Canada Homestay Network

On World Humanitarian Day, we recognize the people and communities who lead with compassion, offer support, and help others feel safe, welcomed, and cared for.

At Canada Homestay Network, we believe that creating a sense of belonging can make a meaningful difference, especially when someone is far from home.

Today, we celebrate the power of kindness, connection, and humanity, and all those working to build more welcoming communities around the world.

Do you open that present—a delicate box of matcha tea, a good-luck ornament, a tin of pastries—now, or later? With back-to-school season around the corner, I’m reminded that every student, and their gifts, arrive with their own unspoken rulebook.

In some cultures, opening a gift immediately shows gratitude. This is true in my family: I want to see the reaction when the other person opens the gift. Since I put thought and effort into choosing it, I’m excited to be part of their joy (hopefully!).

In other cultures, opening that gift now would be considered rude. In places like China, gifts are not unwrapped in front of the gift giver because it is seen as materialistic to worry about what the gift contains. It’s the thought that counts, not the gift. Likewise, in Russia it’s typical to downplay the gift when presenting it, saying it’s just a small thing for the house or family.

It can even be ambiguous when we’re from the same culture.

So what’s the solution?

First, accept the gift with both hands as a gesture of respect. Next, explain to your student that it’s customary in Canada to open a gift right away, but add that you know this isn’t the case in every culture. Then simply ask, “Is this something I should open now?”

What’s your favourite gift you ever received from a student?

CHN’s Homestay Tips are powered by , our former CEO and proud member of the CHN founding family and author of “The Heart of Homestay: Creating Meaningful Connections When Hosting International Students."
Follow Jennifer for insights on writing and homestay: https://linktr.ee/jenniferrobinwilson

Summer is in full swing, and we hope you're making the most of every sunny day!

Whether you're exploring your community, spending time with family and friends, or creating unforgettable memories with your host family or international student, we hope this season is filled with adventure, connection, and fun.

Here's to the rest of a safe, happy, and memorable summer. We can't wait to see what the season brings!

Share your fun summer photos with us!

Thank you to everyone who took a few minutes to complete our annual Host Feedback Survey.

We're happy to announce the winners of our ten $100 grocery gift cards!

Leslie from Wi******er, Ontario
Brenda from Red Deer, Alberta
Victoria from Ottawa, Ontario
Lisa from Oakville, Ontario
Kathy from Lethbridge, Alberta
Iveta from London, Ontario
Alice from Chatham, Ontario
Elenita from Edmonton, Alberta
Doris from Port Moody, British Columbia
Aurelia from Toronto, Ontario

Congratulations to all winners, and thank you again to every host family for the care, kindness, and support you provide to our students throughout the year.
We couldn't do this without you.

Check your email for more!

If your student's bedroom door is closed, do you knock?

I would say yes 100% of the time, even for my own kids. But closed doors mean different things in different cultures.

In some households, a closed door is a hard boundary, and walking in without knocking can represent a violation of personal space. In others, it could mean, "it's a bit chilly in here,” and the student wouldn’t be surprised by a parent just waltzing in.

The result? When assumptions like these go unspoken and unchecked, students may feel either too much formality or an unexpected intrusion of privacy.

As with any cultural difference, it helps to name it and get curious:

✅ In the first week, try saying: "In our house, we always knock before opening a closed door, even if it's just to drop something off."
✅ Ask your student: "Is there anything about your space at home you'd want us to know?" Don’t assume you know about their personal situation because you know about their culture; every family is different.
✅ If your student keeps their door closed a lot, it's not necessarily a sign something's wrong — check in warmly, but don't assume isolation. For some, a closed door is just... a closed door. For others, it provides a welcome break from interaction. If in doubt, ask!

Your homestay coordinator is just a phone call away if you have any concerns about your student.

CHN’s Homestay Tips are powered by , our former CEO and proud member of the CHN founding family and author of “The Heart of Homestay: Creating Meaningful Connections When Hosting International Students."
Follow Jennifer on Facebook for insights on writing and homestay: https://linktr.ee/jenniferrobinwilson

What does it really feel like to experience Canada through homestay?

When Hoang Duong (Mark) arrived from Vietnam, he wasn't just starting school in a new country; he was becoming part of a Canadian family.

From celebrating his first Christmas and Thanksgiving to building confidence through everyday moments, his homestay experience became so much more than a place to live.

Thanks to the support of the CHN Scholarship Program and his welcoming host family, Hoang Duong (Mark) found belonging, connection, and memories that will last a lifetime.

Read his full story here: https://canadahomestaynetwork.ca/homestay-a-window-into-canadian-culture/

We've been featured!

We're proud to see the stories of our incredible host families and international students highlighted in The Sarnia Journal.

This feature shares how welcoming an international student is about so much more than providing a place to stay. It's about creating lifelong friendships, embracing new cultures, and building a true sense of belonging for students, host families, and the entire community.

A special thank you to the Barry family and the Lambton Kent District School Board for sharing how international education is creating meaningful connections across Sarnia. Together, we're helping students from around the world feel at home in Canada while enriching communities through cultural exchange.

Read the full story here: https://www.thesarniajournal.ca/news/from-host-family-to-global-family-how-international-students-build-belonging-in-sarnia-12439906

Interested in becoming a host family? Visit whyihost.ca to learn more.

We've been featured!

We're proud to see the stories of our incredible host families and international students highlighted in The Sarnia Journal.

This feature shares how welcoming an international student is about so much more than providing a place to stay. It's about creating lifelong friendships, embracing new cultures, and building a true sense of belonging for students, host families, and the entire community.

A special thank you to the Barry family and the Lambton Kent District School Board for sharing how international education is creating meaningful connections across Sarnia. Together, we're helping students from around the world feel at home in Canada while enriching communities through cultural exchange.

Read the full story here: https://www.thesarniajournal.ca/news/from-host-family-to-global-family-how-international-students-build-belonging-in-sarnia-12439906

Interested in becoming a host family? Visit whyihost.ca to learn more.

Happy Canada Day!

Today, we celebrate the people, communities, and cultures that make Canada such a welcoming place to call home.

Every year, host families across the country open their doors to students from around the world, sharing everyday moments that create lifelong friendships and global connections.

Thank you to our incredible host families, students, school partners, and communities for making Canada feel like home. Wishing everyone a safe and happy Canada Day!

CHN Hosts - We Want Your Feedback!

Complete our 5-minute Survey by July 16 for a chance to win one of ten $100 grocery gift cards.

Your feedback helps us improve the homestay experience for our students and host families.

Check your inbox for your survey invitation.

Thank you for being such an important part of our CHN community.