reasons for coming here. Help the student to set aligned academic and language goals. Help the student to set a plan for achievement.

2. What are some reasons Canadians provide Homestay experiences? ● to learn more about another culture and develop their intercultural mind- and skill-set. ● to give their own children intercultural learning opportunities.

Homestay payments are intended to finance the extra costs associated with hosting. Payments are NOT income for the Homestay parent!

3. What am I (homestay parent) expected to provide?

You are expected to be a kind, welcoming, nurturing and fair parent. This means providing as you would for your own family and includes: ● Greeting the student at the airport; seeing the student off for their return flight home (if expenses are incurred, there is a procedure for reimbursement). This is an important requirement! Please don’t expect Homestay Contractors to do this for you! ● (usually) private bedroom with a bed, desk, window, lamp and closet/dresser. ● three nutritious meals a day, incl. snacks as required ● a quiet, adequately lit and heated study space ● shower or bathing facilities, incl. hot water and soap/shampoo ● laundry facilities and support (ie. teach student to use machines) ● emotional support if the student suffers from homesickness, difficulties with school or friends, etc. 3 Homestay Handbook ● academic support: help with homework where possible, communication with teachers and IP school contacts, attendance at parent-teacher-student conferences, etc. ● inclusion of the student in family outings, trips to restaurants, special occasions, recreational activities ● access to the common living areas of the house ● Canadian culture exposure and education ● opportunities for student to talk, listen and learn English in the home ● Access to wifi for the student (this may be limited to a certain amount of time per day)

Early on, discuss expectations; yours and the student’s. Reach mutual agreement about the amount of interaction between the student and the family and the kinds of activities in which you will participate together. Discuss this regularly as situations change. Expect some adjustment. The student is in a new home, communicating in a new language, in a new country. Be patient and listen carefully, to minimize student and homestay stress.

4. What kinds of things should the students pay for themselves? ● clothes ● school supplies ● special preference toiletries ● long distance phone calls if using family phone ● their own cell phone and plan ● medicines and medications ● dental work (ie. pre-existing problem, orthodontics) ● haircuts or other personal services ● personal entertainment and expenses away from host family ● costs associated with participation in school sponsored activities (ie. grad events, school dances, extra-curricular sports, clubs or music trips (other than those specific to the international program). ● stamps, stationary, books, magazines, online memberships, CD’s, posters, etc. ● costs related to student visas and airplane tickets

Please discuss the above list with your student before the student incurs the expense.

5. What kind of expenses does the program cover?

Included in the fees (paid by the student to the program) are the following: ● school course fees, incl. resources like textbooks. ● monthly activities arranged by the International Program staff.

Please discuss course selections and bring any concerns to school and IP contacts. Sometimes, online courses are NOT included. 4 Homestay Handbook

6. What challenges should I be aware of?

Students may suffer for the first few weeks or more: ● culture shock:​ Some people experience this when they are suddenly immersed in a culture different from their own. “Culture” is largely unwritten and incl. patterns of behavior that govern people. Culture shock develops when basic assumptions about life and familiar ways of behaving are no longer appropriate or useful. Be understanding. Your student is struggling with new things: language, climate, community, new or different customs, food, home, family, friends, emotional behaviours and expressions, and more. Be aware - you may also experience some culture shock! ● jet lag:​ Most students have traveled through several time zones to reach the area. The effects of jet lag may last up to two weeks and include sleeping problems, drowsiness at the wrong time of day, loss of appetite, general fatigue and disorientation. ● homesickness:​ Many students have left their family, friends and pets for the first time. Natural feelings of homesickness may be exacerbated by culture shock. ● loneliness:​ Students may feel very alone in this new situation. They may feel like outsiders in the community, school, or home. Limited ability to communicate in English may contribute to their feelings of isolation. ● teenage mood swings:​ Developmentally, teenagers experience and react to physical and mental changes in a ‘typically’ teenage way. At times you may find yourself on the emotional roller coaster so familiar to parents of teens!

All of the above may be exhibited in a variety of ways: quiet, unresponsive, withdrawn behavior; crying spells; isolation from the family; long periods alone in the bedroom; lack of appetite; despondent behavior; moodiness, incl. depression, anger, anxiety, lethargy.

Sometimes, the comfort of familiar food (ie. rice for breakfast) will go a long way in easing discomfort.

If symptoms don’t resolve over a couple weeks, please let your homestay contractor and school counsellor know as soon as possible, so that appropriate mental health supports can be put in place for the student.

7. What kinds of rules apply to the host family and to the student?

It is reasonable to expect the student to follow age-appropriate family rules. However, it’s suggested that rules are introduced gradually to ease student stress and improve understanding. The student may have a different level of freedom at home. Consider: A. Establish a nightly curfew - it may be different on weekdays and weekend. B. Allow only certain types of activity. ie. school team practice is OK, but a party is not.

5 Homestay Handbook C. Within reason, the student needs to notify the homestay parents of their activities and when they might change. D. The student needs to respect the house rules regarding smoking or sleepovers. E. Students may have some chores or assist with light duties in the home. It’s reasonable to expect students to clean up after themselves. You may need to show them! F. Discuss ahead of time any needs for rides to special events, or if a student wishes to have friends overnight, etc. G. Students must NEVER be overnight without adult supervision. Supervision MUST be arranged if the homestay family parent(s) are away. Contact the homestay contractor to advise and assist, if needed. Supervisors require criminal record checks. Other homestay families are often great respite choices. H. Immigration Canada does not permit students to hold jobs while studying at a high school in Canada. Exceptions to this are part time jobs that do not require a social insurance number such as shoveling sidewalks, babysitting, delivery of newspapers or phone books, etc. I. The student is expected to attend school every day unless they are ill. When a student is ill, the homestay family needs to alert the school via a telephone call (or email) about the absence. Truancy will result in discipline and jeopardize student’s experience. J. Students shouldn’t make phone calls past 10:00 p.m. or tie up the family phone for longer than the time designated by the homestay parents. Students should always be given the opportunity to access Wi-Fi to contact their parents, especially within the first 24 hours of arriving in Canada. Remember, their parents are often awake when we are normally sleeping. K. NEVER allow a student to leave the community on their own, whether overnight or for a weekend, without advance contact with IP staff (ie. homestay manager, contractor, administrator). The student’s travel must be sanctioned by the parents and agent. Documentation on specific forms must be submitted to our IP office prior to their departure from the home. L. Students are allowed to take driving lessons from a professional licensed driving instructor in order to obtain a driver’s license. However, NEVER can the student drive the homestay family vehicle(s), even after obtaining their license. M. Students are NOT babysitters. It is not appropriate to use them in this manner.

8. What about food?

The food you serve in your home will be different from the food your student is used to. People worldwide derive great comfort from familiar and favorite foods. Eating times, table manners, and methods of serving and presenting food will also be different. Most students adjust quickly to a Canadian diet but some take longer than others. NOTE: Students will likely require your support in making their lunches.

6 Homestay Handbook ● Homestay is required to provide three (3) meals per day and snacks. Please be observant and have open conversations, to make sure that your student is eating enough to be healthy and happy. ● Give your student a tour of the kitchen, including fridge and pantry. Name items. Explain when/how they are eaten. ● Ask the student about items found in the cupboard and fridge at home. Talk about favorite foods, mealtimes and procedures back home. ● Take the student grocery shopping. Look for the various ethnic foods available at larger outlets. Ask the student what he/she would like to take to school for lunch. ● Encourage the student to prepare a favorite dish so that you can try it and learn about your student’s culture. ● Have a good variety of fresh fruits and vegetables on hand. ● Consider that some students want to eat the same thing every day (ie. rice). Please provide, if this is the case.

If a host family goes out to a restaurant, the student should be provided for in the same manner as their own children. It is NOT appropriate to have the student pay for their meal. It may be appropriate to limit the menu choices to stay within a particular budget, if you do the same with other members of the family.

9. What if my student gets sick?

Treat this the same as you would with your own child: notify the school if your homestay child is staying home, seek medical attention (ie. medical clinic, doctor or hospital emergency) if necessary. In this circumstance, contact your homestay contractor!

● take Medical Card (Guard Me or BC Medical) with you always! ● take Interior Health Release form to hospital if on Guard Me ● Notify medical personnel at START of visit as to status as an International student.

A convenient option may be Guard Me’s “Mobile Doctor.” or “MSP’s Babylon Online Health” (see next page for how to use)

If medical attention is required, you MUST inform the IP program staff (ie. home contractor, manager and administrator). The student has “GuardMe” or MSP medical coverage. The student MUST show their insurance card for medical services! - Hospital, medical and emergency treatments or expenses incurred​ outside of Canad​a are not fully insured. It is strongly recommended that students going out of the country purchase, at their own expense, extra traveler’s insurance with GuardMe insurance or BCAA.

Canadian medical practices may be very different from the student’s home. Help, by explaining procedures to your student. Orientation will provide very useful resources to the homestay family.

7 Homestay Handbook This is for students that are on MSP only. Babylon Online Health a. Babylon online Health is an interesting tool for individuals that do not have a family doctor or access to doctor because of office closure, weekend, etc. i. Download app & register. ii. Telus is working with Babylon to provide the network but you do not have to be a Telus customer to access. iii. No fee to register or use service iv. On line appointments with BC-licensed doctors v. Doctors can order blood test, refer to specialist, skype face to face consultation, review of injuries, can request same doctor from previous appointments vi. Prescribe and send prescription to your nearest pharmacy vii. Doctors will apply direct billing to MSP for phone appointment viii. If a student is 15 or older can use this on line tool. Ideal for communities that do not have clinics evenings and/or weekends. https://www.babylonhealth.com/ca

10. How do I prepare for the student’s arrival?

Discuss family expectations beforehand. Learn about the student’s home country, language and culture. While there may be cultural norms with particular ethnicities, be careful not to stereotype. Children may anticipate a new brother, sister or best friend. 8 Homestay Handbook Discuss the challenges of forming cross-cultural friendships, where cultural differences and language barriers are sometimes difficult.

Experienced homestay families can give you lots of helpful suggestions, including pitfalls to avoid. You will be given a contact list for other homestay families.

Research online or at your local library about the student’s country of origin. Google Translate or books on hand can be used to initiate conversation with a new student. Plan conversation topics and activities ahead of time.

Prepare a welcome for your student: ​ a sign, a gift, flowers, or any small gesture.

11. Procedures during the first few days AFTER arrival

● Check accuracy of the student’s Homestay Contact Card (your name, address and phone numbers). The students are expected to carry this card with them at all times. ● Learn and use the correct pronunciation of your student’s real name (they shouldn’t have to use an ‘english’ name). ● Clarify how you would like the student to address you and other family members. ● A ​fire escape route​ from the student’s bedroom should be reviewed. ● Teach the route to and from your home to school. Practice this more than once. ● Review school information. Clarify the daily schedule and plan for getting to and from school. ● Keep the student busy but also give some time alone. ● Do simple things together (ie. set the table for dinner) ● Encourage the student to phone or Facetime to their family soon after arrival. ● Speak to the parents yourself. Even if they don’t understand English they will appreciate the gesture. ● Introduce your student to extended family, neighbors and close friends. Write down names and relationships to help the student to remember. ● Girls - clarify how to dispose of sanitary products and where they can buy the products they will need. ● If needed, help the student purchase a bus pass and interpret the transit schedule. ● Relax! Focus on making the student comfortable and your own feelings of nervousness and anxiety will disappear. ● Celebrate small milestones right away. ● Establish a pattern of daily conversation. Have the student help to make a list of conversation topics. ● Gradually introduce family rules. Which one(s) are most important? Consider writing them and displaying them in a prominent place (ie. fridge). ● Teach the student how to use things - the keys or entry code, the washing machine, microwave, turning on the shower, etc. Be prepared to show again a few times. Often, it helps to write it down (they may be able to read English, but can’t understand when they hear it). 9 Homestay Handbook ● Communicate meal times and procedures. As the patterns may be very different from home, be prepared to reinforce with extra reminders.

12. When do I contact Homestay Contractor, Homestay Manager, Coordinator and/or Administrator ?

To facilitate communication between homestay, home and agencies, and to ensure that the program operates smoothly, we ask you to follow these procedures:

Contact us r​ ight away in case of any emergency. ​ These include: ● A health emergency including accidents, death of a family member or where the homestay parent has to be away from the home, etc. ● A student is missing. ● An emergency in the student’s family home.

Respite arrangements ​ (when parent(s) are away and student is remaining) require notification. Students MUST stay with adults over 25 yrs. with CRC’s on file at the IP program office. We encourage homestay parents to coordinate their own respite with other homestay parents. However, we can help make arrangements if necessary.

There is a required daily rate that needs to be paid by the host family (Homestay Contractor will advise) in cases of respite.

Student travel out of the district r​ equires notification and approval. There may be paperwork to complete (ie. for travel to the USA, arrangements for a letter of permission must be made with Administrator in advance). Contact contractor or manager to arrange. - Hospital, medical and emergency treatments or expenses incurred outside of Canada are not fully insured. It is strongly recommended that students going out of the country purchase, at their own expense, extra traveler’s insurance with GuardMe insurance or BCAA.

In addition​, these are NON-emergencies but we ask to be informed, so we can best support everyone: ● A student is not obeying host family rules. * ● A student is skipping or late for class (contact school/teacher) * ● A student is consistently late for curfew. * ● A student isn’t completing assigned homework (contact school/teacher) *

*We ask you to use common sense in dealing with these issues. Treat the student as you would your own child (but don't punish)

If you and your student have issues, you establish consequences, but the problem(s) persist, then please contact the IP program through the Homestay Contractor, so that we can become more involved.

13. What kind of home activities should I provide ?

10 Homestay Handbook Some favourite experiences include participation in homestay travel and excursions, activities at school incl. field trips, sports teams, graduation, choirs, etc.

● Many new students need encouragement to participate. It’s OK to be persistent and insistent (at least the first few times). Negotiate short time intervals if necessary. ● Anything that your own children might be encouraged to participate in (ie. hiking, camping, movie nights, etc.) is appropriate for your international student. ● Encourage ​extracurricular activities​ with school. This may mean driving the student, arranging car pools, etc. ● Encourage ​community based activities​ (ie. kickboxing, swimming at the pool, etc.). ● When you know placements in advance, investigate registration procedures for activities like soccer, etc. Reach out to the student to determine their interest in signing up before deadlines pass. ● Students and homestay should discuss extracurricular activities, to ensure that schedules align. Students are required to communicate activity dates, expected departure and arrival times, etc.

The IP program provides ​monthly activitie​s for international students. Email notifications are sent. Please encourage your student to attend and support them in signing up. While a student may miss because of preference for a family outing, we ask the host family to inform us.

14. How can I support the student’s English language learning?

Listening, speaking, reading, writing and hearing are all critical parts of learning a language. Be aware of the way you speak. Slow down. Use simpler words and shorter sentences. Repeat, without raising the volume of your voice.

Echo corrections without pointing out mistakes. ie. Student: “Tomorrow, things for school buy tomorrow.” Homestay: “Yes, tomorrow I will take you to buy your school supplies at WalMart.”

Demonstrate, don’t explain. Draw pictures. Write out the words (often, their written English is much better than spoken). Match actions to word or phrase.

Simply saying “do you understand?” may result in a “yes” to save face. But, doesn’t mean they understand…

The language will develop quickly if the student feels cared about and supported. The barriers to learning are: - Linguistic – not enough vocabulary to get the idea of a conversation - Psychological – nervous, scared, feelings of insecurity or inadequacy - Physical – sounds that are foreign in their home language

11 Homestay Handbook 15. What is orientation? What kind of follow up occurs?

The goals of orientation include: 1. to welcome students and host families to the program 2. to create a broad base of support through information sharing 3. to address common potential issues before they occur 4. to create a network of support for cultural differences.

The homestay contractor will do a formal orientation with the student and family that will include: ● Host family responsibilities, incl. criminal record check & annual ISP Offense declaration ● Student responsibilities. ● International Program responsibilities. ● FAQs and answers. Provide a networking opportunity to families with a contact list of host family phone numbers and emails. ● Medical coverage and usage ● Student activity program ● Tips to ensure happy students and happy families

a. The homestay contractor will contact homestay parents within the first two weeks after the student arrives. This is a good time to address early challenges and line up supports, as needed.

b. The homestay contractor will visit the student within the first three weeks of arrival for the same purpose.

c. The homestay contractor will check in with students, homestay parents and agents on a monthly basis.

d. Any concerns about the payment of the remuneration should be referred to the Homestay Coordinator:

Michele Le Lievre: [email protected]

e. Homestay Feedback must be completed at the end of the student’s stay. Links to the appropriate google forms are sent electronically to both student and homestay family. Please complete, as they allow us to make improvements to our program, as needed

16. Changing Host Families

Occasionally there will be need, on behalf of the student or host family, for a student to move to another homestay. Not all matches work out.

Students, families or IP program staff may initiate the request for movement. These requests should be made to the Homestay Contractor. At that time, a process

12 Homestay Handbook including discussion and location of a new homestay will occur. Final approval must be given by the Homestay Manager.

17. Transportation - to school and elsewhere

● Host parents are encouraged to drive their student from place to place on occasion, as they would their own children. ● never allow a student to drive your vehicle (even if they obtain a license). ● Whenever appropriate, the student is encouraged to take public transportation. Students are responsible to pay for their own public ​bus fares ​ or ​passes​. Homestay families should support the students in learning transit routes and procedures. ● It is recommended that the host parents review their vehicle insurance policies with their insurance provider to ensure they have sufficient coverage for carrying International students in their vehicles. Refer to your insurance carrier pamphlet or website for details. ● just as you would your own child, please ensure that rides, carpools etc. are safe for the student. ● School Bus​ - If the student lives in an area that provides transportation to school, the students are entitled to use the bus. However, students must be registered​ by Homestay families to take SD8 bussing:

Go to https://www.sd8.bc.ca ​ → Schools tab → Bussing & Transportation → Register Online - - West or East → Names, address, etc. → ▢ read and Accept terms

● it’s common for students to get lost, take the wrong bus, forget to get off, etc. Try to arrange for the student to take the bus with other students going to the same school from the same neighborhood. Groups tend not to get lost. Escort the student to the bus stop, or explain the route and where to get off. Make a note for the student to show to the driver.

18. What about school expectations?

● students are registered by the IP Coordinator. ● students are expected to attend all classes - and arrive on time! ● Host parent is expected to communicate with the school before 9:00 a.m., explaining all absences and late arrivals. Unexplained absences and repeated late arrivals may lead to the student’s dismissal from the program. ● The host parents are not responsible for the student’s academic progress. However, monitoring completion of homework and addressing school concerns will support the student’s overall success in the school, just as it would your own child. ● The host family is required to provide a quiet place for the student to study.

13 Homestay Handbook 19. Can the student be employed?

Immigration Canada DOES NOT permit middle or high school students to take a paying job in Canada while on a study permit.

However, a student may take a part time or one-time job for which there is no need for a SIN. These types of jobs include delivery of newspapers, shoveling sidewalks, mowing lawns, or babysitting outside of the homestay home (remember, it is never appropriate to babysit in their homestay family).

20. Is the student allowed to drive?

A student will not be allowed to drive a motor vehicle under a foreign license while they are under the custodianship of School District #8’s International Program.

Students may take the written “L” exam and may take lessons with a professional driver and obtain an “N” but they may not drive any vehicle that they do not personally own.

21. What expenses do I pay for? Does the student pay for?

● If the student wants to set up an improved internet speed connection for their own personal computer in the home, the student will agree to cover any extra monthly costs for this convenience. ● Host families are not expected to pay for the student’s personal shopping, entertainment, or long distance phone calls. ● Host families should make sure that all calls to parents or friends are made by the student using Skype, We Chat, WhatsApp or KAYAK. ● Host families normally pay for their students at restaurants since they should be providing all meals. A parent may set menu item limits, if they do it for all members of the family. ● If the student goes on a school or program sanctioned trip or sporting event that involves costs, the host family is expected to provide or pay for normal meals for the student. Costs exceeding the regular meal expenses are the student’s responsibility. ● Payment of extras like theater tickets, hockey games, swimming or skating passes should be the student’s expense. Some families will choose to bear the cost of these extras while others will require the student to cover their own costs. Both options are acceptable but should be conveyed to the student prior to the event. ● If a student chooses to participate in family holidays and/or travel where costs are incurred, the student may be expected to assist in bearing the costs for his/her portion. However, arrangements must be communicated to the student and homestay contractor in advance. Students can decline participation, in which case respite must be arranged. ● Where the student chooses not to participate in a family activity or excursion, the host parents must make alternate arrangements for the student and are expected to inform the Homestay Contractor to ensure the arrangements are acceptable or to request assistance in finding a solution. 14 Homestay Handbook ● If an overnight stay is more than a weekend, the interim family will need to have gone through the homestay reference checks. ● students are expected to cover costs incurred when exceeding internet downloads. Students should know this in advance, prior to them making decisions to download movies, etc. ● generally speaking; all regular school fees should already have been paid for through the IP. Extracurricular expenses are the responsibility of the student. ● if a student damages the home, contact the International Program office right away. You will be advised on the procedure for making a claim.

Receipts You need prior approval from IP program staff to make purchases or repairs on your student’s behalf. If you purchase any item for your student that needs to be reimbursed, you should retain the proper receipts and forward to IP Coordinator for reimbursement.

Homestay Payments Monthly stipends begin AFTER the student in placed in the home. Discuss any questions or comments directly with the Coordinator, Michele La Lievre.

Summer arrangements are private, but still must be discussed and approved through the IP. You will be given recommended fees to charge.

22. What about student access to Canadian Money?

Long-term students are expected to have their own bank account and use a debit card to make purchases or for cash.

Do not lend students money; or borrow money from them.

Short term students may need your support in managing their spending money that they bring with them.

23. How can I become more intercultural?

- Understand​ Cultural Appropriation​ - it ​happens when a dominant culture takes things from another culture that is experiencing oppression​ (If we know the meaning behind the clothing or behaviour...does that help us?).

- Learning about the ​other - Understanding ​yourself - Recognize, value and work toward ​unity - Recognize, accept and value d​ iversity - Avoid stereotypes

15 Homestay Handbook - Practice tolerance … suspend judgement

The homestay experience can bring endless new insights.

24. How do I support the Homeward Bound process?

Preparation and communication are key to ending a homestay experience on a positive note. Make goodbye plans. This might include, gift giving, a farewell party, etc.

The Homestay contractor should email you with departure flight information. Contact the IP office if you haven’t heard anything.

The ​student​ should: ○ Ensure they have arranged for any transcripts or certificates they will need to be sent to their home in their home country. ○ Pay all fees, close bank accounts, collect any deposits owed to them and pay any debts. ○ Make arrangements to ship home goods that are too difficult or too heavy to carry on a plane (as per the airline weight restrictions). ○ Return library books, school textbooks, locks, etc. that have been loaned. ○ Cancel any cell phone services, gym memberships, etc. ○ Be prepared for a swirl of emotions. ○ Locate their passport, study permit and airline tickets. ○ Sell (or give away) items not returning with them to their native country, or arranging for storage of items left behind if returning.

Remember that you are obligated to​ see your student off at the airport​, even if that means travel to a nearby city (in this circumstance, please discuss expenses like mileage and hotel accomodation IN ADVANCE of the flight, with the Homestay Contractor or Manager).

International Flights, even departing from Castlegar or Cranbrook, require that you check in with the Airline ​two (2) hours​ in advance of the flight departure. If it’s a busy time of day, or road conditions are poor, then set aside even more time to get there! As well, don’t leave the airport until you see the plane in the air!

16 Homestay Handbook APPENDIX

INTERIOR HEALTH - HOSPITAL EMERGENCY FORM - pg. 18 ISP OFFENSE DECLARATION - pg. 19 TRAVEL CLAIM FORM - pg. 20

17 Homestay Handbook

FAX TO: DIANNE CARROL ​ Accounts Receivable 1-250-314-2791 ​ nd 2 ​ Flr, 235 Lansdowne ​ Kamloops, BC V2C 1X8 1-866-314-2806 or 250-314-2468

Out of Country Patients – Release of Information & Assignment of Payment

Insurance Company: Guard.Me/StudentGuard Health Insurance – Claims ​ 300 John St., #405 Thornhill, ON L3T 5W4 Phone: 1-888-756-8428 Fax: 1-866-329-8447 or 1-866-329-6948 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Patient’s Name: X Policy #: ​ I hereby assign to Interior Health Authority all of the hospitalization benefits provided by my said hospital insurance or so much thereof as may serve to satisfy my indebtedness or that of my dependent to Interior Health Authority for this period of hospitalization.

I hereby give my consent to release Health Record Information for billing purposes.

I understand and agree that any balance not covered by my insurance company, agent, and/or assignees, is my responsibility and that of my heirs.

Member’s Signature X

Witness signature Date ------For office Use Only

Facility Admission Date:

Account No. Discharge Date:

Service/Dates Ward days x $ = $ ​ Special Care days x $ = $ ​ Surgery days x $ = $ ​ CT Scan/MRI days x $ = $ ​ days x $ = $ ​ Total $ Payment $ Balance $

Card No. Expiry Date /

Card: □ Visa □ MasterCard □ American Express Card Holder ​ Authorized Hospital Signature Date

18 Homestay Handbook

School District No. 8 (Kootenay Lake) International Program 811 Stanley St. Nelson, BC V1L 1N8 Telephone: 001 (250) 505-7015 Email: [email protected] Web: www.sd8.bc.ca (District) http://international.sd8.bc.ca (IP) ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Academic Success ◊ Creativity and Imagination ◊ Citizenship ◊ Resiliency

OFFENCE DECLARATION I DECLARE, since the last Criminal Records Check provided to the Kootenay Lake School District 8 International ​ ​ Program, or since the last Offence Declaration Form submitted to The International Program that:

✔ Please check all of the lines that apply

I have no convictions under the Criminal Code of Canada up to and including the date of this ​ ​ declaration for which a pardon has not been issued or granted under the Criminal Records Act (Canada).

I have no pardons related to sexually based offences up to and including the date of this declaration ​ under the Criminal Records Act (Canada).

I have no charges pending under the Criminal Code of Canada or any other acts such as the controlled ​ ​ drugs and substances up to and including the date of this declaration.

I have not been the subject of any criminal investigation or allegation, any child welfare ​ investigation or allegation, nor have I had any charges brought against me, even charges pending.

My driver’s license has not been suspended or restricted for any reason ​ ​

There have been no occurrences as described above since my last Criminal Record Check or Offence Declaration Form.

OR

All reportable matters as described above were discussed with Program Staff and/or the Program Administrator at the time of the occurrence(s).

I hereby attest that the information disclosed herein is true, complete and accurate to the best of my knowledge and belief. I understand that failure to complete an accurate and truthful Offence Declaration will lead to a review of my continued ability to participate in the International Student Homestay Program.

Name (Please print): ______Date: ______

Signature: ______

Witness: ______Role (circle) Admin; Coord.; Manager; Contractor 19 Homestay Handbook School District No. 8 (Kootenay Lake) International Program 811 Stanley St. Nelson, BC V1L 1N8 Telephone: 001 (250) 505-7015 Email: [email protected] Web: www.sd8.bc.ca (District) http://international.sd8.bc.ca (IP) ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Academic Success ◊ Creativity and Imagination ◊ Citizenship ◊ Resiliency

Homestay Parents,

If you need to travel long distances, incl. over the pass (ie. Nelson to Cranbrook; Creston to Cranbrook; Creston to Castlegar; Nelson to Kelowna) to pickup or return your student from/to the airport, you are eligible for expenses incl:

● Mileage ● Hotel - must be pre- approved...ie. if you needed to get there the night before because of a very early morning departure and it’s horrible winter driving conditions

You must complete this travel claim form: ​ ​ https://www.sd8.bc.ca/sites/default/files/A.2%20Travel%20Claim%20Form%20%282019.04.25%29_0. pdf

Download and submit it to Michele at the International Program office. ​ ​

● hotel expenses must be pre-approved by Kathi Knapik, Homestay Manager ​ ​ ○ [email protected] (email) ​ ● Michele needs original hotel receipts and travel claim form submitted immediately afterwards ​ ​ ○ [email protected] (email digital receipts; drop off or mail originals) ​

Updated June 2019/KK

20 Homestay Handbook