Becoming a host family
We are always looking for enthusiastic families in Ottawa that are interested in hosting international students from the Ottawa Catholic School Board. Being a host family is incredibly rewarding, the relationships you build between your family and international students will create memories that last a lifetime. Together you will celebrate each other’s culture! In fact, many of our OCSB staff members are, or have been, hosts to international students.
- Build lifelong, cross-cultural friendships
- Experience a wonderful cultural exchange
- Students bring an energetic zeal for Canada
- International study programs help the community
Host families are compensated and will provide three meals, a comfortable space and will help students to integrate into Canadian culture.
“It is our first time being hosts of international students, and it has been a great experience so far. We have enjoyed every minute of hosting – the dinners, conversations, family events and outings. We have been learning from the students as much as they are learning from us.”
OCSB staff member Lucy Minkova
“What we enjoyed the most was how easily Klara became part of our family. She immediately acclimatized into our life and she embraced our family. We watched movies together, went shopping, and visited other cities – Niagara Falls and Kingston, and made some wonderful memories with Klara and our family.”
OCSB staff member, Sue Zientek
“We have enjoyed all of it! P has been part of the family since day one; coming on day trips, visiting Ottawa hotspots like Parliament and the Byward Market, to enjoying family night with new games he has taught our kids. He is a huge role model in school and hockey – being dedicated to academics and extracurriculars. He makes the ordinary into extraordinary for my kids by pointing out how lucky we are in Canada and having conversations about differences and similarities with his country of origin. We are so blessed. This experience is a gift for my children and our family.”
OCSB staff member, Adele Srutek
Interested in hosting?
If this sounds like it may be a fit for your family and you would like to connect with us, please fill out the form below:
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