Looking for a boarding school in Vancouver? Consider Columbia Academy’s homestay program—an opportunity to combine a Canadian education with life in a local family home.
Homestay offers international students a welcoming place to live while attending Columbia Academy. Students can experience Canadian culture, practise English outside the classroom, and build meaningful connections with their host family.
For parents exploring boarding school options, homestay provides an alternative accommodation experience with the comfort of a family setting. Students attend Columbia Academy during the day and live with a local host family outside school hours.
Each student receives:
A furnished bedroom for rest and study.
Three meals per day.
Opportunities to practise English through everyday conversations.
An introduction to Canadian life, including family routines, traditions, and culture.
Support from a Homestay Coordinator with questions, concerns, or adjustment difficulties.
Many students develop lasting friendships with their host families and remain in touch after their stay.
Vancouver’s host families reflect Canada’s diverse cultural backgrounds. Families have different traditions, languages, and household routines, offering students a valuable opportunity to develop independence, adaptability, and respect for others.
Students are expected to participate in family life, follow household rules, and communicate respectfully. If a cultural misunderstanding or personal concern arises, our Homestay Coordinator can help students and families work through it.
| Fee | Amount | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Homestay Application Fee | $200 | Application processing |
| Homestay Placement Fee | $400 | Matching with up to three host family options |
| Monthly Homestay Fee | $1,600–$2,000 | Includes a furnished bedroom and three meals per day; varies by location |
All fees are in Canadian dollars.
Please notify the school at least two weeks before your planned arrival to allow time for placement arrangements.
Once you receive your study permit approval, contact the school promptly and submit:
A completed Homestay Application Form.
The $200 application fee.
The $400 placement fee.
The first month’s homestay payment.
Please share any dietary requirements, allergies, or important preferences when applying so they can be considered during matching.
The school will coordinate the placement process and email you information about your host family before arrival.
If airport pickup is requested and confirmed, arrangements will be made for the host family to meet the student at the airport and take them to their new home.
A welcoming home, daily English practice, and a Canadian education—all part of your experience at Columbia Academy.
Contact us to discuss homestay options and begin planning your child’s stay in Vancouver.
Email: info@columbiaacademy.ca
Useful Information
Columbia Academy is a leading private school in Vancouver offering Kindergarten to Grade 12 programming, proudly accredited by the BC Ministry of Education. Our mission is to prepare students for acceptance into the world’s top universities while fostering the development of well-rounded individuals equipped to become tomorrow’s leaders.
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