Niagara College International HOUSING GUIDE International Contents Welcome Homestay Policy Homestay Policy 3 A HOME AWAY FROM HOME Internet Access 4 Homestay is a terrific way to be introduced to Canadian culture and the Niagara community. Meals 4 Wonderful local families provide support and assis- Home Phone 5 tance while students adapt to the lifestyle and demands of Canadian student life. Personal Care 5 Homestay families are as diverse as the international students who attend Niagara College, but what our Household Work 5 homestay families all have in common is a desire to contribute to the lives of others. Cell Phone 5 As a homestay family you have the exceptional oppor- Weather 6 tunity to embrace other cultures from around the world HOMESTAY PRICING FEES INCLUDE and learn through personal experience the thrill of Money 6 multiculturalism. The world truly is at your doorstep. Meals When Cost Description Niagara College is host to students from dozens of Private Bedroom Transportation 7 countries around the world — a leader in International Arrival $1380 First / last month’s rent to be paid Bed Education. Guests 7 Monthly $690 Due the first day of every month Desk Students choose Niagara College for their own unique Dresser Daily $23 Charged per day for early arrival Conflict & Resolution 8 reasons and personal goals. They may come to improve Internet (basic) their English before taking college or university You must stay with your homestay for at least two months. If you decide Health Insurance 9 courses, or they may simply want a Canadian cultural to move, we recommend you do so between terms. If you need a receipt for experience. They all share a spirit of adventure and the EXPECTATIONS Helping International Students 9 your homestay fees, ask your family for one. desire to further their careers. Talk to your host family about your needs and Homestay Checklist 10 This Housing Guide is made available to help families their expectations when and students experience fulfilling and memorable rela- CHANGING YOUR HOMESTAY FAMILY you arrive. Landing Pad 10 tionships. Living with a family or peers includes some If you have problems with your homestay and would like to leave, stressful times in any culture. We trust this guide will please contact your Housing Coordinator to talk about the issues and On-Campus Living 11 help each of you prepare for your experience and be what options are available. better able to deal with the little stresses so you can Off-Campus Housing 11 truly enjoy your homestay experience. You must pay $100 fee to make changes to Contact Information your Homestay placement. Email: [email protected] Welland: 905-735-2211 ext. 7763 You must notify your homestay on the first day of the month that you will be leaving in 30 days. Your last month’s fee will NOTL: 905-641-2252 ext. 4190 cover your last 30 days. If you do not give 30 days notice from Fax: 905-735-2413 the first day of the month, your last month’s fee will not be refunded to you. If you are experiencing a health or safety issue in your homestay, you will be moved immediately at no cost. 2 international.niagaracollege.ca/housing [email protected] 3 Internet Access Meals Home Phone Cell Phone Your homestay will allow you to make Your cell phone may work with a Canadian SIM card. Internet services in Canada can be expensive for your 7AM – 9AM local calls on their home phone, but If so, you can buy one. If your phone does not work, homestay family, so be respectful of the amount of time you spend on it. Breakfast: toasted bread you will have to use a calling card for you will have to buy a new phone. or cereal. long distance calls. Check with your host Do not buy a calling card without first establishing a family before making or receiving calls phone plan. Most plans are paid monthly. Be prepared to share the cost of Internet overage fees if 11AM – 1PM late in the evening. Internet usage exceeds your host’s limit. Lunch: usually sand- $ wiches with meat or cheese fillings or left Host families should block 900 and 976 Your homestay may disconnect their Internet if it is contin- over food from dinner the numbers to avoid ually overused. It should be used in moderation. It is not evening before. unexpected changes. intended for entertainment purposes such as downloading These companies are recommended by our international movies and music or playing video games. students for having flexible plans and no long contracts. 5PM – 7PM NC has computer labs with free wireless Internet that are Dinner: an evening meal Personal Care available for student use. The labs are open everyday. prepared by and shared with your homestay In Canadian culture, it is important to use deodorant, brush your teeth and shower every day. family. This time should Pets be used to talk with your host family about your Most Canadian families day. If you will not be have cats or dogs as pets home for dinner, let your that stay in the home. homestay family know. Pets are treated as part of the family and are clean, You may have to prepare friendly companions. breakfast and lunch for your- In the bathroom… Washing clothes… In the home… self, but your homestay will If you do not like pets in show you how. • Showers should not take • Get your homestay family to • Turn off lights and elec- longer than 10 minutes show you how to use their tronics when you are not your home, please talk to washing machine and dryer using them, as electricity in your Housing Coordinator • Toilet paper gets flushed Canada is expensive during down the toilet, but sanitary • Only wash your clothes when about solutions. peak hours. napkins are wrapped and you have a full load of laundry thrown in the garbage and after 7pm or on weekends Smoking when it costs less energy Host families do not allow smoking in their homes. They may Household Work allow you to smoke outside, but ask first. You MUST follow If you are still hungry their wishes. after meals, talk to your host family about other While you stay in homestay, If you do not follow their wishes, you may be asked to leave foods you like or need you are part of their family. your homestay and will not receive your last month’s fee in to eat. Ask your host Both males and females are return. family where you can expected to share chores buy these foods. around the home. This could include washing dishes, vac- Canadian families do not smoke inside their homes Teach your host uuming or helping to prepare because they have an insurance rate based on no family about your a meal. smoking indoors, or they may have family living in culture by cooking Helping with chores is a the home with health problems that are made worse them a traditional meal good way to bond with by smoking. in their home. your homestay family. 4 international.niagaracollege.ca/housing [email protected] 5 Weather Transportation Niagara has four very distinct seasons: UPass (Universal Bus Pass): A bus pass sticker that is placed on your student card is included in your tuition fees. You can get your sticker from NCSAC (Niagara College Student Administrative Council). If you lose your sticker, you must pay for a new one. Details about the UPass sticker and bus schedules to NC can be found at ncsac.ca. AUTUMN WINTER SPRING SUMMER October – November December – March April – May May – September Niagara Niagara Niagara Niagara 10°C – 20°C -10°C and under 5°C – 12°C Up to 30°C Cloudy and mild Cloud, windy and lots of snow Sunny with showers Very sunny and humid Walking: depending on your homestay, you Cycling: If you are under the age of 18, it may be able to walk to Niagara College. is against the law to ride a bicycle without Depending on where the closest bus stop wearing a helmet. If you are over the age of is located, you may have to walk up to 15 18, you are encouraged to wear a bicycle minutes to/from your host family. helmet but are not required to by law. Driving: If you are going to drive in Ontario, you need to get an Ontario Driving License. For more information, visit: ontario.ca/driving-and-roads/getg-drivers-licence-new-drivers Come prepared for Canadian winters. You will need a heavy coat, scarf, gloves, hat and winter boots. Guests Money You must ask your homestay family before inviting any guests into their Homestay fees: Every day: home, even just for a few hours. If you • First and last month’s fees • Your host family will pay for your have family or friends who wish to visit should be paid when you arrive meals while you stay with them you, they should stay in a hotel. If your homestay has the space to accommo- • All other fees should be paid on Special Occasions date them, they need to pay $30 per the first day of the month • You may have to pay for special day per person. Banking: food that your host family would Do not carry a lot of not regularly eat cash. Debit/bank cards Your boyfriend or girlfriend will typi- • Many banks have student are much safer and cally not be allowed to stay overnight. accounts with low fees • If you go on a special trip with widely accepted.